Summary The Licensed Practical Nurse/Licensed Vocational Nurse (LPN/LVN), GS-7 performs more complex nursing assignments within their setting. The LPN/LVN possesses comprehensive practical nursing knowledge and skills in specialized procedures and practices. The LPN/LVN GS-7 work is of considerable difficulty and responsibility is performed under general supervision. Responsibilities DUTIES MAY INCLUDE HOWEVER ARE NOT LIMITED TO THE FOLLOWING: The Licensed Practical Nurse GS-7 Team Leader serves as a member of the nursing team in the Community Living Center (CLC). He/she provides specialized care to residents with multiple disease processes on a regular and recurring basis. The incumbent is expected to be vigilant in recognizing changes in residents' conditions, astute in assessing the need for intervention which may be of emergent nature requiring immediate attention. Duties and responsibilities involve performing specialized practical nursing activities which require work experience and demonstrated skill enough to resolve a range of nursing problems. The LPN GS-7 is under the supervision of the Nurse Manager or assigned Registered Nurse, demonstrating independent technical judgment, critical thinking skills and the use of independent judgment with minimal oversight. Such individuals serve as leaders or co-leaders of a specific nursing area for a specific group of residents in the CLC's. The LPN will provide independent care to residents in CLC that need skilled nursing and rehabilitation services to include but not limited to complex wound care and wound vac. therapy, IV antibiotics, enteral feedings (PEG) tubes and jejunostomy (J) tubes, parenteral nutrition. Completion of at least one (1) year of additional qualifying experience at the GS-6 level or equivalent, fully meeting all the performance requirements for the GS-6 LPN role. Possesses the knowledge and skills to carry out more specialized patient care activities. This knowledge base includes the use of veteran care data to initiate active contributions to the veteran's overall health plan. Observations of veteran's present status are made, and interventions implemented to improve, restore, or maintain the optimal function of the veteran. Has knowledge of program regulations and can carry out objectives of the Nursing program. In doing this, follows the guidelines to meet and maintain program requirements. Contributes to the development of the plan of care for assigned veterans outlining program modalities and updates per policy and as changes occur. This plan of care is completed with general review and co-signature by the RN or MD, utilizing a broad knowledge base and expertise to develop and modify treatment plans to meet the veteran and the family's expectations. Promotes and demonstrates nursing concepts in the Medical Center. Works in collaboration with the Registered Nurse (RN), and or Health Care Provider (HCP). Prepares and administers prescribed medications (oral, topical, subcutaneous, Intramuscular, and/or intravenous) and performs treatments according to established policies/procedures. The LPN/LVN observes for physical and/or emotional changes in patient's health condition, which may include prescribed medications/treatments, to promptly and accurately documenting identified changes, and reporting any deviations from normal to RN/HCP. Is adept at encouraging and communicating with challenging psychological and physical behaviors to promote optimal functioning. Uses treatment modalities and implements appropriate practices and procedures with complex patients. Utilizes skills to influence and communicate with difficult and challenging veterans and families. Demonstrates the ability to work independently without the need for readily available supervision and communicates effectively with the veteran, families, caregivers, professionals, and other supportive staff. Administers and documents medication, utilizing BCMA, according to the Medication and IV Fluid Administration, Bar Code Administration, and Medication Administration policies and procedures. Administrative duties to include 24-hr report, answering phones, preparation of assignments based on assigned area needs, and documentation for incident reports in JPRS. Recognizes the need for instituting emergency measures. Initiates CPR or the Heimlich maneuver when such emergency measures are indicated. Must be able to initiate facility protocols for fire/emergency situations independently. Transcribes verified medical orders according to established policy in the absence of a Registered Nurse or clerical assistance or to meet workload needs. Delivers verbal report and/or written end-of-tour report on his/her assigned residents/units for the use of the oncoming tour. Work Schedule: Tour will be either be Day / Evening (7:30am - 4:00pm, 3:30pm - 12:00am) or Day / Night (7:30am - 4:00pm, 11:30pm - 8:00am ) combination with Holiday and Weekend coverage rotation off per unit policy. Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. Must be proficient in written and spoken English. You may be required to serve a probationary period. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Must pass pre-employment physical examination. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details. Qualifications 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: Citizenship. 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. Verification can be obtained from the State approving agency [or] the National League for Nursing [Accrediting Commission], 61 Broadway, 33rd Floor, New York, NY 10006. [Additional information may also be obtained from the NLNAC Website. Exceptions include:] (1) 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. (2) [ ] VHA employees who were converted to appointments under 38 U.S.C. 7401(3) in implementation of Public Law 98-160, enacted November 21, 1983, and for VHA employees converted to appointments under 38 U.S.C. 7405 in implementation of Public Law 99-576, enacted October 28, 1986; and for their future personnel actions under this authority. The waiver will not apply to persons appointed under 38 U.S.C. 7401(3) or 7405 after these conversions. [(3) Individuals granted a license by a jurisdiction that does not require graduation from an approved school. See paragraph 4, section C.] 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). Grade Determinations: To be determined according to VA HANDBOOK 5005/3 PART II APPENDIX G13 Completion of at least one (1) year of additional qualifying experience at the GS-6 level or equivalent, fully meeting all of the performance requirements for the GS-6 LPN/LVN. References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/3 PART II APPENDIX G13 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). Preferred Experience: Team Leader. Employees at this grade level will demonstrate broader knowledge and skill set with respect to these responsibilities than employees at lower grades. The GS-7 LPN/LVN is responsible to assist in promoting veterans to attain their maximum functioning potential Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is LPN 07. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of LPN 07. Physical Requirements: 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. Mechanical patient lifts are provided. 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, able to shift priorities based on patient needs. Must complete annual Employee Health requirements, such as annual TB screening or testing, as a condition of employment. Education IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/. Additional Information Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed. During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status. VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority. Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement. Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.