Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse

Veterans Health Administration • Colorado Springs, CO

4d • Onsite

About The Position

This position is located at VA Eastern Colorado Health Care | Veterans Affairs | PFC Floyd K. Lindstrom Department of Veterans Affairs Clinic in Colorado Springs, CO. The primary purpose of the Licensed Practical/License Vocational Nurse (LPN/LVN) GS-6 is to perform assigned duties in a manner that promotes quality health care, positive customer service and the maintenance of an environment committed to serving the Veteran. The LPN/LVN GS-6 is responsible and accountable for individual nursing practice. Technically proficient in initiating, performing, and completing assigned duties in providing care to variable patient populations. Knowledge and ability to appropriately carry out assigned patient care based on the patents' conditions; to use judgment in selecting the appropriate order and sequence of procedures and treatments; and to accurately recognize, report and record relevant patient information. The incumbent provides a full range of practical nursing care to patients with a variety of physical and/or behavioral problems. Is able to perform routine evaluation of patients while in the clinic setting by obtaining current symptoms and complaints, observing the patient's condition, behavior, and response to treatments and/or medications. Documents appropriate information in the patient record and reports and significant deviations to the RN and/or provider. Provides effective education to patients and/or family members in relation to common disease processes, medication, and/or prescribed treatment regimes. Recognizes the need for and institutes cardiopulmonary resuscitation measures when indicated in accordance with established medical center policy and procedure. Independently performs coordinating duties related to the operation of the clinic such as ordering and maintaining supplies and medications and obtaining patient data. Recognizes and appropriately responds to breakage/malfunction or loss of equipment, safety hazards, and supply deficiencies, promptly reporting to appropriate personnel for corrective action. Performs other assignments designated by the RN or clinic providers which are essential to patient care and appropriate personnel for corrective action. Performs other assignments designated by the RN or clinic providers which are essential to patient care and appropriate to the incumbent's level of training. Uses motivational interviewing techniques to guide patients to establish goals. The incumbent practices within their nursing scope of practice and functional level, demonstrating and promoting the mission Of the VA and ICARE values. Set up or reprocess Reusable Medical Equipment as applicable for all equipment for which you have been trained.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Citizen.
• Applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment.
• Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
• May be required to serve a trial period.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• Graduate of a school of practical or vocational nursing approved by the appropriate State agency and/or the National League for Nursing [Accrediting Commission (NLNAC)] at the time the program was completed by the applicant.
• Full, active, current and unrestricted licensure as a licensed practical or vocational nurse in a State, Territory or Commonwealth (i.e., Puerto Rico) of the United States, or District of Columbia.
• Proficient in both spoken and written English.
• Completion of at least one (1) year of additional qualifying experience at the GS-5 level or equivalent, fully meeting all performance requirements for the GS-5 LPN/LVN.
• Technically proficient in initiating, performing and completing assigned duties in providing care to variable patient populations.
• Knowledge and ability to appropriately carry out assigned patient care based on the patients' conditions; to use judgment in selecting the appropriate order and sequence of procedures and treatments; and to accurately recognize, report and record relevant patient information.
• Ability to observe, identify and respond to the patient's needs for care, including medication, equipment-assisted care and patient/family education.
• In organizing and delivering care, the LPN recognizes and considers emotional, cultural, spiritual, socio-economic, and age-related factors.
• Prepares and administers prescribed medications (oral, topical, subcutaneous, intramuscular and/or intravenous) and performs treatments according to established policies/procedures.
• Observes for physical and/or emotional changes in patient's condition from prescribed medications/treatments, promptly and accurately documenting noted changes, and reporting any deviations from normal to RN or MD/DO.
• Knowledge and ability to recognize urgent or emergent patient care situations, seek assistance of the RN and/or MD/DO, and initiate appropriate emergency interventions as directed.
• Knowledge and understanding of human behavior, patient motivations and reactions to situations, and ability to appropriately utilize this knowledge in working effectively with patients, family members, and other staff.
• Establishes constructive relationships with individual patients and their families to elicit feelings and attitudes, and to promote positive relationships, communication and socialization skills.
• Fosters an environment of respect for individual patient and family rights to privacy and dignity in all aspects of care delivery.
• Effectively incorporates knowledge and understanding of established customer service standards in all interactions with patients, family members, and/or other internal/external customers.
• Knowledge and skill in performing support duties for complex diagnostic tests and/or specialized practices or procedures, which include preparing the patient, assisting in the diagnostic examination, preparing and handling specialized instruments or other specialized equipment, and monitoring the patient's condition before, during, and following the procedure.
• Serves as a preceptor in orienting, educating, and training less experienced LPNs/LVNs or NAs/HTs related to support duties for these more complex, specialized tests/procedures.
• Actively seeks out educational opportunities to enhance nursing knowledge and skills, sharing new knowledge gained with other staff to improve and advance nursing practice.

Nice To Haves

• One (1) year LPN and Primary Care experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform assigned duties in a manner that promotes quality health care, positive customer service and the maintenance of an environment committed to serving the Veteran.
• Initiate, perform, and complete assigned duties in providing care to variable patient populations.
• Carry out assigned patient care based on the patients' conditions, using judgment in selecting the appropriate order and sequence of procedures and treatments.
• Accurately recognize, report and record relevant patient information.
• Provide a full range of practical nursing care to patients with a variety of physical and/or behavioral problems.
• Perform routine evaluation of patients by obtaining current symptoms and complaints, observing the patient's condition, behavior, and response to treatments and/or medications.
• Document appropriate information in the patient record and report significant deviations to the RN and/or provider.
• Provide effective education to patients and/or family members regarding common disease processes, medication, and/or prescribed treatment regimes.
• Institute cardiopulmonary resuscitation measures when indicated.
• Perform coordinating duties related to clinic operation, such as ordering and maintaining supplies and medications and obtaining patient data.
• Respond to equipment breakage/malfunction or loss, safety hazards, and supply deficiencies, reporting to appropriate personnel.
• Perform other assignments designated by the RN or clinic providers which are essential to patient care and appropriate to the incumbent's level of training.
• Use motivational interviewing techniques to guide patients to establish goals.
• Practice within nursing scope of practice and functional level, demonstrating and promoting the mission of the VA and ICARE values.
• Set up or reprocess Reusable Medical Equipment as applicable for all equipment for which you have been trained.

Benefits

• 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year
• 13-26 days of annual leave
• 13 days of sick leave
• 11 paid Federal holidays per year
• Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child (after 12 months of employment)
• Childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66 (after 60 days of employment, for full-time employees with a total family income below $144,000)
• Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting)
• Federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA
• Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care insurance (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree