Licensed Practical Nurse - Specialty Clinic

Veterans Health Administration • Nashville, TN

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The GS-07 Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Specialty Clinic position is located at the Nashville, Tennessee VA Medical Center and works in the Surgical Specialty clinic under the supervision of the Nurse Manager. The LPN exercises independent technical judgment without readily available supervision and provides complex practical nursing care to a Veteran population with varied healthcare needs. The role requires self-direction, critical thinking, prioritization, and coordination of clinical activities with minimal supervision.

The LPN works as part of a Specialty team to provide complex, specialized, patient-centered care adapted to patients’ ages, cultural backgrounds, education levels, and other needs. The patient population includes geriatric patients, Veterans from all wartime eras, female patients, and patients with complex psychiatric needs. The position also serves as a clinical resource and team leader, supports colleagues’ nursing practice, coordinates assignments with the RN, and assists the Nurse Manager with specialized clinic projects.

The position is subject to a one- or two-year trial period. The work schedule is based on the needs of the service. The position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship, subject to the stated VA policy exception for non-citizens when qualified citizens cannot be recruited.
• Graduate of a practical or vocational nursing school approved by the appropriate State agency and accredited by ACEN when the program was completed.
• 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.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.
• At least three years of LPN experience, including at least one year of additional qualifying experience at the GS-6 level or equivalent, fully meeting GS-6 performance requirements.
• Knowledge and skills to provide specialized patient care in complex inpatient or outpatient settings and contribute to development and modification of treatment plans.
• Ability to assist the RN or physician in prioritizing patient care, recognize subtle physical and emotional changes, document care and patient responses, and report changes requiring higher-level intervention.
• Ability to assist with medication and treatment needs, administer prescribed medications and treatments accurately, recognize signs of drug reactions, and report changes promptly.
• Ability to recognize urgent or emergent situations, seek RN or physician assistance, and intervene as directed to support safe patient care.
• Ability to help patients and families promote healthy lifestyles and communicate effectively with patients or family members who may be difficult to care for or communicate with.
• Ability to contribute to improving care delivery and patient or family satisfaction, including through participation in committees, task forces, research projects, or development of educational materials.
• Must be physically and mentally able to perform the duties, including lifting 30 pounds or more and twisting, bending, standing, or walking almost constantly during the day.
• Subject to pre-employment drug testing, background and security investigation, seasonal influenza vaccination requirements, and completion of online onboarding and application requirements.
• Must serve a one- or two-year trial period.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct patient care appropriate to the assignment and manage care problems or deviations using self-direction consistent with VA nursing practice and LPN licensure standards.
• Assess, record, and report vital signs, neurological signs, weight, and blood glucose levels.
• Triage and prioritize clinic patients as routine, urgent, or emergent, modifying care or treatment as needed.
• Check patients into the clinic, interview patients or significant others, and document intake data according to policy.
• Apply VA protocols and VHA directives related to clinic management, documentation, and computer technology.
• Serve as a resource for specialized procedures, including suture and staple removal, wound care, blood draws, ear irrigation, EKGs, nebulizer treatments, and setup assistance for joint injections.
• Assist with diagnostic procedures by preparing patients, setting up sterile fields and instruments, and monitoring patient condition.
• Collaborate with Specialty team members and interdisciplinary services in developing, implementing, and evaluating patient care.
• Follow up with providers on abnormal results and educate patients and families about disease management and anticipated plans of care.
• Serve in a leadership role on the Specialty team to promote holistic care and clinic efficiency; function as a role model and resource for coworkers.
• Serve as a Super User for frequently used clinic equipment, including PYXIS, EKG, and Car Lift, and follow appropriate equipment repair and maintenance protocols.
• Coordinate clinical work assignments with the RN to ensure patient care needs are met.
• Assist with staff competencies for frequently used equipment and lead other LPNs and non-licensed staff as needed.
• Provide feedback to the Nurse Manager or designee, including observations of care provided by team members.
• Assist the Nurse Manager with planning and organizing specialized unit projects, such as mobile flu, injection, and walk-in clinics.
• Perform phlebotomy.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Competitive salary with regular salary increases.
• A higher step rate within the appropriate grade may be considered based on existing pay, higher or unique qualifications, or VA special needs.
• Federal benefits package for eligible employees and their families.
• Selected applicants may qualify for approved annual leave accrual credit based on prior federal work or military service.

What This Job Offers

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