Licensed Practical Nurse - Community Living Center

Summary

The Licensed Professional Nurse (LPN) provides safe and individualized nursing care to patients in the Community Living Center. They interact, collaborate, and communicate effectively with the Veteran, families, caregivers, and other supportive staff. They initiate appropriate actions based on their observation of the patient's condition and provide a full range of LPN care to patients with a variety of physical and psychosocial needs.

Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.

• United States Citizenship:
  Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy
• Education:
  
  Graduate of a school of practical or vocational nursing approved by the appropriate State agency and/or accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) at the time the program was completed by the applicant
• * Education exceptions listed in qualification standard
• Licensure:
  Full, active, current and unrestricted licensure as a licensed practical or vocational nurse in a State, Territory or Commonwealth (i.e. Puerto Rico) of the United States or District of Columbia
• Physical Requirements – please see physical requirements in additional information section
• English Language Proficiency – Proficient in both spoken and written English; may qualify under Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria)
• Grade Determinations – GS-3:
  None beyond the basic requirements; GS-4: Employees may be appointed at or advanced to GS-4 if they meet any of the following criteria: a) Six months of qualifying experience as an LPN or LVN; b) Graduation from an approved school and one year of experience involving nursing care work in a hospital, outpatient clinic, nursing home or other supervised medical nursing or patient care facility;
  
  c) Graduation from an approved school of at least 24 months duration. Assignments: LPNs at the GS-4 grade level perform all duties expected of employees at the GS-3 grade level and are expected to exercise greater judgment and require less supervision.
• GS-5: a) Completion of at least one year of qualifying experience at the GS-4 level or equivalent; b) Demonstrated knowledge and ability to provide a full range of practical nursing care to patients with a variety of physical and/or behavioral problems; c) Works with the RN and/or MD/DO to appropriately orient/train less experienced LPNs/L VNs and/or Nursing Assistants in acceptable standards of practice;
  
  d) Provides effective education to patients and/or family members regarding common disease processes and medication regimes; e) Serves as a responsible member of the nursing team and interacts appropriately with patients, family members, professional and other supportive personnel; f) Has knowledge and skill sufficient to prepare, administer, and document actions taken for commonly prescribed medications as permitted by approved local facility policies;
  
  g) Recognizes and institutes emergency measures when indicated and assists in resuscitation procedures in cardiac or pulmonary arrest; h) Responds to equipment malfunctions, safety hazards, and supply deficiencies and reports them promptly; i) Performs work under the general supervision of an RN or MD/DO and has a broad working knowledge of practical nursing procedures. More complex practices may be subject to higher-level review.
• GS-6: a) Completion of at least one year of additional qualifying experience at the GS-5 level or equivalent; b) Technically proficient in initiating, performing and completing assigned duties in providing care to variable patient populations; c) Uses judgment to select appropriate orders and procedures and accurately reports relevant patient information; d) Observes, identifies and responds to patient needs for care including medication, equipment-assisted care and family education;
  
  e) Prepares and…