Summary The primary purpose of the Licensed Practical/Licensed Vocational Nurse (LPN/LVN) 6 is to perform assigned duties in a manner that promotes quality health care, positive customer service and the maintenance of an environment committed to servicing the veteran. The incumbent performs within this functional statement under guidance of the Nurse Manager or designee. The incumbent provides practical nursing care with a variety of physical and/or behavioral problems. Responsibilities ***This announcement was amended to update Telework.*** LPN/LVN responsibilities include: Assists patients requesting assistance with Office of Community Care programs. Applies aspects of the nursing process within a collaborative, interdisciplinary practice setting. Operates computerized programs and databases in order to enter, modify and retrieve sensitive information/data into or from electronic medical records, scheduling systems and/or reports. Communicates effectively and professionally with a variety of professionals, internal and external customers as well as participate in a team environment with multiple tasks involving pieces of both professional and non-professional tasks. Executes position responsibilities that demonstrate experience, and creative approaches to management of consults and appointments for appropriate client care within VHA Non-VA care programs. Centers services around the patient, to foster patient self-managed care, and maximize efficient and cost-effective use of health care resources. Impacts directly on the Veterans ability to maximize their benefits. Maintains confidentiality of patient/employee information electronically, verbally, and written. Works and functions within a safe manner including operation of equipment. Integrates and applies pertinent aspects of the Medical Center performance improvement program into his/her professional practice. Provides culturally competent care to a diverse patient population. Oversees the Office of Community Care approval process provided by the Associate Chief Nurse of Office of Community Care as the designated appointee and Chief of Staff. Supports the medical center's mission by possessing and exemplifying Office of Community Care standards. Must have strong knowledge of medical terminology. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:30am - 4:00pm Telework: This position is eligible for Ad Hoc telework only. Ad Hoc Telework is telework that occurs on an occasional, non-routine basis Travel: No Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Requirements Conditions of Employment NOTE: Prior to accepting a final employment offer, all selected applicants will be required to sign a Memorandum of Understanding regarding deployment responsibilities 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 and maintain CDT physical readiness. 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. Must be able to meet physical demands which include strenuous physical activity to include carrying persons and equipment, walking long distances over difficult terrain, running, climbing, working long hours in primitive or arduous conditions, long periods of standing, and bending and stooping. 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: 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. In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), no person shall serve in direct patient care positions unless they are proficient in basic written and spoken English. 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. Exceptions include 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 OR granted a license by a jurisdiction that does not require graduation from an approved school AND have at least one year of successful practice as an LPN/ LVN. Licensure - Active, full, current and unrestricted licensure as a Graduate Licensed Practical or Vocational Nurse in a State, Territory, or Commonwealth (i.e., Puerto Rico), of the United States or the District of Columbia. Grade Determination: In addition to the basic requirements stated above, the following qualification criteria must be met. The candidate's qualifications must clearly demonstrate the level of competence required for the grade. GS-06: The GS-06 grade level is for select, complex LPN/LVN positions, as established by each health care facility. To be advanced, employees must meet all of the following standards, provided the standard is part of their assignment. Completion of at least one (1) year of additional qualifying experience at the GS-05 level or equivalent, fully meeting all of the performance requirements for the GS-05 LPN/LVN. The following Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) must be met: Technically proficient in initiating, performing and completing assigned duties in providing care to variable patientpopulations. Knowledge and ability to appropriately carry out assigned patient care based on the patient's conditions; to use judgment inselecting the appropriate order and sequence of procedures and treatments; and to accurately recognize, report and recordrelevant 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 need for care, including medication, equipment-assisted care andpatient/family education. In organizing and delivering care, the LPN recognized and considers emotional, cultural, spiritual,socio-economic and age-related factors. Prepares and administers prescribed medications (oral, topical, subcutaneous, intramuscular and/or intravenous) andperforms treatments according to established policies/procedures. Observes for physical and/or emotional changes inpatient's condition from prescribed medications/treatments, promptly and accurately documenting noted changes, andreporting 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, andinitiate appropriate emergency interventions as directed. Knowledge and understanding of human behavior, patient motivations and reactions to situations, and ability to appropriatelyutilize this knowledge in working eff ectively with patients, family members and staff. Establishes constructive relationships with individual patients and their families to elicit feelings and attitudes, and to promotepositive relationships, communication and socialization skills. Fosters an environment of respect for individual patient andfamily rights to privacy and dignity in all aspects of care delivery. Eff ectively incorporates knowledge and understanding ofestablished customer service standards in all interactions with patients, family members and/or other internal/externalcustomers. 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 instrumentsor other specialized equipment, and monitoring the patient's condition before, during and following the procedure. Serves as apreceptor in orienting, educating, and training less experienced LPNs/LVNs or NAs/HTs related to support duties for these morecomplex, specialized tests/procedures. Actively seeks out educational opportunities to enhance nursing knowledge and skills, sharing new knowledge gained withother staff to improve and advance nursing practice. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. NOTE: Current GS-0620 LPN/LVN employee of the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) who were converted to an appointment under 38 U.S.C. 7401(3) in implementation of Public Law 98-160, enacted November 21, 1983, or who was converted to an appointment under 38 U.S.C. 7405 in implementation of Public Law 99-576, enacted October 28, 1986 are considered to have met the Education requirement. The waiver does not apply to persons appointed under 38 U.S.C. 7401(3) or 7405 after these conversions. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. 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/. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. NOTE: Current GS-0620 LPN/LVN employee of the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) who were converted to an appointment under 38 U.S.C. 7401(3) in implementation of Public Law 98-160, enacted November 21, 1983, or who was converted to an appointment under 38 U.S.C. 7405 in implementation of Public Law 99-576, enacted October 28, 1986 are considered to have met the Education requirement. The waiver does not apply to persons appointed under 38 U.S.C. 7401(3) or 7405 after these conversions. Additional Information Physical Requirements: Eligible applicants must be physically and mentally able to perform efficiently the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation, without hazard to themselves or others. Depending on the essential duties of a specific position, usable vision, color vision, hearing or speech may be required. However, in most cases, a specific physical condition or impairment of a specific function may be compensated for by the satisfactory use of a prosthesis or mechanical aid. 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.