Licensed Practical or Vocational Nurse

Veterans Health Administration • Little Rock, AR

15h • Onsite

About The Position

The Primary Care Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) is a member of the nursing and treatment teams and provides complex, age-specific nursing care to adult and geriatric patients with physical, mental, behavioral, or psychosocial needs in an outpatient clinic setting. The nurse works according to assignment, training, nursing standards, and CAVHS policies and procedures, implementing established care plans and evaluating patients’ progress using observed data. The role recognizes changes in patients’ behavior or physical condition, takes appropriate action, reports findings to the RN and provider, and documents care in the medical record.

The LPN provides direct nursing care, patient education, diagnostic support, medication administration, and assistance with emergency response. The position also contributes to interdisciplinary treatment and discharge planning, maintains supplies and equipment, and helps ensure a safe, clean, therapeutic work environment. The LPN may assist and educate co-workers and less experienced staff.

The position is scheduled Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; the schedule may change based on service needs. Work is performed in an office or clinic setting. Telework is not available, and this is not a virtual position.

Requirements

• Graduate of 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 the stated exceptions for qualifying military training, certain converted VHA appointments, or licensure in a jurisdiction that does not require graduation from an approved school.
• Active, full, current, and unrestricted licensure as a Graduate Licensed Practical or Vocational Nurse in a U.S. State, Territory, or Commonwealth, or the District of Columbia.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.
• U.S. citizenship, except that non-citizens may be appointed when qualified citizens cannot be recruited in accordance with VA policy.
• For GS-04: six months of qualifying LPN/LVN experience; or graduation from an approved school plus one year of qualifying nursing-care work experience; or graduation from an approved school of at least 24 months duration.
• For GS-05: at least one year of qualifying experience at the GS-04 level or equivalent, plus the described practical nursing knowledge and abilities, including medication preparation and administration, patient education, emergency response, documentation, teamwork, and equipment and safety awareness.
• For GS-06: at least one additional year of qualifying experience at the GS-05 level or equivalent and fulfillment of GS-05 performance requirements, plus the described abilities in patient assessment, care planning and delivery, medication and treatment administration, emergency response, patient and family education, specialized diagnostic support, and staff orientation or training.
• Pass a pre-employment physical evaluation and, if tentatively selected for a testing-designated position, submit to urinalysis for illegal drug screening.
• Register for Selective Service if a male born after December 31, 1959.
• Complete a background/security investigation, online onboarding, and application requirements stated in the announcement.
• Participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
• Serve a one- or two-year trial period, as applicable.
• Physical ability may be needed for standing, lifting, carrying, sitting, stooping, bending, pulling, and pushing; the role may require wearing personal protective equipment and undergoing annual TB screening or testing.

Nice To Haves

• One to two years of Primary Care clinic experience.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct nursing care to adult and geriatric patients in accordance with nursing standards and CAVHS policies and procedures.
• Collect and label specimens, including blood, sputum, urine, and stool.
• Provide bowel and bladder training, apply external urinary devices, and perform bladder catheterization.
• Set up and initiate oxygen therapy, including nebulization treatments.
• Provide wound care and report changes or progress to the RN and provider.
• Lift, move, transfer, and transport patients; use patient-lifting devices and electronic scales.
• Apply ordered abdominal binders, anti-embolic stockings, and ace bandages.
• Implement established care plans, evaluate patient progress, and recommend changes to care or treatment plans as needed.
• Recognize subtle changes in patient behavior or physical condition, take appropriate action, report actions to the RN and provider, and document in the medical record.
• Recognize emergencies, initiate measures within training, call Code Blue when appropriate, and provide basic life support as needed.
• Assist appropriately with prevention and management of disruptive behavior while addressing patients’ physical and safety needs.
• Identify learning needs, provide patient teaching, and document teaching in the medical record; topics may include diabetic self-care, activities of daily living, coughing and deep breathing, suctioning and tracheostomy care, and medication self-administration.
• Apply age-specific considerations in care, including considerations related to visual or hearing impairment in geriatric patients.
• Assume an educational role with co-workers and help orient or train less experienced staff as appropriate.
• Perform diagnostic procedures, including vital signs, pain screening, pulse oximetry, bladder scanning, intake and output, heights, weights, fingerstick blood sugars, and EKGs; recognize deviations from normal and report and document results.
• Administer oral, subcutaneous, and intramuscular medications; independently administer immunizations after completing competency requirements.
• Observe, report, and document patient responses to medication, including adverse reactions and possible medication errors.
• Observe, document, and report unpredictable behavior that may lead to violence and potential injury related to fall risk.
• Maintain, care for, and order supplies and equipment, and report equipment malfunctions.
• Maintain a safe, clean, therapeutic environment; follow safety policies and procedures, use good body mechanics, and wear personal protective equipment as needed.
• Use a computer for CPRS mandates, email, leave requests, and other computer initiatives.
• Participate in interdisciplinary treatment and discharge planning with team members.
• Take initiative and responsibility for recurring assignments and assist co-workers with their assignments when necessary.

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 the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child.
• Eligible full-time employees may qualify for a childcare subsidy after 60 days of employment, subject to income and other eligibility limits.
• Traditional federal pension with five-year vesting and federal 401(k) with up to 5% in contributions by VA.
• Federal health, vision, dental, term life, and long-term care insurance; many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement.
• Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior work or military service, subject to request and approval.

What This Job Offers

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