Summary

This advanced-level Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) position is located in the Dermatology Clinic at the Iowa City VA Medical Center in Iowa City - IA. In this role - you will be an integral member of the outpatient care team - delivering high-quality - patient-centered dermatologic care in a fast-paced clinical environment where precision - teamwork - and patient advocacy are essential. Responsibilities also include supporting procedures in our Mohs surgery clinic.

Qualifications

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
• In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7402(d) and 7407(d) - no person shall serve in direct patient care positions unless they are proficient in basic written and spoken English
• 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
• (See Education section of this announcement for exceptions.) Licensure
• Active - full - current and unrestricted licensure as a Graduate Licensed Practical or Vocational Nurse in a State - Territory - or Commonwealth (i.e. - Puerto Rico) - of the United States or the District of Columbia
• 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 Determination The GS-7 grade level is for select - complex LPN positions - as established by each health care facility
• While theses positions are under the direction of an RN and/or MD/DO - the GS-7 LPN must successfully and consistently exercise independent technical judgment as well as a comprehensive and thorough working knowledge of the most complex or difficult practices and procedures
• To qualify at the GS-7 level - candidates must have at least one year of experience at the GS-6 level or equivalent - fully meeting all the performance requirements for the GS-6 LPN/LVN as defined in the VHA Licensed Practical Nurse Qualification Standard
• In addition - the GS-7 candidate must also demonstrate the following GS-7 level Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities (KSAs): Knowledge and skills necessary to carry out more specialized patient care duties - including assignments in selected - more complex inpatient and/or outpatient care settings
• Knowledge base promotes the incorporation of current patient care data in actively contributing to the development of the patient's overall health plan and in carrying out assigned nursing interventions
• Positions at this grade level require broader knowledge and skills because supervision is more general - and employees are expected to be involved to a greater degree in the development and modification of treatment plans
• Ability to assist RN and/or MD/DO to appropriately prioritize overall patient care needs and adjust plans for care delivery
• Makes astute observations of subtle - less obvious changes - both physical and emotional - in patient's condition - and accurately and thoroughly documents care delivered and patient's response to care that could require immediate modification of the patient's care plan
• Appropriately seeks assistance and guidance by informing RN or MD/DO of changes in patient's condition requiring higher-level intervention
• At this grade level - the LPN/LVN is expected to participate to a greater degree in prioritizing - and - as appropriate - modifying patient care treatment
• They must also possess the ability to observe more subtle physical and emotional changes in patients and demonstrate taking appropriate action based on those observations
• Ability to proactively assist the RN or MD/DO in addressing patient's needs for medication/treatments - accurately administering prescribed medications/treatments according to established policies/procedures and appropriately recording administration and patient's response to medications/treatments received
• (This may include restricted medication locally authorized for administration by employees at this grade level.) Demonstrates the knowledge and ability to readily recognize the more subtle signs and symptoms of potential or actual drug reactions - promptly inform the RN or MD/DO of observed changes in patient's condition and initiate appropriate - prescribed interventions
• Employees at this grade level demonstrate broader knowledge and skill with respect to these responsibilities than employees at lower grade levels
• Knowledge and skill to promptly recognize potential urgent or emergent patient care situations - seek assistance of the RN and/or MD/DO for appropriate team intervention and effectively intervene - as directed - to assure the continuation of optimal - safe and therapeutic patient care delivery
• At this grade level - the LPN/LVN must have a broader knowledge of the patient treatment process and exercise judgment that demonstrates the ability to effectively intervene when appropriate
• Assists individuals or groups of patients and their families to take an active role in promoting healthy lifestyles for more positive patient outcomes
• Exercises skill in influencing and communicating with unusually difficult to care for or communicate with patients and/or family members who may exhibit problems with lack of self-control - resistant or abusive behaviors - or impediments in their ability to understand or follow instructions
• This includes the ability to effectively deal with the above types of patients under very general supervision
• Exhibits skill - creativity and initiative in contributing to the improvement of overall care delivery and patient and/or family satisfaction levels through active participation in committees/task forces - research projects or in developing educational materials/media
• Actively promotes and effectively incorporates established customer service standards in all aspects of their practice
• Possesses comprehensive practical nursing knowledge and skills in specialized procedures and practices to serve as a resource person for other staff in organizing and implementing more complex/specialized patient care
• Serves as a role model and mentor to other nursing staff in the application of more complex technology - effectively guiding and directing their continuing practice in these areas
• Supports the RN or MD/DO in monitoring the practice of unlicensed nursing or non-medical staff in patient care delivery
• Promptly reports any deviations from normal practice patterns to the RN or MD/DO
• In addition to responsibilities at the lower grade level - the LPN/LVN is responsible for monitoring the practice of non-licensed nursing and medical staff
• Work of considerable difficulty and responsibility is performed under general supervision
• Individuals in these positions are - to a considerable extent - expected to exercise independent technical judgments and to possess and apply a comprehensive working knowledge of the principles - art and science of practical nursing
• The staff mix is such that employees at this grade level are expected to perform practical nursing duties of considerable difficulty and responsibility under very general supervision
• Actively seeks out educational opportunities to enhance nursing knowledge and skills and providing leadership in assisting other staff improve and advance their nursing practice
• Preferred Experience: Prior work in dermatology - would care - or outpatient specialty clinics that included assisting with minor procedures is preferred - but not required
• Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
• Physical Requirements: This position requires some degree of fitness - strength - and agility
• Duties require extensive periods of standing and walking
• Working with patients requires regular and recurring bending - lifting - stooping - stretching - pushing - pulling - lifting arm overhead - and similar activities
• If selected - questions about physical demands or environmental factors may be addressed during a pre-employment physical evaluation.

Duties

• Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional The GS-7 Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) is an advanced level assignment performing advanced and specialized nursing duties with a higher level of autonomy - responsibility - and clinical expertise
• Under general supervision - the LPN applies in-depth knowledge of practical nursing - demonstrates initiative and critical thinking - and functions effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative healthcare team
• Major duties include - but are not limited to: Perform full range of nursing care including assisting with dermatologic procedures
• administering medications (topical - oral - subcutaneous - intramuscular - and intravenous)
• wound care including dressing applications and changes
• phototherapy treatments
• suture and staple removal
• specimen collection and handling - etc
• Support Mohs surgical procedures by preparing the surgical suite - maintaining sterile technique - assisting the surgeon during procedures - handling specimens - and monitoring patient safety throughout
• Deliver comprehensive patient care - including pre- and post-operative education - wound care - documentation in the electronic health record and collaboration with the dermatology team to ensure high-quality - coordinated care
• Observe and document patient responses to medications and treatments - promptly reporting deviations from expected outcomes to the RN or provider
• Assist in prioritizing patient care needs and adjusts care plans based on ongoing assessments and clinical judgment
• Utilize a broad knowledge base and clinical expertise to modify treatment plans that meet the expectations of veterans and their families
• Apply knowledge of nursing program regulations and objectives to support care delivery and contribute to program goals
• Document and communicate significant patient information received from team members and modify care accordingly
• Communicate effectively with veterans - families - caregivers - and the healthcare team to ensure coordinated - patient-centered care
• Serve as a resource and advocate for patients and families - especially in complex or emotionally sensitive situations
• Educate - guide - and support patients and families in understanding treatment plans and self-care practices - using therapeutic communication techniques to support patients with complex psychological or behavioral needs - promoting optimal functioning
• Monitor and manage clinic medical and surgical supplies - ensuring availability and proper stock rotation
• Assist with administrative tasks such as placing work orders - supporting patient flow - and maintaining organized clinical areas
• Participate in quality improvement initiatives - task forces - and data collection efforts to enhance patient care and satisfaction
• Other duties as assigned
• Work Schedule: Monday-Friday - 7:30a.m
• to 4:00p.m
• Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases When setting pay - a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of higher or unique qualifications or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade)
• Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave - 13 days of sick leave - 11 paid Federal holidays per year) Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual - based on prior [work experience] or military service experience
• Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment - up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth - adoption - or foster care placement of a child
• Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment - full time employees with a total family income below $144 -000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66
• Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position.