Details
Posted: 03-Jun-22
Location: North Chicago, Illinois
Salary: Open
Categories:
General Nursing
Internal Number: 657963200
This position is located in the Primary Care Directorate at the James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center assigned to either the Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT) Department, Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOC's), COVID Respiratory Clinic, Women's Primary Care Department and/or Medical Home Port (MHP) Department. 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. 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. 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). 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: In addition to the basic requirements stated in section A, 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. 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. Preferred Experience: Must have two years of complex LPN experience. Ambulatory care experience; preferred. References: VA Handbook 5005/3 Part II Appendix G13 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-06. Physical Requirements: To perform in a fully successful manner, the individual must have the physical ability to perform job-related duties which require light lifting (under 15 pounds), standing (6 hours), repeated bending (up to 2 hours), prolong sitting (up to 1 hour), walking (up to 3 hours), pushing or pulling without assistance from another patient care provider or significant other (up to 1 hour), ability to distinguish basic and shades of color, and hearing (aid permitted). Administrative duties include word processing, computer keyboard typing, computer screen viewing, and using the telephone. In addition, the following environmental factors apply: working closely with others (6-8 hours) and working alone (up to 1 hour). A health examination must be successfully completed prior to this assignment and periodically thereafter as required by the Occupational Health Clinic policy. There will be intermittent exposure to blood and body fluids. ["VISN 12 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. With administrative oversight by the Nurse Manager, the Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) provides independent nursing expertise in preventative screening, managing clinic flow, and data collection. The LPN identifies the patient's needs related to clinical and psychosocial status, diagnosis and treatment options, including Whole Health goals, psychosocial impact and care coordination. Coordinates medical treatments, referrals, and education. The LPN is responsible for observing, recording and reporting changes in the patient's condition to the Registered Nurse (RN)/provider. The LPN assists in the coordination of medical treatments, referrals, and patient education. The LPN demonstrates active collaboration and communication within the team, facility, and community agencies. Use innovative ideas to develop teamwork activities to foster collegiality and collaboration across all disciplines. Ensure that the monthly Environment of Care (EOC) rounds has been completed and track all work order requests for their team. Resolve conflict at lowest level. Major Duties and Responsibilities Makes observations and thoroughly documents care in the electronic medical record (EMR) the patient's response. Promptly recognizes urgent or emergent patient care situations and effectively intervenes; will seek RN/provider assistance for those requiring higher-level intervention. Effectively utilizes PACT huddle tools/resources in pre-visit scrubbing process. Actively participates in daily huddle and team meetings. Review schedule of the day. Cover other areas as needed. Review the EARR reports. The LPN performs, reports, and records assigned nursing care including but not limited to: Vital signs Oxygen therapy Medication administration including immunizations Clinical reminders with appropriate consults and alerts, as applicable Ear wax removal, as applicable Collects and labels specimens; sends specimens to lab Phlebotomy and specimen processing, as applicable. EKG's Bladder scanner Women's Health care needs/ procedures (exam equipment/standby/ privacy/specimen collection and processing) Provide virtual and telephonic care for patients via various platforms (Tricare online secure messaging, MyHealtheVet secure messaging, VISN 12 Message Manager and TCONS). Check expiration dates of medications and supplies; Cleans and stocks assigned rooms and reusable medical equipment (RME) Assists with minor procedures, including obtaining and arranging necessary equipment, positioning patient, ensuring comfort and privacy. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, Days 7:30am - 4:00pm with possible Saturday coverage.\nTelework: Not Available\nVirtual: This is not a virtual position.\nFunctional Statement #: Licensed Practical Nurse Primary Care - Outpatient Clinic\nRelocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized\nPermanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required"]