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. Citizenship. Citizen of the United States. (Noncitizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g, 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. Exceptions include: 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. Individuals granted a license by a jurisdiction that does not require graduation from an approved school. 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. 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). Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements stated above, 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 (unless meeting one of the education exceptions above) 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. 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. 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. Preferred Experience:One year experience working in mental health. References: VA HANDBOOK 5005, PART II, APPENDIX G13The 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. ["This is an open continuous announcement. Qualified applicants will be considered and referred every two weeks or as vacancies become available. First cut off date is 8/31/2023. The LPN functions as a member of the nursing and treatment teams in planning and implementing a full range of practical nursing care for veterans. The position provides complex age-specific and population-specific nursing care for adult and geriatric inpatients or outpatients with physical, mental, behavioral or psychosocial needs, according to assignment and training. Performance of duties requires exceptional knowledge, experience and skill for concentrated effort and self-motivation to carry out patient care assignments which involve performing non-standard and specialized practical nursing activities for critically ill psychiatric, medical and/or geriatric patients. Major duties include but are not limited to: Provides for the patient's privacy and safety. Assists with data collection for outpatients and new admissions. Observes, reports and documents signs and symptoms of patient's general condition. Participates in nursing and/or interdisciplinary team conferences, exchanging information about patient needs and condition, and assists in the nursing management of patients with complex problems. Provides input into the Nursing Care Plan and/or the Interdisciplinary Plan of Care. Monitors patients who require group status or 1:1 observation, e.g., suicide precautions, patients with potential for injuring self or others. Documents and reports behavior patterns and changes per Nursing Patient Care Procedure. Provides for a safe, clean and therapeutic environment including work area. Follows all safety policies and procedures including using good body mechanics and wearing personal protective equipment as needed. Makes frequent rounds on patients, noting environment, changes in patient's behavior and/or physical condition. Reports and documents all observed problems and indicates which might have an adverse effect on patients, visitors or personnel. Initiates appropriate action. Performs such diagnostic procedures as TPR, B/P, pain screen, pulse oximetry, bladder scanning, I&O, heights, weights, fingersticks, breathalyzer, and EKGs. Recognizes deviations from normal. Documents and reports results to the registered nurse and/or physician. Provides direct nursing care to adult and geriatric patients with complex problems according to nursing standards and Medical Center policy and procedure. Observes, documents and reports unpredictable behavior that may lead to violence, potential for injury related to wandering or fall risk. Uses diversional activities to promote restraint-free environment. Under the direction of the registered nurse, uses least restrictive protective supportive device when restraint is ordered. Reinforces patient's performance of exercises and other concepts recommended by the Physical Medicine & Rehabilitative Service program. Participation in interdisciplinary treatment and discharge planning with team members. Assumes initiative and responsibility for completing recurring assignments and, when necessary, assists co-workers in completion of their assignments. Assists in the orientation of nursing assistants and other staff to provide a positive working environment. Provides leadership to nursing assistants in the direction of improved patient care. Assumes responsibility for personal development by attending inservices, completing mandatory annual training and unit-specific competencies and utilization of current nursing research. Work Schedule: ALL TOURS. (0730-1600 with rotation to 1530-2400 and 0000-0800 -or- 1530-2400 assigned tour -or- 0000-0800 assigned tour. And every other weekend. Compressed/Flexible: Not Available, possible off tour rotation Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 / Practical Nurse - Mental Health Services Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized EDRP Authorized: 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 Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]

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