Career Center

This role is used as a staff assignment to support medical surgical units, psychiatric units, critical care units, hospice units and community living center neighborhoods within the Durham Medical Center inpatient and ambulatory care settings. The incumbent participates in implementing the healthcare plan by performing tasks delegated by and performed under the supervision and directions of a Registered Nurse. 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. 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). 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. [Employees may be appointed at or advanced to GS-4 if they meet any of the criteria in paragraphs 3b(2)(a) through (c) below: (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.] GS-5 Completion of at least 1 year of qualifying experience at the GS-4 level or equivalent. GS-6 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. Preferred Experience: Outpatient Nursing Experience References: VA Handbook 5005/3 Transmittal Sheet, Staffing, Part 11, 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. ["ACCOUNTABILITY Holds self and others accountable for measurable, high quality, timely and cost-effective results. Determine objectives, sets priorities and delegates work. Accepts responsibility for mistakes. Complies with established controls and rules. Comports self professionally by exhibiting VA's core values of Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect and Excellence (ICARE). a. Notifies supervisor within one business day of shortcomings in delivery of services to customer or any perceived violation of law or official wrongdoing including fraud, waste and abuse of authority; and violations of VA core values (ICARE) b. Consistently communicates positive and unified messages to employees, internal and external stakeholders and customers c. Ensures information, including requests for data and special projects, is provided within established deadlines · d. Meets and ensures staff meet all mandatory employee obligations such as required training e. Exercises care and protection of government issued equipment DIRECT PATIENT CARE/SUPPORT DUTIES With indirect supervision, carries out assigned patient care duties based on the patient/resident's conditions. Uses judgement in selecting the appropriate order and sequence of procedures and treatments. In organizing and delivering care, recognizes and considers emotional, cultural, spiritual, socio-economic and age-related factors. Regularly observes, gathers data, and reports evidence of patient status. a. Performs 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 and procedures. b. Observes, identifies and responds to the patient's need for care, including medication, equipment -assisted care and patient/family education. Responds timely to Veteran complaints of pain and reports effectiveness/ineffectiveness of interventions. c. Routinely implements nursing care to Veterans in such a manner that identified risks (pressure ulcers, infections, falls, etc.) are minimized or eliminated. d. Routinely assumes and completes patient care assignments for Veterans with a variety of physical and /or behavioral needs in a timely manner, demonstrating initiative and independence. e. Accurately performs a full range of nursing procedures utilizing appropriate and safe techniques. f. Provides a thorough _and timely hand off report that incorporates the Veteran's status, needs, pending tests/procedures, and safety risks. CUSTOMER SERVICE With indirect supervision, consistently interacts in a professional and courteous manner to facilitate the work of the organization. Delivers high-quality products and services; is committed to continuous improvement. Adjusts to change in a pleasant manner and functions as a team member, helping the group effort where possible. a. Uses. understanding of human behavior, patient motivations, and reactions to situations, to identify/use effective interaction techniques with· patients, families, visitors and other staff, that promote a sense of caring, concern and advocacy. b. Establishes constructive relationships with individual patients and their families to elicit feelings and attitudes, and to promote positive relationships, communication and socialization skills. Fosters and 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. c. Serves as a role model in an effort to provide therapeutic nursing care as evidenced by empathy, compassion and courtesy. d. Works with the RN and or LIP 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. · e. Interactions with Veterans reflect incorporation of the VA Patient's Bill of Rights and follow the ICARE philosophy. f. Uses evidence-based approaches to care for all Veterans and special populations (women, elderly, mentally ill, dementia, etc.). g. Maintains effective interpersonal relationships with co-workers and other members of the health care team and respects unit-based team agreements. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 8:00-4:30pm Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]

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