Summary

The Richmond VAMC is seeking a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) for Hospice Palliative Care who will provide direct and indirect care to assigned patients while under the supervision of a registered nurse (RN) . The LPN will provide care to Veterans that will promote the Veteran attaining and maintaining maximum functionality.

Qualifications

Basic Requirements:

• United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy
• English Language Proficiency: Per VA Handbook 5005 - Part II - Chapter 3 - Section A - Paragraph 3j: No person will be appointed under authority of 38 U.S.C. - chapter 73 or 74 - to serve in a direct patient-care capacity in VHA who is not proficient in written and spoken English
• Education: Graduate of a school of practical or vocational nursing that was approved by the appropriate State agency and/or accredited by the National League for Nursing (Accrediting Commission - NLNAC) at the time of completion
• Licensure: Holds a current - full - active and unrestricted licensure as a licensed practical nurse or vocational nurse in a State - Territory - or Commonwealth (i.e. - Puerto Rico) of the United States - or District of Columbia
• Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements stated above - the following qualification criteria must be met for each grade
• The candidate's qualifications must clearly demonstrate the level of competence required for the grade
• GS-03: None beyond the basic requirements
• LPNs at this grade level are expected to perform all duties within the scope of their license (e.g. - medication administration)
• however - completed work may require routine or detailed higher level review depending upon the complexity of the duties involved
• GS-04: (a) Six months of qualifying experience as an LPN or LVN
• or(b) Graduation from an approved school (which may be waived as provided in paragraph 4 of Section C) and one year of experience that involved nursing care work in a hospital - outpatient clinic - nursing home - or other supervised medical - nursing - or patient care facility that provided a practical knowledge of human body structure and sterile techniques and procedures
• or (c) Graduation from an approved school of at least 24 months duration
• GS-05: Completion of at least 1 year of qualifying experience at the GS 04 level or equivalent
• Knowledge and ability to provide a full range of practical nursing care to patients with a variety of physical and/or behavioral problems
• Ability to serve as a responsible member of a nursing team and interact in an appropriate manner with patients - family members - professional and/or other support personnel involved in the delivery of patient care
• Knowledge and skill sufficient to prepare - administer - and appropriately document actions taken specific to commonly prescribed oral - topical - subcutaneous - intramuscular and/or intravenous medications
• This includes observing and documenting patient responses to medication and reporting noted changes in the patient's condition
• Knowledge and ability to recognize the need for and to institute emergency measures and assist in resuscitation procedures in cardia and/or pulmonary arrest
• Recognize and appropriately respond to breakage/malfunction or loss of equipment - safety hazards - and supply deficiencies
• GS-06: Completion of at least 1 year of qualifying experience at the GS 05 level or equivalent
• Proficiency in initiating - performing - and completing assigned duties in providing care to variable patient populations
• Knowledge and ability to appropriately carry out assigned patient care based on the patients' conditions - using judgment in selecting the appropriate order and sequence of procedures and treatments - and accurately recognizing - reporting - and recording relevant patient information
• Ability to observe - identify - and response to a patient's needs for care including medication - equipment-assisted care - and patient/family education
• Prepares and administers prescribed medications (oral - topical - subcutaneous - intramuscular and/or intravenous) and performs treatments according to established policies/procedures
• Observes for - documents - and reports physical and/or emotional changes in the patient's condition from prescribed medications/treatments
• Knowledge and ability to recognize urgent or emergent patient care situations and initiating appropriate emergency interventions as directed
• Knowledge and understanding of human behavior - patient motivations and reactions to situations and the ability to appropriately utilize this knowledge in working effectively with patients - family members and other staff
• Knowledge and skill in performing support duties for complex diagnostic tests and/or specialized practices or procedures - which includes preparing the patient and assisting in the diagnostic examination - preparing - and handling specialized instruments or other specialized equipment - and monitoring the patient's condition before - during - and following the procedure
• Preferred Experience: 1-2 years of hospice/LTC experience References: VA Regulations - specifically VA Handbook 5005 - Part II - Appendix G-13 Licensed Practical or Vocational Nurse Qualification Standard The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-6. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-3 to GS-6. Physical Requirements: The position requires visual acuity - keen hearing - clear distinctive speech - and manual dexterity
• The position requires long periods of continued walking - standing - stooping - sitting - bending - pulling - and pushing
• He/she may be exposed to infected Veterans and contaminated materials and may be required to don protective clothing/equipment in isolation situations or during day-to-day clinic functions and procedures
• The LPN must be a mature - flexible - sensible individual capable of working effectively in stressful situations - able to shift priorities based on Veteran needs
• The incumbent may occasionally be exposed to Veterans who are combative secondary to delirium - dementia - or psychiatric disorders
• Must complete annual Employee Health requirements - such as screening or testing - as a condition of employment.

Duties

• Responsibilities include but are not limited to: Possesses the knowledge and skills to appropriately carry out assigned patient care based on the patient condition - to use judgment in selecting the appropriate order and sequence of procedures and treatment - and to accurately recognize - report and record relevant patient information
• Technically proficient in initiating - performing - and completing assigned duties in providing care to variable patient populations
• Ability to observe - identify - and respond to the patient needs for care - including medication - equipment assisted care and patient/family education
• In organizing and delivering care - the LPN recognizes and considers emotional - cultural - spiritual - socio-economic and age-related factors
• Knowledge and ability to recognize urgent or emergent patient care situations - seek assistance of the RN and/or MD - and initiate appropriate emergency interventions as directed
• Prepares and administers prescribed medications (oral - topical - subcutaneous - intramuscular - and intravenous)
• Performs treatments according to established policies and procedures
• Establishes constructive relationships with individual patients and their families to elicit feelings and attitudes - and to promote positive relationships - communication - and socialization skills
• Knowledge and skill in performing support duties for complex diagnostic tests and/or specialized practices or procedures - which include preparing the patient - assisting in the diagnostic examination - preparing and handling specialized instruments or other specialized equipment - and monitoring the patient's condition before - during and following the procedure
• Serves as a preceptor in orienting - education - and training less experienced LPNs or NAs related to support duties for these more complex - specialized tests/procedures
• Actively seeks out educational opportunities to enhance nursing knowledge and skills - sharing new knowledge gained with other staff to improve and advance nursing practice
• Embodies the I CARE ore values of this organization
• Integrity - Commitment - Advocacy - Respect - and Excellence create a culture of caring and civility that supports our goals
• Ensures that confidential information is at all times safeguarded and protects information from being disclosed to unauthorize sources
• Work Schedule: Two Shifts Available (Day shift: 7:30 am - 4 pm and evening shift: 3:30 pm - midnight) Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position Functional Statement #: 000000/ LPN GS03-06 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized EDRP Authorized: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not Required