Licensed Practical Nurse - Psychiatry

Veterans Health Administration • Tuscaloosa, AL

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Licensed Practical Nurse provides customer-focused nursing care to patients presenting to the psychiatry clinic and contributes to an interdisciplinary approach to patient care. The nurse establishes constructive relationships with patients and families, supporting communication, socialization, dignity, and positive relationships. Duties include administering prescribed medications and treatments within scope of practice, monitoring and documenting patient conditions, supporting patients with physical limitations, and maintaining a clean, safe, infection-controlled care environment. The position is a GS-6 full-performance-level role. The work schedule is Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; telework is not available. The position is not virtual. The role is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program, subject to individual eligibility and program approval; awards may be up to $200,000 for one to five years. Sign-on and relocation incentives are not authorized.

Requirements

• Graduate from a school of practical or vocational nursing approved by the appropriate State agency and/or accredited by NLNAC when the program was completed, subject to stated exceptions.
• Hold full, active, current, and unrestricted licensure as a licensed practical or vocational nurse in a U.S. State, Territory, Commonwealth, or the District of Columbia.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English for direct patient care.
• For selection at GS-6, have at least one year of qualifying experience at the GS-5 level or equivalent and meet GS-5 LPN/LVN performance requirements.
• Demonstrate technical proficiency in initiating, performing, and completing assigned patient-care duties across variable patient populations.
• Use judgment to provide care appropriate to patient condition, sequence procedures and treatments, and accurately recognize, report, and record patient information.
• Observe and respond to patient care needs, including medication, equipment-assisted care, and patient/family education, while considering emotional, cultural, spiritual, socioeconomic, and age-related factors.
• Prepare and administer prescribed medications and perform treatments according to established procedures; observe, document, and report changes in patient condition.
• Recognize urgent or emergent care situations, seek assistance from an RN and/or physician, and initiate appropriate interventions as directed.
• Apply knowledge of human behavior and patient responses when working with patients, families, and staff.
• Respect patient and family privacy and dignity, and apply customer-service standards in interactions with internal and external customers.
• Have knowledge and skill in supporting complex diagnostic tests or specialized procedures, including patient preparation, examination assistance, equipment handling, and monitoring before, during, and after procedures.
• Meet applicable U.S. citizenship requirements; non-citizens may be appointed only when qualified citizens cannot be recruited under VA policy.
• Meet VA employment conditions, including applicable background/security investigation, pre-employment physical evaluation, drug testing for testing-designated positions, seasonal influenza vaccination, and onboarding requirements.
• Complete a one- or two-year trial period, as applicable.

Nice To Haves

• Actively seek educational opportunities to enhance nursing knowledge and skills and share new knowledge with staff.
• Serve as a preceptor to orient, educate, and train less experienced LPNs/LVNs or nursing assistants/health technicians in support duties for complex specialized tests or procedures.
• Eligibility for the Education Debt Reduction Program, subject to program requirements and approval.

Responsibilities

• Provide customer-focused nursing care to patients presenting to the clinic and contribute to interdisciplinary patient care.
• Establish constructive relationships with patients to elicit feelings and attitudes and promote positive relationships, communication, and socialization skills.
• Administer prescribed medications and perform treatments within scope of practice and according to policy.
• Use computer terminals and keyboards, enter leave through VATAS, make or receive administrative calls, and document care and relevant patient data in CPRS.
• Gather data for chronic disease assessments and preventive screenings, and take and document vital signs, height, and weight.
• Administer oral, intramuscular, subcutaneous, and rectal medications according to policy; observe therapeutic effects and adverse reactions.
• Observe patients receiving intravenous fluids, monitor flow and IV sites, report adverse findings, and document observations.
• Recognize potential emergency situations, seek assistance, and initiate appropriate actions according to policy and procedures.
• Support patients with physical limitations during physical, psychosocial, and emotional readjustment.
• Maintain infection control, cleanliness, and safety in the patient environment; use and maintain patient-care equipment appropriately.
• Perform concurrent cleaning of exam tables and chairs and maintain the specialty care area as assigned.
• Maintain a professional and courteous attitude when interacting with veterans, family members, stakeholders, and other staff.
• Perform other patient-care assignments designated by the professional nurse in charge that are appropriate to the nurse’s training level.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and regular salary increases.
• 37–50 days of annual paid time off per year, including 13–26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays.
• Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave after 12 months of employment, in connection with birth, adoption, or foster-care placement.
• Childcare subsidy potentially available to eligible full-time employees after 60 days of employment, subject to income and other eligibility requirements.
• Traditional federal pension with five-year vesting and federal 401(k), with up to 5% in VA contributions.
• Federal health, vision, dental, term life, and long-term care insurance; many federal insurance programs may be carried into retirement.
• Education Debt Reduction Program reimbursement, subject to individual eligibility and program approval.

What This Job Offers

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