Licensed Practical Nurse - Specialty Clinics

Department of Veterans Affairs•Buffalo, NY

50d•Onsite

About The Position

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific eligibility requirements per VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) & eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after review of the EDRP application. Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply. The Buffalo VA Medical Center is seeking a full-time Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) to join the Specialty Clinics team! The LPN works under the direction and supervision of the registered nurse and displays knowledge and ability in providing a full range of practical nursing care to patients with a variety of physical and/or behavioral problems. The LPN serves as a responsible member of the nursing team and interacts with patients, family members, professional and supportive personnel who provide patient care, and with members of other services. The LPN functions as a member of the interdisciplinary team, participates in providing holistic care to patients in acute, sub-acute or chronic stages of illness with changing nursing needs that are predictable and require periodic assessment by the registered nurse. The incumbent carries out all functions and duties outlined for the practical nurse, but on a regular and recurring basis performs aspects of nursing care that require a basic understanding of the total patient program, understanding of simple scientific facts and principles, a broad spectrum of technical skills, adaptation of procedures to meet individual patient needs, and recognition of the relatedness of patients' behavior and physical condition.

Nice To Haves

Demonstrate computer skills which include; keyboarding, use of Outlook and Word, creation of written correspondence, and ability to access computer networks/databases.
Ability to assist with sterile procedures including; set-up, collecting specimens per facility policy, foley catheter insertion and wound care.
Knowledge of Vista software to manage mail, enter work orders, and enter, retrieve and print various Vista reports relevant to patient care.
Three (3) years acute med/surg LPN experience preferred.
One (1) year of clinic experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Establishing positive patient/family/staff relationships by utilizing appropriate communication skills.
Assisting in the collection and documentation of routine objective and subjective data relative to uncomplicated patient situations.
Participating in patient centered conferences and shift reports.
Assisting and maintaining a clean, safe, and therapeutic environment. Adhering to all safety and health standards, regulations, and work practices.
Providing competent patient care in a manner which ensures safety to patients, staff, visitors, and self, and seeking direction as needed.
Assisting with simple diagnostic measures, including collection of urine and stool specimens, and collecting and/or testing any other specimens as instructed.
Assisting with appropriate actions in emergency situations; initiating CPR when indicated. Maintains BLS certification.
Performing routine treatments relevant to area of assignment.
Administering selected medications to a number of patients and seeking clarification of orders as necessary. Identifying the need for PRN medications, recognizing and reporting effects of medication. Documenting the administration of all medications in the Medical Record following established policies. Documenting the response to PRN medications in the medical record.
Recording basic information in the medical record and reporting patient status to RN. Documenting patient/family/significant other teaching and their response to the teaching.
Displaying respect for human dignity and the uniqueness of the patient unrestricted by consideration of social or economic status, personal attributes, or nature of health problems.
Safeguarding the patient's right to privacy by judiciously protecting information of a confidential nature.
Assisting with the implementation of the quality improvement program at the unit level.
Following established safety practices and reporting to the supervisor, as promptly as possible, unsafe conditions, unsafe practices, or any occupational illness or injury which was sustained.
Maintains professional boundaries with patients, families, and other staff at all times.
All other duties as assigned.