Practical Nurse(Acute Cr)

Summary

The LPN administers medications according to policies and procedures using knowledge of proper techniques and procedures. This is further defined according to each LPN, GS level. The LPN also documents observations, treatments, procedures, medications, and conditions electronically, via CPRS, BMCA and EDIS, and reports them verbally to the appropriate person, generally the Registered Nurse. Recurring duties are carried out independently.

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: Written and Spoken Physical Standards: All applicants must meet the physical standards for the position
• A physical examination prior to employment may be required
• 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
• 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
• Health care education in the military service or training in the military service which is accepted by the licensing body in the jurisdiction in which the individual is licensed as qualifying for full LPN/LVN licensure will be accepted as meeting the education requirements for VHA employment
• Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social)
• Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment
• You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience
• GS-3 None beyond the basic requirements
• GS-4 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-5 Completion of at least 1 year of qualifying experience at the GS-4 level or equivalent
• 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 RN and/or MD/DO to appropriately orient/train less experienced LPNs/LVNs 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
• 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
• GS-6 Completion of at least one (1) year of additional qualifying experience at the GS-5 level or equivalent, fully meeting all performance requirements for the GS-5 LPN/LVN
• 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 registered nurse (RN) or physician (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/LVN recognizes and considers emotional, cultural, spiritual, socio-economic, and age-related factors
• Prepares and 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
• Knowledge and 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
• Please refer to the assessment questionnaire for complete qualification standards expected at the GS- 06 level References: VA Handbook 5005/27, Part II, Appendix G13, LICENSED PRACTICAL OR VOCATIONAL NURSE QUALIFICATION STANDARD, dated April 10, 2003.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.

Duties

"FUNCTIONS: Patient Care: Provides direct nursing care to residents in a variety of healthcare settings, including but not limited to: - Observing changes in resident's condition (e.g.
behavior shifts, mood changes, skin coloring, appetite, etc.) - Proper Aseptic Technique for IV placement, maintenance, and removal - Proficient with IV infusion pumps- Proper use/documentation of glucometer including interpretation of results - Proper use and documentation of I-Stat.
- Catheter placement and maintenance - Documenting care provided and observations on appropriate tools or forms.
- Administering medications, stoma care (e.g.
tracheotomy, suctioning, colostomy), enemas, skin care, simple dressing, braces and prosthetic devices.
Monitors intake and output according to established policy and procedure.
- Recognizing the resident's autonomy and promoting independence by means of respect, limit setting and individualized treatment.
- Reinforces age related healthcare education for residents and/or significant others.
- Serves as team leader to a group of residents, observing nursing care delivered and reporting concerns to the charge nurse.
- Complies with the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for pretreatment/cleaning Reusable Medical Equipment (RME) as defined by \"Spaulding Classification.\" RME is classified as Critical Equipment - Class 1, Semi-Critical Equipment - Class 2, and Non Critical - Class 3.
RME cleaning will be done in accordance to the schedule on the unit.
Technical Competence - Administers nursing care to residents, such as baths or showers, enemas, treatments and minor dressing changes, as assigned.- Assists residents in achieving optimum muscle functioning by positioning, turning and providing active or passive range of motion.
Moves, lifts, and transfers residents using standard equipment.- Assists with resident activities using rehabilitative and supportive nursing care as identified in the plan of care.- Collects data for assessment/reassessment.- Takes vital signs, height and weight, and records in CPRS according to policy and procedure.- Based on assigned area, performs nursing care procedures (e.g.
sterile techniques, blood glucose monitoring, catheterization, suctioning, wound care, colostomy care, tube feeding, tracheotomy care, oxygen therapy, deep breathing and coughing, and specimen collection) according to policy and procedure.- Assists health care providers with procedures by assembling equipment, positioning/holding the resident, and/or handling equipment/instruments.
Prepares resident for diagnostic and/or therapeutic procedures.- Nephrostomy and Cystostomy tube dressing change.
Medication and Administration - Demonstrates competency in the preparation, administration and documentation of medications according to policy and procedure.- Performs all components of IV therapy according to the unit's scope of care.- Performs venipunctures to withdraw blood from peripheral veins according to policies and procedures.- Observes and monitors residents during transfusion of blood or blood products, according to policy and procedure.- Identifies, reports, and documents medication errors/discrepancies, reactions and side effects immediately, according to policy and procedure.- Performs and documents narcotics and controlled substance count with Registered Nurse, according to policy and procedure.- Verify blood with RN SPECIFIC EXCLUSIONS of IV Therapy Administration: - Inserting a midline catheter;- De-clotting a catheter; - Repairing a catheter;- Inserting and removing PICC and mid-clavicular catheters; - Managing specialized catheters for analgesia; and- Removing non-surgically placed central and arterial catheters.
Communication/Observation/Reporting and Recording - Monitors residents according to levels of observation, acuity, and assignment.
- Utilizes observation skills for data collection, reporting and documentation.
- Promotes performance improvement initiatives, identifies problems, collects data, and supports change.
- Identifies, reports and documents change in resident's behavior or condition to the RN and appropriate collaborative treatment team members.
Recognized variations that require reporting.
Promptly reports deviations from normal.
- Provides emotional support to residents and significant others.
- Communicates information in a calm, non-judgmental, and non-threatening manner.
- Safeguards the resident's right to privacy.
- Maintains confidentiality of residents in all areas (verbal, written, and computer).
Preferred Experience: 2-3 years of experience as in LPN/LVN experience related to the area of deployment Basic Life Support (BLS) Work Schedule: Various Tours 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"