Licensed Vocational Nurse (Surgical)

Company: Department of Veterans Affairs
Location: Fresno
Posted on: December 7, 2018

Job Description:

Incumbent practices in the outpatient care setting under the direction and supervision of the Head Nurse Surgical Service. The LVN/LPN is expected to demonstrate knowledge and ability to vary the order and sequence of assigned procedures based on patient's condition; to use judgment in selecting the most appropriate application of procedures and guidelines; and to accurately report and record significant patient information. Completed work needs only a general review by a registered nurse for technical soundness; appropriateness and conformity with policy and nursing assignments.Duties may include, but are not limited to: Adheres to standards of practice and safe technique in preparation and administration of medications. Demonstrates understanding of age- and population-specific characteristics that affect the health care needs of the Veteran. Actively participates in Specialty Care Neighborhood team huddles and meetings. Promptly recognizes urgent or emergent patient care situations, seeks assistance and effectively intervenes as directed and when appropriate. Interacts and communicates appropriately with patients and family members. Participates within the Specialty Care Neighborhood team secure messaging framework, typically, as triage team member. Adheres to principles of infection control, safety, and universal precautions. Maintains a clean clinic environment and stocks assigned exam rooms daily. Incumbent possesses knowledge of proper handling and pre-cleaning of reusable medical equipment. Demonstrates competence utilizing special equipment needed to perform job duties. Follows policy and procedures related to fire and disaster drills, safety and security measures. Demonstrates initiative in assisting the Specialty Care Neighborhood Teams. Assists in the orientation and competency validation of students, peers and clerical staff. Maintains confidentiality of electronic, written, and/or verbal patient information. Serves as a resource and advocate in the protection of patient and family rights. May act as health coach, including motivational interviewing, in order to promote patient self-management toward individualized life plan of care. Supports patient-driven care in a safe, efficient and cost-effective manner, using evidence based principles. Promotes patient and personnel safety. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 7:30am to 4:00pmFinancial Disclosure Report: Not requiredBasic Requirements:Citizenship. Citizen of the United States. (Noncitizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens.)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) in 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. .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 VA Policy.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 in section A, the following qualification criteria must be met for grade GS-06. The candidate's qualifications must clearly demonstrate the level of competence required for GS-06.GS-6(a) 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.(b) Technically proficient in initiating, performing and completing assigned duties in providing care to variable patient populations.(c) 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.(d) 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.(e) 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.(f) 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.(g) 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.(h) 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.(i) 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.(j) Actively seeks out educational opportunities to enhance nursing knowledge and skills, sharing new knowledge gained with other staff to improve and advance nursing practice.References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G13 Qualification Standard. This can be foundin the local Human Resources Office.The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-06.Physical Requirements: Heavy Lifting (45 lbs and over); Heavy Carrying (45 lbs and over); Straight Pulling (7 to 8 hours); Pushing (7 to 8 hours); Reaching above shoulder; Use of fingers; Both hands required; Walking (7 to 8 hours); Standing (1 hour); kneeling (1 hour); Repeated bending (7 to 8 hours); both legs required; Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; Near vision correctable at 13" to 16"; far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other; Hearing (aid permitted); emotional/ mental stability. NoneTo apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:Resume VA Form 10-2850c Application for Associated Health Occupations can be found at: http://www.va.gov/vaforms/search_action.asp?FormNo2850&tkey&ActionSearch. Copy of Transcript Copy of License The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please use this checklist to ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's, documentation to support Veterans Preference or ICTAP/CTAP documentation (for displaced Federal employees).Cover LetterDD-21410-2850cCivil Service LetterResumeSF-15SF-50TranscriptVeterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form. Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit http://www.fedshirevets.gov/job/vetpref/index.aspx.

Keywords: Department of Veterans Affairs, Fresno , Licensed Vocational Nurse (Surgical), Healthcare , Fresno, California