Practical Nurse

Military Treatment Facilities under DHA•Fort Carson, CO

2d•Onsite

About The Position

This position is located at Evans Army Community Hospital in Fort Carson, Colorado, and is a Direct Hire Solicitation. A recruitment or relocation incentive may be authorized, salary negotiation may be available for candidates new to Federal service, and student loan repayment may be authorized. The Practical Nurse provides nursing care to patients with a variety of medical conditions. The role includes recording vital signs; ordering laboratory tests; tracking laboratory, radiology, and referral results through completion; assisting with future appointments; initiating and maintaining medical histories; recording observations; and identifying symptoms for clinicians. The nurse administers prescribed medications, educates patients and families about treatments, documents medications and patient responses, supports medical procedures and emergency response, and uses electronic health records to support communication and care coordination. The nurse collaborates with the healthcare team on care plans, participates in team briefings and debriefings, assists with examinations and treatments, and completes administrative requirements related to patient visits. The position requires a current practical or vocational nursing license, or an application for licensure under the stated conditions, and one year of qualifying nursing experience. Work may involve rotating shifts, on-call duties, and coverage on evenings, weekends, holidays, or special situations. The employee must obtain and maintain BLS certification, comply with seasonal influenza vaccination requirements unless exempted, pass required screenings and physical examinations, and be able to lift up to 50 pounds. The position is designated Mission Essential and Inclement Weather Essential; the employee must report during specified emergencies and severe weather. A uniform and/or protective clothing is required.

Requirements

Current license to practice as a practical or vocational nurse in a U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia, or have applied for a license. Non-licensed candidates who completed training may be appointed subject to obtaining the required license during the probationary period; they may not be retained beyond that period without licensure.
One year of nursing experience in a hospital, outpatient clinic, nursing home, or other supervised medical, nursing, or patient-care facility involving practical knowledge of human body structure and sterile techniques and procedures. Qualifying duties include obtaining vital signs, administering ordered injections, monitoring or detecting patient changes, screening or updating records in an automated healthcare system, and assisting with routine procedures.
Obtain and maintain Basic Life Support (BLS) certification from or in accordance with the American Heart Association or American Red Cross; advanced certification does not replace BLS.
Meet suitability or fitness requirements, including applicable background investigation and periodic re-verification requirements for recurring interaction with children and youth under 18.
Comply with mandatory seasonal influenza vaccination requirements unless medically or religiously exempted with documentation.
Complete pre-employment screening and submit to random drug testing, including testing based on reasonable suspicion or involvement in an on-duty accident.
Complete a pre-employment physical examination and annual examinations thereafter.
Be able to lift up to 50 pounds.
Be available for shift work, potentially including rotating shifts, evenings, weekends, holidays, special situations, and on-call work during irregular hours.
Provide proof of U.S. citizenship.
Wear a uniform and/or protective clothing.
If born after December 31, 1959, complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration.
Direct deposit of pay is required.

Responsibilities

Provide practical nursing care to patients with a variety of medical conditions.
Record vital signs, order laboratory tests, track laboratory and radiology orders and referral results to completion, and assist with future appointments.
Initiate and maintain patient medical histories, record observations, and identify symptoms for clinicians.
Administer prescribed medications, ensuring correct dosage, route, and timing; educate patients and families about treatments; and document medications and patient responses promptly.
Support medical procedures and emergency response.
Use electronic health records and information technology to facilitate communication, patient experience, and care coordination.
Collaborate with the healthcare team to develop and adjust care plans based on patient progress and feedback.
Participate in team briefings and debriefings.
Assist with medical procedures, physical examinations, and treatments.
Complete administrative requirements related to patient visits accurately and on time.
Report to work during contingency operations, natural disasters, extreme weather, or other emergencies, as required.