This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application. Learn more To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 07/06/2022. 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: Written and Spoken Physical Standards: All applicants must meet the physical standards for the position. A physical examination prior to employment may be required. 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. 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. 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. 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; religious; 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. 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-3 None beyond the basic requirements. GS-4 Six months of qualifying experience as an LPN or LVN; or Graduation from an approved school 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 Graduation from an approved school of at least 24 months duration. GS-5 Completion of at least 1 year of qualifying experience at the GS-4 level or equivalent. Demonstrated knowledge and ability to provide a full range of practical nursing care to patients with a variety of physical and/or behavioral problems. Works with the RN and/or MD/DO 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. Provides effective education to patients and/or family members in relation to common disease processes, medication, and /or prescribed treatment regimes. Demonstrated ability to serve as a responsible member of the nursing team and interact in an appropriate manner with patients, family members, professional and other supportive personnel involved in the delivery of patient care, incorporating acceptable, established customer service standards into practice. Knowledge and skill sufficient to prepare, administer, and appropriately document actions taken specific to commonly prescribed oral, topical, subcutaneous, intramuscular, and/or intravenous medications as permitted by approved local facility policies and procedures. Observation and documentation will include patient's response to medication administered and the reporting of any noted change in patient's condition to RN or MD/DO. Knowledge and ability to recognize the need for and to institute emergency measures when indicated, promptly seek the assistance of the RN or MD/DO, and assist in resuscitation procedures in cardiac and/or pulmonary arrest. Recognizes and appropriately responds to breakage/malfunction or loss of equipment, safety hazards, and supply deficiencies, promptly reporting to appropriate personnel for corrective action. Completed work is under the general supervision of an RN or MD/DO. Individuals at this grade level are expected to have a broad working knowledge of practical nursing procedures. However, completion of more complex practices or procedures may be subject to closer higher-level review. 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. Technically proficient in initiating, performing and completing assigned duties in providing care to variable patient populations. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. References: VA Handbook 5005/27, Part II, Appendix G13, LICENSED PRACTICAL OR VOCATIONAL NURSE QUALIFICATION STANDARD, dated 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. ["Duties include, but aren't limited to: Explains procedures to residents, using language which they understand. Ensures that the physical and emotional environment is consistent with the vision for resident-centered care. Maintains self-control and responds consistently to the requirements of the work situation. Maintains a positive attitude in accepting temporary reassignment to meet resident care needs. Responds to residents calls for assistance promptly and interacts with the resident in a tactful, courteous manner. Communicates respectfully and works effectively with administrative staff, the health care team, unit staff, residents, and visitors. Provides emotional support to residents, and families/significant others. Fosters an environment of respect for individual resident and family/significant other rights to privacy and dignity in all aspects of care delivery. Serves as Veteran's/family/significant others' advocate. Carrying out assignments for long-term, short-term rehabilitation, respite, hospice/palliative care, and psychiatric residents requiring skilled nursing care. Counts controlled substances with a RN and verifies current count. Prepares and administers prescribed oral, topical, subcutaneous, inhaled medications, controlled substances, intravenous piggybacks, continuous intravenous infusions, and injectable medications and suppositories. Documents when medications are given or omitted, documents effects. Initiates, maintains, and discontinues IV therapy and intermittent intravenous devices. Administers IV piggyback medications via continuous infusion or intermittent infusion device. Observes and documents resident changes in condition to the Charge Nurse or RN. Promptly reports resident incidents. Appropriately initiates emergency response teams as needed. Provides input into the care planning process, assists and provides teaching in activities of daily living (ADLs) to residents and encourages them to participate in ADLs leading to increase independence. Provides or reinforces resident/family/significant other teaching related to medications, disease process, procedures, and self-care activities. Performs a wide range of treatments and procedures including but not limited to: application of heat and cold, wound care, changing complex sterile and clean dressings, administering suppositories, cleansing and retention enemas, tube feedings, weights, vital signs, glucose finger sticks, specimen collection, intake and output, colostomy irrigation, oxygen, orthopedic traction, spirometry, nebulizer treatments, and standard 12 lead EKGs, and care of well-established tracheostomies and laryngectomies. Performs oropharyngeal, tracheostomy, and tracheal suctioning, and tracheostomy and laryngectomy care. Performs a range of resident care activities not limited to: Restorative Care, oral and enteral feeding, bathing, bed making, lifting, turning, positioning and ambulating residents; oral, hair, nail and related care; and other related care of similar complexity such as care of urinary drainage appliances. Collects specimens for laboratory analysis. Provides range of motion exercises for dependent residents. Escorts residents to various appointments on station. Orients residents to the unit. Adheres to and appropriately utilizes the Safe Patient Handling Program standards, practices, and recommendations. Lifts, transfers, and repositions residents safely, according to policy and procedure, seeking assistance when appropriate. Prepares residents for tests, examinations, treatments and surgery. Assists with a variety of diagnostic procedures by setting up trays, supplies, and equipment, using sterile technique and monitoring the patient's condition before, during and following the procedure. Serves as a preceptor in orienting, educating, and training less experienced LPNs or NAs. Applies assistive/protective devices or prosthetic appliances. Understands we are a restraint free facility, but if warranted, have the knowledge to apply, observe and care for residents in restraints, documenting according to hospital policy and procedure. Documents observations, therapeutic measures performed, and care provided following established policy and procedure in correct medical record and completes clinical reminders. Collects subjective and objective data which contributes to the nursing admission assessment, resident reassessment, and discharge planning. Revises the resident's treatment plan. Provides competent care which is safe for both self and others under adverse conditions. Functions as a team leader under the supervision of the RN. Work Schedule: Primarily Evening/Nights which are 3:30pm-midnight and 7:00pm-7:00am\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required\nTelework: Not Available\nVirtual: This is not a virtual position.\nRelocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized\nPermanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized"]