Practical Nurse (LPN) - Rockford Clinic

at Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration in Rockford, Illinois, United States

Job Description

Summary The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) is located at our Rockford VA Clinic, 816 Featherstone Rd, Rockford, IL 61107 and will be assigned to the Specialty Clinics and Primary Care. LPNs are needed for delivering direct patient care from adult through geriatric Veterans for both acute and chronic diseases in an outpatient setting. Incumbent may be assigned to any clinic needing coverage, including Lab. Responsibilities VISN 12 is committed to fostering and sustaining an environment which celebrates diversity, provides equitable opportunities for employment and promotion, and supports inclusiveness in our culture. Together, we strive to create and maintain working and learning environments that promote professional growth and teamwork, and are inclusive, equitable and welcoming. We embrace our differences as individuals and unite as a team toward a common goal: to serve our nation’s Veterans. The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) will be assigned to the Specialty Clinics and Primary Care. LPNs are held accountable for delivering direct patient care from adult through geriatric Veterans for both acute and chronic diseases in an outpatient setting. Incumbent implements basic and advanced LPN procedures as defined by policies and procedures. The incumbent may be assigned to any clinic needing coverage, including Lab. Duties include, but are not limited to: Observes and reports changes in patients’ physical and emotional conditions utilizing elements of the nursing process of signs and symptoms identification, observation, perception, clinical measurements, screening protocols, and prescribed history taking. Performs health history screenings per pre-formatted documentation. Screens, intervenes, and follows through for acute/chronic medical and emotional conditions for adult through geriatric populations with minimal supervision of a registered nurse/provider. Effectively demonstrates ability to gather data and observations, assist in planning, implementing, documenting, and evaluating the care of patients seen in the outpatient care setting. Distinguishes between normal changes that accompany the aging process vs. pathological changes. Recognizes priorities and adjusts patient care accordingly. Recognizes and intervenes appropriately for urgent and emergency patient needs. Demonstrates ongoing improvement as an experienced LPN in recognizing, assessing, and intervening in both acute and chronic medical conditions, and minor surgical. Confers with other providers and Services to meet patients’ needs beyond LPN scope of practice and experience. Reinforces instructions accurately as previously provided to patient by RN or provider for further VA or community follow-up. Demonstrates clinical competence in performing core and practice specific procedures according to the Competency Checklist. Has the knowledge and skill sufficient to prepare, administer, and appropriately document actions taken specific to commonly prescribed oral, topical, subcutaneous, rectal, vaginal, inhaled, intramuscular, and/or intravenous medications as permitted by policy/procedure. Manages the daily operations of the podiatry technician clinic. All other clinics and duties as assigned. Work Schedule: M-F: 0700-1530 and 0800-1630 may include some evenings weekends and holidays. Telework: This is not a telework position Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required 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). Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) – See “Additional Information” below for details. Qualifications Applicants pending the completion of educational, or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements within 15 days of the closing date of this announcement. 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. 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. OR 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/L VN licensure will be accepted as meeting the education requirements for VHA employment. OR 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. AND 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. OR Individuals granted a license by a jurisdiction that does not require graduation from an approved school. See paragraph 4, section C. 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 Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements, 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-04. Six months of qualifying experience as an LPN or L VN; 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-05 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/L VNs 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 with patients, family members, professional and other supportive personnel patient care, incorporating acceptable, esta