North Central Section of the AUA, Inc.

This is an open continuous announcement. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis and qualified candidates will be considered as vacancies become available. Applications will remain on file until October 21, 2022. A recruitment incentive may be authorized for highly qualified candidates To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements within 15 days of the closing date of this announcement. 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. Must possess 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. This is required in order to hold a position as a Licensed Practical Nurse with the Federal Government. Must be a 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 you completed the program. Must be proficient in both spoken and written English. 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). Grade Determinations: In addition to the Basic Requirements you must meet one of the following grade requirements: GS-6: Must have completed at least (1) one year of additional qualifying experience at the GS-5 level or equivalent and fully meets all performance requirements for the GS-5 LPN and demonstrates the following: ·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 or physician 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. ·Actively seeks out educational opportunities to enhance nursing knowledge and skills, sharing new knowledge gained with other staff to improve and advance nursing practice. Preferred Experience: Primary care experience preferred References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G13 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-6. Physical Requirements: Walking, bending, stooping, and lifting in the direct care of patients; some extended periods of sitting. ["The William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital is committed to fostering and sustaining an environment which celebrates diversity, provides equitable opportunities for employment and promotion, and supports inclusiveness in our culture. Together, we strive to create and maintain working and learning environments that promote professional growth and teamwork, and are inclusive, equitable and welcoming. We embrace our differences as individuals and unite as a team toward a common goal: to serve our nation's Veterans. Duties include: Serve as the LPN on a Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT) in Primary Care. Assist with intake of Veterans in preparation for provider visits and maintains clinic flow. Completion of pertinent clinical reminders and preventative health screenings. Documents all data collected and nursing care provided in the Veterans electronic medical record. Reports all relevant patient information to Clinic RN or provider. Prioritizes effectively and manages time productively in the clinical setting. Works effectively with others and communicates in an appropriate, tactful and courteous manner. Attends clinic safety huddles daily. Assist providers with exams/procedures and serves as a chaperone. Perform treatments and procedures such as electrocardiograms, vital signs, weights, blood glucose readings, bladder scans, ear flushes, and compression stockings based on documented competency. Track and administer required immunizations. Administer ordered medications in accordance with Medical Center and Nursing Service policy and monitors for any side effects. Assists with specimen collection and processing for transport. Participate in the management and follow up of patient care needs and requests. Initiate procedure preparations, adapting them to patients physical and emotional needs before, during and after procedures, observing and managing therapeutic or possible complications resulting from the procedure. Knowledgeably initiates and performs nursing measures to prevent complications by recognizing deviations and/or changes in patient's conditions. Recognizes and responds/initiates emergency measures. Responds promptly to emergency situations in the clinic including but not limited to administering CPR. Perform venipuncture and specimen collection and preparing specimens for storage and/or transport after specific training. Demonstrate and apply the use of VA computer system efficiently and safety adhering to facility and VA Policies. Participation in daily PACT team huddles and meetings. Maintains positive and constructive professional working relationship with patients, families, medical staff, volunteers, and co-workers. Additional clinic duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, may include some evenings weekends and holidays.\nTelework: Not available\nVirtual: This is not a virtual position.\nRelocation/Recruitment Incentives: A recruitment incentive may be authorized for highly qualified candidates\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required"]