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The LVN/LPN assumes the following roles and responsibilities outlined the in LVN Performance Standards for Critical and Non-Critical Elements. Nursing Practice Element:

• Performs direct patient care and services requiring technical and manual skills, specific to unit/service.
• Executes interventions in accordance with treatment plans.
• Fosters a learning environment by participation in the orientation of new employees and providing feedback.
• Takes accountability for actions and mistakes, and complies with established control systems and rules.
• Seeks opportunity for self-improvement and Participates in performance improvements.
• Holds self and others accountable for measurable, high quality, timely and cost-effective results.
• Collaborates with RN/Provider when patient requires a higher level of care not managed within the outpatient setting.

• Contributes to a safe, accessible, effective and functional environment of care through participation in infection control and emergency preparedness plans.
• Responds to emergent patient conditions in a safe and effective manner. i.e. effectively recognizes life-threatening situations and takes immediate action.
• Recognizes changes in patient's condition and deviations from baseline requiring emergent intervention.
• Engages in personal risk management.

• Documentation is factual, objective, accurate, consistent, timely and complete.
• Documents all patient-related activity within tour of duty.
• Educates patients on discharge instructions related to their disease process, treatment plan and documents.

• Anticipates the needs of both internal and external customers and Veterans.
• Delivers high-quality care products and services.
• Practices open, accurate and timely communication.
• Ensures care delivery that maintains the dignity and worth of the patient, recognizing the patient's right to shared decision-making.

• Holds self and others accountable for measurable, high-quality, timely and cost-effective results.
• Accepts responsibility for mistakes.
• Complies with established policy and procedures.
• Exhibits the VA's core values of Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect and Excellence (ICARE)5. Performs other duties as assigned by the Nurse Manager.

• Continuous self-assessment to identify areas for improvement and enhancement personally and professionally.
• Participates in coaching and mentoring of colleagues or new employees.
• Maintains CEUs, TMS 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).

Qualifications

Basic Requirements:

• Citizenship. United States Citizenship
• English Language. Proficiency in written and spoken English.
• 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.
• 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) 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.

• GS-6 Experience: 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. LPN must be technically proficient in initiating, performing and completing assigned duties in providing car to variable patient populations; Possess 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; Ability to observe, identify and respond to the patient's needs; Prepares and administers prescribed medications (oral, topical, subcutaneous, intramuscular and/or intravenous) and performs treatments according to established policies/procedures; Knowledge and ability to recognize urgent or emergent patient care situations; Knowledge and understanding of human behavior, patient motivations and reactions to situations.

How you will be evaluated

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, resume, 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.