Licensed Practical Nurse-PACT Clinical Associate

Veterans Health Administration • Kissimmee, FL

9d • Onsite

About The Position

The PACT LPN Clinical Associate provides complex practical nursing care in an outpatient clinic under the general review of a Registered Nurse. The role uses a systematic problem-solving process to provide individualized, goal-directed care to multiple patients with predictable health care needs. The LPN exercises independent technical judgment, assists in prioritizing and modifying care, administers and documents prescribed medications and treatments, recognizes changes in patients’ physical or emotional conditions and potential drug reactions, and seeks higher-level intervention when needed.

The LPN contributes to patients’ health and treatment plans, supports safe and therapeutic care, and helps patients, families, and caregivers promote healthy lifestyles. The position may include leadership or co-leadership of a nursing unit or group of Veterans. The LPN also serves as a resource, role model, and mentor to nursing staff; helps monitor non-licensed staff practices; and contributes to care-delivery improvements, education, committees, task forces, or research projects.

This is a full-time outpatient clinic position, Monday through Friday, 0800–1630. Telework and virtual work are not available. Relocation and permanent change of station incentives are not authorized.

Requirements

• Active, full, current, and unrestricted licensure as a Graduate Licensed Practical or Vocational Nurse in a U.S. state, territory, commonwealth, or the District of Columbia.
• Graduation from a practical or vocational nursing school approved by the appropriate state agency and/or accredited by the NLNAC, or qualification under one of the stated military-training, VHA employee, or jurisdictional licensing exceptions.
• Proficiency in basic written and spoken English.
• At least one year of additional qualifying experience at the GS-6 level or equivalent, meeting GS-6 LPN/LVN performance requirements.
• Knowledge and skills to perform specialized patient-care duties in complex inpatient and/or outpatient settings and contribute to developing and modifying treatment plans.
• Ability to prioritize patient-care needs, assist with care-plan adjustments, recognize subtle physical and emotional changes, and take appropriate action or seek higher-level intervention.
• Ability to administer and document prescribed medications and treatments, recognize potential or actual drug reactions, and initiate prescribed interventions.
• Ability to recognize urgent or emergent patient-care situations, seek assistance, and intervene as directed.
• Ability to communicate with and influence patients and families who may be difficult to care for or communicate with.
• Ability to contribute to care-delivery improvements and serve as a resource, role model, and mentor to other staff.
• Ability to support and monitor non-licensed nursing and medical staff in patient-care delivery.
• Ability to work effectively in stressful situations, remain flexible, and shift priorities based on patient needs.
• Visual acuity, keen hearing, clear distinctive speech, and manual dexterity; ability to perform periods of walking, standing, kneeling, sitting, bending, pulling, and pushing; patient or object transfers may be required.
• Must serve a one- or two-year trial period, during which continued employment is evaluated.

Nice To Haves

• PACT experience.
• Primary care experience.

Responsibilities

• Provide complex practical nursing care to multiple patients with predictable health care needs in an outpatient clinic under general RN review.
• Use independent technical judgment and a systematic problem-solving process to deliver individualized, goal-directed nursing care.
• Assist the RN and/or provider in prioritizing patient care needs and adjusting care plans and treatment delivery.
• Administer prescribed medications and treatments according to established policies and procedures, including authorized restricted medications, and document administration and patient responses.
• Observe and document subtle physical and emotional changes, potential drug reactions, and other changes that may require modification of the care plan; promptly inform the RN and/or provider and initiate prescribed interventions.
• Recognize urgent or emergent care situations, seek RN and/or provider assistance, and intervene as directed to support safe, therapeutic care.
• Help Veterans, families, and caregivers take an active role in promoting healthy lifestyles and positive outcomes.
• Communicate effectively with patients and caregivers who may be difficult to care for or communicate with, including those exhibiting resistant, abusive, or self-control behaviors or difficulty understanding instructions.
• Contribute to improvements in care delivery and patient or caregiver satisfaction through committees, task forces, research projects, or educational materials.
• Incorporate current patient-care information into treatment planning and assigned nursing interventions.
• Seek educational opportunities and provide leadership, mentoring, and guidance to other nursing staff, including in the use of complex technology and specialized procedures.
• Serve as a resource for staff in organizing and implementing complex or specialized patient care.
• Support and monitor the practice of unlicensed nursing and non-medical staff in patient care delivery, and report deviations from normal practice patterns to the RN and/or provider.

Benefits

• Federal employee benefits package; specific eligibility depends on the position and employment status.
• Potential credit toward annual leave accrual for qualifying prior federal service or military service, subject to request and approval before appointment.

What This Job Offers

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