North Central Section of the AUA, Inc.

The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) is staffed in a Medicine Specialty Outpatient Clinic at the John Cochran Division of VA Saint Louis Health Care System. The position assignment may include the following Medicine Specialty Clinics--Cardiology, Gastroenterology, ComPACT, Infectious Disease, Endocrinology, Pulmonology, Nephrology, and Rheumatology--as well as other clinical and/or administrative assignments necessary to meet the mission of the VA Saint Louis Health Care System. Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. 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 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. [See assessment questionnaire for exceptions.] Licensure. Full, active, current and unrestricted licensure as a licensed practical or vocational nurse in a State, Territory or Commonwealth of the United States, or District of Columbia. English Language Proficiency. Must be proficient in spoken and written English. 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. 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: This position requires potentially long periods of continued walking, standing, stooping, sitting, bending, pulling, and pushing. Transferring patients and objects may be required. The physical requirements of this position include the following tasks which may be performed intermittently: lifting of up to 50 lbs. (3 hours), sitting (2 hours), standing (4 hours), walking (8 hours), climbing (1 hour), kneeling (3 hours), bending/stooping (3 hours), twisting (2 hours), pushing/pulling (6 hours), simple grasping (8 hours), fine manipulation (8 hours), reaching above the shoulder (4 hours), and operating machinery (8 hours). This position requires visual acuity, keen hearing, clear distinctive speech, and manual dexterity. Grade Determinations: (1) GS-3. None beyond the basic requirements. (2) GS-4. (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. (d) LPNs at the GS-4 grade level perform all duties expected of employees at the GS-3 grade level; however, they are expected to exercise greater judgment, require less supervision, and to operate in accordance with all established policies, procedure, and techniques. (3) GS-5. (a) Completion of at least 1 year of qualifying experience at the GS-4 level or equivalent. (b) Demonstrated knowledge and ability to provide a full range of practical nursing care to patients with a variety of physical and/or behavioral problems. (c) Demonstrated ability to serve as a responsible member of the nursing team and interact with patients, family members, professional and [other] supportive personnel [involved in the delivery of] patient care. (d) 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. (e) 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. (f) Recognizes and appropriately responds to breakage/malfunction or loss of equipment, safety hazards, and supply deficiencies, promptly reporting to appropriate personnel for corrective action. (g) 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. (4) GS-6. (a) 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. (b) Technically proficient in initiating, performing and completing assigned duties in providing care to variable patient populations. (c) 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. (d)] 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. (e) 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. (f) 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. (g) 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. (h) 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. (i) 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. (j) 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, Part II, Appendix G13, Licensed Practical or Vocational Nurse Qualification Standard, dated March 1, 2017. ["The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) is responsible for observing, recording, and reporting changes in the patient's condition, as well as assisting in the development and revision of the patient-driven holistic life care plan. The LPN will initiate appropriate actions based on the treatment plan and his/her observation of the veteran's condition. The LPN assists with providing patient and family health education with a focus on self-management, prevention, and wellness, based on the patient's goals. The position assignment may include the following Medical Specialty Clinics--Cardiology, Gastroenterology, ComPACT, Infectious Disease, Endocrinology, Pulmonology, Nephrology, and Rheumatology--as well as other clinical and/or administrative assignments necessary to meet the mission of the VA Saint Louis Health Care System. The LPN has responsibilities at all sectors of the Health Care System (John Cochran, Jefferson Barracks, and other leased sites). The LPN assumes essential personnel status during emergencies. Duties of this position include, but are not limited to: Collects data on the physical (vital signs, weight, blood work, etc.) and psychological needs of assigned patients, and assists in prioritizing immediate needs. Correctly performs procedures with an LPN scope of practice (dressing changes, bladder scans, injections, EKGs, etc. . . .) or seeks help when needed. Safely and effectively uses equipment required for patient care and reports any equipment in need of repair. Recognizes subtle abnormal signs and symptoms and/or changes in patients' condition and notifies the Registered Nurse. Demonstrates knowledge and ability to recognize the need for and to institute emergency measures when indicated, promptly seeks the assistance of the RN or provider, and assists in resuscitation procedures in cardiac and/or pulmonary arrest. Documents collected data and all events occurring during the visit. Follows established hospital safety policies and supports a safe, hazard-free health-care environment. Demonstrates appropriate behavioral/verbal responses to situations in which potential risk/danger exists for patients, visitors, employees, or property. Establishes professional relationships that are courteous and cooperative with veterans, co-workers, and supervisors. Work Schedule: M-F 0730-1600. [Schedule is subject to change based on the needs of the Health Care System.] 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."]

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