Licensed Practical Nurse-Medical Outpatient Clinic (MOPC)

Veterans Health Administration • Johnson City, TN

24d • Onsite

About The Position

The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) provides specialized practical nursing care to Veterans in a Medical Outpatient Clinic. The role requires recognizing acute, subtle, urgent, and emergent changes in a Veteran’s physical or emotional condition; documenting care and responses accurately and promptly; and reporting changes to the Nurse Manager, Registered Nurse (RN), or health care provider (HCP) for further intervention. The LPN communicates effectively with Veterans, families, caregivers, professionals, and other members of the health care team, and applies comprehensive practical nursing knowledge to serve as a resource for colleagues.

The LPN contributes to and updates care plans for assigned Veterans, carries out nursing program objectives and requirements, administers prescribed medications and treatments, and helps prioritize and adjust care based on patient needs. The position works under general supervision while exercising independent technical judgment appropriate to the assignment. The work schedule is 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The position serves adult and elderly Veterans in a medical center that provides inpatient and outpatient care, including care for patients with psychiatric and medical comorbidities.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship, except that non-citizens may be appointed when qualified U.S. citizens cannot be recruited in accordance with VA policy.
• Graduation from a state-approved school of practical or vocational nursing, or a program accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission when the program was completed.
• Full, active, current, unrestricted LPN or LVN licensure in a U.S. state, territory, commonwealth, or the District of Columbia.
• For the GS-7 grade, at least one year of additional qualifying experience at the GS-6 level or equivalent, meeting GS-6 LPN/LVN performance requirements.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English.
• Ability to exercise independent technical judgment under general supervision and apply comprehensive practical nursing knowledge and skills.
• Ability to recognize subtle physical and emotional changes and urgent or emergent patient-care situations, seek appropriate assistance, and intervene as directed.
• Ability to accurately administer and document medications and treatments, monitor patient responses, and promptly report potential drug reactions or other changes.
• Ability to communicate effectively with patients and families who may be difficult to care for or communicate with, including those displaying resistant, abusive, or self-control-related behaviors.
• Visual acuity, keen hearing, clear distinctive speech, and manual dexterity.
• Ability to work effectively in stressful situations, remain flexible, and shift priorities based on patient needs.
• Compliance with background and security investigation requirements, pre-employment identification and onboarding requirements, and seasonal influenza vaccination requirements.
• Males born after December 31, 1959, must meet Selective Service registration requirements.
• Selected applicants must complete a one- or two-year trial period.

Nice To Haves

• Medical outpatient experience.

Responsibilities

• Carry out specialized patient-care activities and use Veteran care data to contribute to overall health plans and implement interventions to improve, restore, or maintain function.
• Follow program regulations and guidelines to meet and maintain Nursing program requirements.
• Contribute to care plans for assigned Veterans, outlining program modalities and updating plans as needed and according to policy; plans receive general review and co-signature by an RN or physician.
• Promote nursing concepts in the Medical Center and collaborate with the RN and/or health care provider.
• Prepare and administer prescribed oral, topical, subcutaneous, intramuscular, and/or intravenous medications, and perform treatments according to established policies and procedures.
• Observe for physical and emotional changes, document identified changes and responses to care, and report deviations from normal to the RN or health care provider.
• Take appropriate action based on communications, observations, care reports, and provider or staff discussions; report changes and implement appropriate strategies to support safe, effective care.
• Help staff prioritize Veterans’ care needs and adjust care plans as needed; recognize subtle changes and respond to deterioration or emergencies by notifying appropriate personnel promptly.
• Accurately report and record significant information received from other team members and make or implement modifications based on that information.
• Communicate effectively with Veterans and families exhibiting challenging psychological or physical behaviors, and use appropriate treatment modalities and procedures for complex patients.
• Work independently without readily available supervision and communicate effectively with Veterans, families, caregivers, professionals, and support staff.
• Assist Veterans and families in promoting healthy lifestyles and positive outcomes.
• Contribute to improvements in care delivery and patient or family satisfaction through participation in committees, task forces, research projects, or educational materials, as applicable.
• Serve as a resource, role model, and mentor to nursing staff in specialized procedures, practices, and technology.
• Support the RN or physician in monitoring unlicensed nursing or nonmedical staff involved in patient care and report deviations from normal practice.
• Seek educational opportunities to enhance nursing knowledge and skills and help other staff advance their practice.

Benefits

• Federal employees earn annual leave at a rate of 4, 6, or 8 hours per pay period based on federal service; eligible prior work or military service may be credited toward annual leave accrual, subject to approval.
• A comprehensive federal employee benefits package is available, subject to position type and eligibility.

What This Job Offers

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