Licensed Practical Nurse

Overview

Location for this position is at the CODY - WY CBOC. Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) are technically proficient in initiating - performing - and completing a broad range of practical nursing care assignments to acutely and chronically ill patients with medical and psychiatric illnesses that usually change within a predicable range within the Sheridan VAHCS.

• 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 NLNAC at the time the program was completed by the applicant
• Licensure:
  Full - active - current and unrestricted licensure as a licensed practical or vocational nurse in a State - Territory or Commonwealth (i.e. Puerto Rico) or District of Columbia
• Grade Determinations: GS-3 Experience - None beyond the basic requirements
• GS-4 Experience/
  
  Education:
  
  Six months of qualifying experience as an LPN or LVN or Graduation from an approved school and one year of experience in nursing care work in a hospital - outpatient clinic - nursing home - or other supervised medical - nursing - or patient care facility; OR Graduation from an approved school of at least 24 months duration
• GS-5
  
  Experience:
  
  Completion of at least 1 year of qualifying experience at the GS-4 level or equivalent
• Demonstrated Knowledge
  - Skills and Abilities
  
  (KSAs):
  • Provide a full range of practical nursing care to patients with a variety of physical and/or behavioral problems
  • Orient/train less experienced LPNs/LVNs and/or Nursing Assistants in relation to acceptable standards of practice
  • Educate patients and/or family members about disease processes, medications, and treatment regimes
  • Work as a responsible member of the nursing team and interact with patients, family, and staff while upholding customer service standards
  • Prepare, administer, and document medications as permitted by policies and procedures
  • Observe and document patient responses to medications and report changes
  • Recognize need for emergency measures and assist in resuscitation procedures when indicated
  • Recognize safety hazards and report deficiencies promptly
  • Under general supervision of an RN/NP/MD, perform broad nursing duties
• GS-6
  
  Experience:
  
  At least one additional year of qualifying experience at the GS-5 level or equivalent, meeting all performance requirements for GS-5
• Additional KSAs include:
  • Technically proficient in initiating, performing and completing assigned duties for variable patient populations
  • Carry out assigned patient care based on patient conditions and use judgment in order and sequence of procedures
  • Recognize urgent or emergent situations and initiate appropriate interventions
  • Preceptor responsibilities and educational opportunities to enhance nursing knowledge
• Other requirements:
  References VA HANDBOOK 5005/3 PART II APPENDIX G13;
  The full performance level is GS-6;
  The actual grade may range GS 3 to GS 6
• Physical Requirements:
  
  Visual acuity, hearing, speech, and manual dexterity; ability to walk, stand, stoop, sit, bend, lift and push; may require exposure to infectious materials and protective clothing; may encounter combative patients

• Accurately collects, reports, and records patient care data to contribute to nursing assessments
• Serve as a member of the interdisciplinary team and address biopsychosocial needs for treatment planning
• Identify and report signs of deviation from normal health status and changes in patient condition
• Identify potential suicide risks and report to RN or provider
• Administer prescribed medications and observe patient responses
• Establish therapeutic relations with patients and families and provide nursing care for acute and chronic medical and mental health conditions
• Coordinate with treatment team and reinforce instructions provided by RNs or providers
• Promote environmental safety, confidentiality, and respectful care
• Recognize unsafe equipment or situations and follow policies to ensure safety
• Maintain positive working relationships and participate in ongoing education and quality improvement
• Performs procedures in outpatient clinic settings within LPN scope (e.g., simple spirometry, home oxygen certification, vaccination administration)
• May perform phlebotomy if qualified
• Serve as a resource for lower grade LPNs
• Administrative responsibilities include entering information into the patient’s electronic record accurately and confidentially
• Attend meetings and contribute to process and quality improvements
• Additional duties as required; schedule may require flexibility (24/7 center) with travel as needed
• Work schedule:
  
  Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm; pay and benefits described

• Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus):
  Not Authorized
• Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance):
  Not Authorized
• Benefits:
  Competitive salary and regular increases;
  Paid Time Off (PT0) of 37-50 days per year;
  Parental leave;
  Child care…