Ambulatory Care Practical Nurse

Veterans Health Administration • Reno, NV

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Ambulatory Care Practical Nurse provides practical nursing care in an outpatient/ambulatory care setting. Under indirect RN supervision, the nurse may function as the primary nurse, provide shift-change reports, administer and document medications and treatments, monitor and communicate patient status, and respond to routine and emergency care needs. The position includes pain evaluation and patient education or referral according to established guidelines, as well as infection-prevention practices and care for patients in isolation. The full performance level is GS-06; applicants may be selected at grades GS-3 through GS-06. The schedule is Monday through Friday. Ad-hoc telework may be available with supervisor approval; the position is not virtual. The position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), subject to program eligibility and approval. EDRP may provide up to $200,000 in student loan reimbursement over an eligibility period of one to five years. The position is permanent, and applicants selected must meet applicable citizenship, licensure, education, English proficiency, background, physical evaluation, and other VA employment requirements.

Requirements

• Graduate from a practical or vocational nursing program approved by the appropriate State agency and/or accredited by NLNAC when completed, subject to stated military-training and licensure exceptions.
• Hold active, full, current, and unrestricted licensure as a Graduate Licensed Practical Nurse or Licensed Vocational Nurse in a U.S. State, Territory, Commonwealth, or the District of Columbia.
• Be proficient in written and spoken English.
• Meet the applicable experience and competency requirements for the grade selected: GS-3 has no additional requirements beyond the basic requirements; GS-4 requires qualifying experience or qualifying education and experience; GS-5 requires at least one year of qualifying GS-4-level experience and demonstrated practical nursing knowledge and abilities; GS-6 requires at least one year of qualifying GS-5-level experience and demonstrated technical proficiency and patient-care competencies.
• For GS-5, demonstrate ability to provide a range of practical nursing care, work as a responsible member of a nursing team, prepare and document commonly prescribed medications within local policy, recognize emergencies and assist in resuscitation, and report equipment, safety, or supply problems.
• For GS-6, demonstrate ability to provide assigned care to varied patient populations; use judgment in sequencing procedures and treatments; recognize, report, and record patient information; respond to medication, equipment-assisted care, and education needs; administer prescribed medications and treatments according to policy; recognize urgent or emergent situations and initiate directed interventions; work effectively with patients, families, and staff; and support complex diagnostic tests and specialized procedures.
• Be a U.S. citizen, except where VA policy permits appointment of non-citizens when qualified citizens cannot be recruited.
• Pass required pre-employment screening, including a drug test for testing-designated positions, background/security investigation, and pre-employment physical evaluation.
• Meet applicable Selective Service registration requirements for males born after December 31, 1959.
• Complete required onboarding and application documentation and comply with the seasonal influenza vaccination program and annual Employee Health requirements.
• Serve a one- or two-year trial period and receive written certification for continued employment upon completion.
• Meet the physical requirements, including visual acuity, hearing, clear speech, manual dexterity, and capacity for potentially extended walking, standing, stooping, sitting, bending, pulling, pushing, and patient or object transfers.
• Be able to work effectively in stressful situations, shift priorities based on patient needs, and potentially work around infected patients, contaminated materials, isolation precautions, and occasionally combative patients.

Nice To Haves

• PACT or outpatient primary care clinic experience.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, administer, record, and communicate results of medications, vital signs, and treatments.
• Report and record gross and subtle changes in patient status.
• Under indirect RN supervision, function as the primary nurse and give shift-change reports to the oncoming nurse and nursing assistant.
• Recognize and respond appropriately to emergencies, including fire, disaster, bomb or hostage threats, cardiac or pulmonary arrest, and behavioral emergencies.
• Carry out emergency measures, obtain medical or other assistance, and initiate CPR when needed.
• Complete pain evaluations and provide education or refer patients for further evaluation according to pre-formulated guidelines.
• Follow asepsis and universal precautions to maintain a safe environment for patients, families, and employees.
• Set up and care for patients in isolation in accordance with infection-control standards.
• Recognize and report equipment malfunction or loss, safety hazards, and supply deficiencies.
• Provide patient and family education and establish constructive relationships that support communication and positive socialization.
• Support complex diagnostic tests and specialized procedures by preparing patients, assisting with examinations, handling specialized instruments or equipment, and monitoring patients before, during, and after procedures.
• Seek educational opportunities to improve nursing knowledge and skills and share new knowledge with staff.

Benefits

• Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), subject to eligibility and approval, with potential student loan reimbursement up to $200,000 over one to five years.
• Federal employee benefits package for eligible employees and their families.
• Potential annual leave accrual credit based on prior work or military service, subject to request and approval before appointment.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed