Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse

Veterans Health Administration•Muskogee, OK

23h•Onsite

About The Position

The Eastern Oklahoma Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Nursing, Ambulatory Care service line is hiring two Licensed Practical Nurses in Muskogee, Oklahoma. The nurse performs assigned duties to promote quality health care, positive customer service, and an environment committed to serving Veterans. The role supports the Medical Center and service missions and requires courteous, tactful, and respectful communication with patients, visitors, volunteers, and staff; consistent communication of information according to established policies and procedures; and constructive handling of customer conflicts and problems. The nurse provides care and services appropriate to patients’ age, cognitive, emotional, and chronological development. The incumbent assesses patient status and identifies age-specific care requirements in accordance with service policies and procedures, considers age-related differences across Veteran populations, and demonstrates knowledge of changes associated with aging. The position also requires sensitivity to patients’ developmental needs and lifestyle factors and ensuring staff receive training in these areas. The incumbent is responsible to the Nurse Manager or assigned supervisor and is accountable to the Associate Director of Patient Care Services (ADPCS). The work schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Telework and virtual work are not available. Relocation and recruitment incentives and permanent change of station are not authorized. The full performance level is GS-6; selection may be at GS-3 through GS-6.

Requirements

U.S. citizenship, subject to the stated exception for appointments when qualified citizens cannot be recruited.
Graduate from an approved practical or vocational nursing school, subject to the exceptions and waivers described in the announcement.
Full, active, current, and unrestricted LPN/LVN licensure in a U.S. state, territory, commonwealth, or the District of Columbia.
Proficiency in written and spoken English.
Meet the grade-specific qualification criteria for the selected grade, from GS-3 through GS-6.
For GS-4, qualifying pathways include six months of LPN/LVN experience; approved-school graduation plus one year of qualifying nursing-care experience; or graduation from an approved school of at least 24 months’ duration.
For GS-5, at least one year of qualifying experience at GS-4 level or equivalent, plus the stated nursing-care, teamwork, medication, emergency response, safety, and patient education knowledge and abilities.
For GS-6, at least one year of additional qualifying experience at GS-5 level or equivalent while meeting GS-5 performance requirements, plus the stated patient-care, judgment, documentation, emergency response, patient/family education, procedure-support, and preceptor capabilities.
Meet pre-employment requirements, including background/security investigation, onboarding, and applicable identification requirements.
Participation in the VA seasonal influenza vaccination program is required.
Serve a one- or two-year trial period as a condition of employment.
Meet applicable physical requirements described in VA Directive and Handbook 5019.

Responsibilities

Perform assigned nursing duties to promote quality health care, positive customer service, and a Veteran-focused environment.
Support the Medical Center and service missions while meeting the needs of patients, visitors, volunteers, and staff.
Communicate courteously, tactfully, and respectfully with customers and provide consistent information in accordance with established policies and procedures.
Handle customer conflicts and problems constructively and appropriately.
Provide care appropriate to patients’ age, cognitive, emotional, and chronological development.
Assess patient status and identify age-specific care requirements in accordance with service policies and procedures.
Consider age-related differences and changes associated with aging when providing patient care and support.
Ensure staff receive training related to age-specific care needs.
Depending on grade and assignment, provide practical nursing care; administer and document medications and treatments; observe and report changes in patient condition; provide patient and family education; respond to urgent or emergent situations; and assist with diagnostic tests or specialized procedures.
Depending on grade and assignment, orient or train less experienced LPNs/LVNs and nursing assistants or health technicians, and serve as a preceptor.