Ohio Nurses Association

The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) will perform at a proficient level. LPNs are required to care for a population of male and female Veterans ranging in age from young to adult, age 18 to the elderly age 65+ under the supervision of the Registered Nurse. This population of Veterans has a varying degree of mental illness and co-morbidities requiring medical and psychiatric interventions. This nurse is assigned to support the clinical needs of Veterans receiving these services in the Domiciliary. 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. Education. Graduate of a school of practical or vocational nursing (see "Education" section for additional requirements and exceptions). Transcript(s) are required at the time of application. 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. An LPN/LVN who has or has ever had, any license(s) revoked, suspended, denied, restricted, limited, or issued/placed in a probationary status may be appointed only in accordance with the provisions in chapter 3, section B, paragraph 16 of this part. Physical Standards: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. English Language Proficiency. Licensed practical or vocational nurses appointed to direct patient care positions must be proficient in both spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d). May qualify based on being covered by the 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: The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-06. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-03 to GS-06. GS-03. None beyond the basic requirements. GS-04: Six months of qualifying experience as an LPN or LVN; OR, Graduation from an approved school 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, 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-4 level or equivalent that demonstrates the following KSAs: Demonstrated knowledge and ability to provide a full range of practical nursing care to patients with a variety of physical and/or behavioral problems. Works with the registered nurse (RN) and/or physician (MD/DO) to appropriately orient/train less experienced LPNs and/or Nursing Assistants (NAs) /Health Technicians (HTs) in relation to acceptable standards of practice in promoting optimal patient care delivery. Provides effective education to patients and/or family members in relation to common disease processes, medication, and /or prescribed treatment regimes. Demonstrated ability to serve as a responsible member of the nursing team and interact in an appropriate manner with patients, family members, professional and other supportive personnel involved in the delivery of patient care, incorporating acceptable, established customer service standards into practice. Knowledge and skill sufficient to prepare, administer, and appropriately document actions taken specific to commonly prescribed oral, topical, subcutaneous, intramuscular, and/or intravenous medications as permitted by approved local facility policies and procedures. Observation and documentation will include patient's response to medication administered and the reporting of any noted change in patient's condition to RN or MD/DO. Knowledge and ability to recognize the need for and to institute emergency measures when indicated, promptly seek the assistance of the RN or MD/DO and assist in resuscitation procedures in cardiac and/or pulmonary arrest. Recognizes and appropriately responds to breakage/malfunction or loss of equipment, safety hazards, and supply deficiencies, promptly reporting to appropriate personnel for corrective action. Completed work is under the general supervision of an RN or MD/DO. Individuals at this grade level are expected to have a broad working knowledge of practical nursing procedures. However, completion of more complex practices or procedures may be subject to closer higher-level review. GS-06. Completion of at least 1 year of additional qualifying experience at the GS-5 level or equivalent that demonstrates the following KSAs: Technically proficient 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; to use judgment in selecting the appropriate order and sequence of procedures and treatments; and to accurately recognize, report and record relevant patient information. Completed work should need only a general review by a RN or MD/DO for appropriateness and conformity with established policies/procedures. Ability to observe, identify and respond to the patient's 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. Prepares/administers prescribed medications (oral, topical, subcutaneous, intramuscular and/or intravenous) and performs treatments according to established policies/procedures. Observes for physical and/or emotional changes in patient's condition from prescribed medications/treatments, promptly and accurately documenting noted changes, and reporting any deviations from normal to RN or MD/DO. Ability to recognize urgent or emergent patient care situations, seek assistance of the RN and/or MD/DO and initiate appropriate emergency interventions as directed. Knowledge and understanding of human behavior, patient motivations and reactions to situations, and ability to appropriately utilize this knowledge in working effectively with patients, family members, and other staff. Establishes constructive relationships with individual patients and their families to elicit feelings and attitudes, and to promote positive relationships, communication, and socialization skills. Fosters an environment of respect for individual patient and family rights to privacy and dignity in all aspects of care delivery. Effectively incorporates knowledge and understanding of established customer service standards in all interactions with patients, family members, and/or other internal/external customers. 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, educating, and training less experienced LPNs/LVNs or NAs/HTs 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. References: VA Handbook 5005/3, Part II, Appendix G13. ["This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until September 29, 2023 and may be extended until all vacancies are filled. The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be September 5, 2023. Eligible applications received after that date will be referred at regular intervals or as additional vacancies occur on an as-needed basis until positions are filled. The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) will be providing nursing care for Domiciliary Veterans with mental illnesses or addictive disorders who require additional structure and support to address multiple and severe psychosocial deficits, including homelessness and unemployment. The knowledge and patient complexity of this position includes a variety of patient centered physical and behavioral nursing interventions including both medical and mental health related needs. The LPN demonstrates sufficient knowledge and skills necessary to resolve a range of nursing problems. Provides care on a regular and recurring basis. Other aspects include adaptation of procedure to meet individual patient needs and recognition of the correlation of the patient's behavior and physical condition. Duties include but are not limited to: Direct patient care activities under the supervision of the Registered Nurse (RN) Performs support duties for complex diagnostic examination, preparing, and handling specialized instrument or other equipment, and monitoring patient's condition before, during, and following the procedure Observes, identifies, and responds to patient's needs for care, including medication, equipment-assisted care, patient/family education, and oral/written documentation in accordance with policy, procedures, and guidelines Observes for physical and/or emotional changes in patient's condition from prescribed medications/treatments promptly and accurately notating deviations from normal to the RN and/or physician/provider Prepare/administers prescribed medications Adheres to the agency requirement for reporting medication errors, reactions, and side effects immediately Must be poised and articulate in communicating with people of varied educational level and ethnic backgrounds and willing to work cooperatively as a member of team in every assignment Consistently communicates and treats customers (Veterans, their representatives, visitors, and every VA staff) in a courteous, tactful, and respectful manner. Protects printed and electronic files containing sensitive data in accordance with the provisions of the Privacy Act of 1974 and other applicable laws, federal regulations, VA statues, and policy as well as VHA policy. Collects, tests, and/or processes specimens of body excretions, tissue, and/or secretions according to established procedures Maintains safe environment using appropriate preventive equipment and safety devices Demonstrates understanding of the Chest Pain, Hypoglycemic, and Emergency protocols. Notifies the RN/MOD and documents in the medical record. Mental Health experience Preferred but not required. Work Schedule: Days, Evenings, Nights with rotating weekends and holidays. More information about shift availability will be discussed during interview. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required Physical Demands: This position requires visual acuity, keen hearing, clear distinctive speech, and manual dexterity. This position requires potentially long periods of continued walking, standing, stooping, sitting, bending, pulling, and pushing. Transferring patients and objects may be required. The incumbent may be exposed to infected patients and contaminated materials and may be required to don protective clothing in isolation situations or operative/invasive procedures. The incumbent may occasionally be exposed to patients who are combative secondary to delirium, dementia, or psychiatric disorders. The incumbent must be a mature, flexible, sensible individual capable of working effectively in stressful situations, and able to shift priorities based on patient needs. The incumbent has ability to withstand extensive periods of standing, walking, recurring bending, lifting, stooping, stretching, and similar activities."]

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