Licensed Practical Nurse - PTSD

The VA Western New York Healthcare System is seeking a highly qualified full-time Licensed Practical Nurse to serve as a member of the Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Team located at the Batavia VA Medical Center in Batavia, New York. The LPN will perform assigned duties in a manner that promotes quality health care, positive customer for service and the maintenance of an environment committed to serving the veteran.

The PTSD Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) works under the direction and supervision of the registered nurse and displays knowledge and ability in providing a full range of practical nursing care to patients with a variety of physical and/or behavioral problems. The LPN serves as a responsible member of the nursing team and interacts with patients, family members, professional and supportive personnel who provide patient care, and with members of other services.

The LPN functions as a member of the interdisciplinary team. The incumbent carries out all functions and duties outlined for the practical nurse, but on a regular and recurring basis performs aspects of nursing care that require a basic understanding of the total patient program, understanding of simple scientific facts and principles, a broad spectrum of technical skills, adaptation of procedures to meet individual patient needs, and recognition of the relatedness of patients' behavior and physical condition.

Duties include, but are not limited to:

* Establishing positive patient/family/staff relationships by utilizing appropriate communication skills.

* Assisting in the collection and documentation of routine objective and subjective data relative to uncomplicated patient situations.

* Participating in patient centered conferences and shift reports.

* Assisting and maintaining a clean, safe, and therapeutic environment. Adhering to all safety and health standards, regulations, and work practices.

* Providing competent patient care in a manner which ensures safety to patients, staff, visitors, and self, and seeking direction as needed.

* Assisting with simple diagnostic measures, including collection of urine and stool specimens, and collecting and/or testing any other specimens as instructed.

* Assisting with appropriate actions in emergency situations; initiating CPR when indicated. Maintains BLS certification.

* Performing routine treatments relevant to area of assignment.

* Administering selected medications to a number of patients and seeking clarification of orders as necessary. Identifying the need for PRN medications, recognizing and reporting effects of medication. Documenting the administration of all medications in the Medical Record following established policies. Documenting the response to PRN medications in the medical record.

* Recording basic information in the medical record and reporting patient status to RN. Documenting patient/family/significant other teaching and their response to the teaching.

* Displaying respect for human dignity and the uniqueness of the patient unrestricted by consideration of social or economic status, personal attributes, or nature of health problems.

* Safeguarding the patient's right to privacy by judiciously protecting information of a confidential nature.

* Assisting with the implementation of the quality improvement program at the unit level.

* Following established safety practices and reporting to the supervisor, as promptly as possible, unsafe conditions, unsafe practices, or any occupational illness or injury which was sustained.

* Maintains professional boundaries with patients, families, and other staff at all times.

* All other duties as assigned.

Preferred Experience:

* Prior behavioral health and substance abuse nursing experience within the past (3) years.

* Experience with conducting group meetings with the purpose of fostering patient interaction and function preferred.

VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package: VA Nurse Total Rewards

Pay:
Competitive salary, regular salary increases, potential for performance awards

Paid Time Off: 50 days of paid time off per year (26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year)

Retirement:
Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA

Insurance:
Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement)

Licensure: 1 full and unrestricted license from any US State or territory

Work Schedule:

Full-Time, 6:30pm-7:00am (12-hour night shift) variable days, including weekends & holidays.

Telework:
Not Available

Virtual:
This is not a virtual position.

Relocation/Recruitment

Incentives:

Not Authorized

Permanent Change of Station (PCS):
Not Authorized