The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) works collaboratively in an interdisciplinary coordinated care delivery model. The LPN serves Veterans and their families in the Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) and supports the Alaska VA's Whole Health Program as a Health and Wellness Coach. In this position, the LPN will support a Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT) either in the Primary Care Clinic or Mental Health Clinic. To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement. 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: Citizen of the United States. Education: Graduate of a school of practical or vocational nursing approved by the appropriate State agency and/or accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) at the time the program was completed by the applicant. Exceptions include: Health care education in the military service or training in the military service that is accepted by the licensing body in the jurisdiction in which licensed as qualifying for full LPN/LVN licensure meets the education requirements. Individuals granted a license by a jurisdiction that does not require graduation from an approved school. Licensure: Full, active, current and unrestricted licensure as a licensed practical or vocational nurse in a State, Territory or Commonwealth of the US, or District of Columbia. Language Proficiency: Eligible candidates must be proficient in English (spoken and written). 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: GS-3: None beyond the basic requirements. GS-4: Six months of qualifying experience as an LPN or LVN; OR Must have graduated 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 Must have graduated from an approved school of at least 24 months duration. 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. GS-5: Completion of at least 1 year of qualifying experience at the GS-4 level or equivalent. AND 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. 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-6: Completion of one year of additional qualifying experience at the GS-5 level or equivalent, fully meeting all performance requirements for the GS-5 LPN/LVN. AND 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/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. 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, 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. Physical Requirements listed in Education section... ["Duties include, but are not limited to: Clinical: Plans and carries out assignments following VHA policies/directives and Medical Center Policies or Standard Operating Procedures. The LPN will take histories, conduct health screenings, and document previous medical and mental health conditions and concerns. Demonstrates knowledge and ability to appropriately carry out assigned patient care and coaching/education based on the patient's condition. Assignments at this level include, but are not limited to: checking vitals; processing reminders; reviewing and processing alerts appropriately; participating in Medication Reconciliation by reviewing medication list with patient/caregiver, annotating changes on the list for PCP's review, and entering non-VA medications in the electronic medical record; administering medication; evaluating patient information and clinic schedule lists to determine whether patient is vested. Keeps Veteran informed during visit and provides needed updates. Assists with walk-in patients as schedule allows. Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of human behavior and patient motivation. Remains nonjudgmental with interactions. Observes and appropriately responds to subtle changes in patient's behavior by providing emotional/physical support/intervention to prevent a problem. Responsible for developing a coaching/mentoring relationship with the patient and assists the patients through a process of actively working towards better health by providing support, encouragement, and education. Knowledgeable of VHA and community resources that may support each Veteran's vision for health and well-being. Provides Whole Health Coaching and Mindfulness Training though various VHA approved methods that meets the patient's needs and preferences. The LPN and the Veteran will construct a plan together to fit the culture and lifestyle of the patient. Must be able to adapt to frequent changes within their environment. Strives to work towards change by learning and asking questions. The LPN is dependable and accomplishes work and tasks in a timely manner. Possesses a positive attitude when working with peers, staff, Veterans, and Veteran's families. Responds to medical emergencies such as \"medical urgencies\" and nursing alerts as appropriate. The LPN will seek assistance and guidance by informing RN or medical provider of changes in the patient's condition requiring higher-level intervention. Administrative: Participates in committees/meetings that support the CBOC and Whole Health program. Participates in the interdisciplinary treatment team meeting process. Documents care, coaching, and skills training provided, observations and responses on appropriate tools or forms, observing changes in patient's condition, personal health preferences and values, and readiness for change. Assists in collection of data for quality improvement activities and participates in plans for program improvement. Assists with the Whole Health program needs assessment, recommendations for program design, and evaluation of program outcomes. Safeguards the patient's right to privacy and maintains confidentiality of patients in all areas. Updates personal knowledge regarding current trends in Primary Care, Mental Health Care, and Whole Health through continuing education courses, annual mandatory training, and in-service programs. Education of Patient/Employees: Understands VA programs and educates peers, caretakers, Veterans and their families. Provides appropriate patient and family education regarding disease conditions, procedures, tests, and health maintenance. Effectively expresses information to multiple audiences through clear, convincing oral and written communication. Leads Whole Health groups, workshops and individual sessions for patients and staff to promote physical and emotional wellness, decrease burnout and improve morale, build community across disciplines and train staff in self-care and stress reduction techniques for use among themselves and with their patients and colleagues. Provides information and connects veterans to VHA and community resources, and guides veterans to learn about available support tools and resources that will assist in attainment of personal goals. Must successfully complete VISN Health and Wellness Coach training to receive the certification upon completion, as well as any other applicable Whole Health training. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, Eight 9 hour tours, and one 8 hour tour. Compressed/Flexible: Compressed 5-4-9 schedule available. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 00000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized EDRP Authorized: Please contact the VISN 20 EDRP Coordinator Stacy Hermann @ [email protected] for questions/assistance. Learn more Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]
Providing Health Care for Veterans: The Veterans Health Administration is America’s largest integrated health care system, providing care at 1,255 health care facilities, including 170 medical centers and 1,074 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics), serving 9 million enrolled Veterans each year.
