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The incumbent performs a variety of supportive, nursing and medical tasks necessary to the care of patients during diagnostic and therapeutic visits to the Alamosa VA Clinic. The Licensed Practical Nurse's (LPN) practice is modeled on the standards established within the VHA model for Patient Aligned Care Teams. The incumbent demonstrates knowledge and ability to provide a full range of practical nursing care to patients with a variety of physical and/or behavioral problems.
Learn more about this agency06/06/2023 to 09/30/2023
$44,829 - $75,021 per year
GS 3 - 6
1 vacancy in the following location:
No
No
Not required
No
Permanent
Full-time
Excepted
6
No
Yes
CBSU-11987123-23-BR
730152300
*** This position is ONLY open to current, permanent VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System (ECHCS) Employees and VHA Employees Nationwide. If you are NOT a current federal VAHC employee, please apply to the Public Announcement CBSU-11987122-23-BR***
The incumbent demonstrates knowledge and ability to provide a full range of practical nursing care to patients with a variety of physical and/or behavioral problems.
Duties and skills needed to be successful in this position include, but are not limited to:
Be proficient and demonstrate competency and the ability to either set up or reprocess Reusable Medical Equipment as applicable for all equipment for which you have been trained.
Demonstrate competency in performing all unit specific nursing interventions and procedures to include but not limited to: Understand and implement the PACT model, PACT Protocols, PACT handbook VHA 1101.10(1), implements, and documents education provided to patients and families.
Delivers safe care to assigned patients, while developing technical competencies based on the ANA Standards of Nursing Practice, VHA Directives, and local policies.
Safely and effectively uses patient care equipment. Reports equipment in need of repair.
Correctly and safely performs nursing procedures or seeks help when needed.
Recognizes overt abnormal signs and symptoms and/or changes in patients' condition and responds appropriately.
Responsible for timely implementation of orders and nursing interventions.
Formulates a plan of care based on nursing assessments, using the nursing process, based on the ANA Standards of Nursing Practice.
Completes initial assessment of patient condition and response to treatment and initiates follow-up as needed.
Assesses patient's learning needs, learning preference and readiness to learn.
Develops and implements a plan to meet learning needs, instructing patients and families in basic health teaching and discharge planning.
Documents the nursing process, documentation is consistent, accurate, concise, and timely.
Evaluates and documents patient response to interventions and progress towards attainment of goals and expected outcomes
Revises plan of care according to evaluations of patient's responses and outcomes.
Uses the Computerized Patient Record System (CPRS) and the Bar Coded Medication Administration (BCMA) software per policy
Demonstrates appropriate and consistent critical thinking skills. The nurse can recognize the patient has a problem and involves the appropriate team members.
Maintains role-specific competency checklist complete and is rated competent in all measured areas.
Practice follows the ANA Code of Ethics for Nurses
Treats all patients and families with dignity and respect. Listens to and honors patient and family perspectives and choices.
Maintains professional boundaries with patients, families, and employees. Behavior as a role model is transparent and above reproach.
Safeguards patient privacy and maintains confidentiality of all electronic and printed patient information according to HIPAA guidelines, the Privacy Act, and as stated in the Medical Center Memo on ADP Security.
Attains proficiency in dealing with ethical issues related to professional nursing practice and behaves in an appropriate manner through observance of established policies of the unit, VA, and professional practice.
Demonstrates a commitment to diversity principles by supporting the facility's Equal Employment Opportunities and Affirmative Action Programs.
Demonstrates compliance with infection control practices, such as hand washing and wearing of appropriate personal protective equipment. Demonstrates safe work practices. Complies with safety rules and regulations for safe job performance and fire protection.
Adheres to Safe Patient Handling practices for safe body mechanics, use of mechanical devices, and/or requests help when needed in moving, lifting, or turning patients to prevent injury to patient, self or others.
Promptly reports all accidents to supervisor and notifies supervisor promptly of unsafe or unhealthy environmental situations/conditions. Corrects safety hazards promptly.
Conserves resources effectively by using supplies and equipment in a responsible manner. Follows appropriate standard operating procedures related to the equipment, devices, and work practices that impact or have the potential to impact the environment.
Maintains current professional knowledge and skills based on current evidence based practice and applies to practice and care of patients. Participates in unit based educational activities and continuing education opportunities to increase clinical and professional knowledge.
Practices and fosters in staff, that access to understandable health information can empower individuals to participate in their health (Patient and Family Centered Care; Planetree).
Other duties as assigned to meet the needs of the Medical Center
Work Schedule: Various tours of duty
Telework: Not Authorized
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 57277, 57278, 57279, 57280-O
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required
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: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.
***This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until September 30, 2023. The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be June 28, 2023. Eligible applications received after that date will be referred at regular intervals or as additional vacancies occur on an as-needed basis OR until positions are filled. ***
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.
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.
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, résumé, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.
It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.
Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 09/30/2023 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/11987123.
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.
You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.
NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
This job originated on www.usajobs.gov. For the full announcement and to apply, visit www.usajobs.gov/job/730152300. Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.
Learn more about
Interested in a career that offers a balance of work and family life? Look no further! The VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System (ECHCS) offers a balance of professional and clinical complexity that stimulates growth yet also allows the professional an opportunity to enjoy life outside of work. If you are interested in a career that offers an integrated patient-centered approach while providing compassionate and state of the art care to Veterans, we welcome you to apply. By serving and honoring the men and women who are America's System (ECHCS) - Aurora, CO Veterans, we fulfill President Lincoln's promise, "To care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow, and his orphan
."***This position is located in the Alamosa Colorado VA Health Care Clinic***
