Vocational Nurse (Cardiology Clinic)

Veterans Health Administration • Redlands, CA

9h • Onsite

About The Position

The Cardiology Specialty Clinic Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) provides high-quality, evidence-based care to Veteran patients in Cardiology Specialty Clinics who commonly require cardiac evaluation and monitoring. The LVN implements patient activities related to health promotion and disease prevention, supporting Veterans in attaining optimal function through direct care and non-face-to-face communication.

As a member of the interdisciplinary health care team, the LVN works under the direction of a Registered Nurse or Cardiology Nurse Manager/Head Nurse and provides direct and/or indirect care to an assigned group of patients. Care considers patients’ physical, psychosocial, spiritual, and cultural needs. The LVN performs data gathering and treatments, assists with patient and family education, and seeks guidance from the RN, Cardiology Nurse Manager, or interdisciplinary team as needed to ensure quality care.

The LVN may work across the Cardiology Specialty Clinic, Heart Failure Clinic, Arrhythmia/Electrophysiology Clinic, Cardiology Research Clinic, Cardiology RN Clinic, and Pharmacist Clinic. The position includes patient assessment and monitoring, medication-related duties within the LVN scope of practice, emergency response, clinic quality and safety checks, documentation, patient education, and coordination with patients, families, clinicians, and staff.

Work schedule is Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; hours may change based on facility needs. Telework is not available, and this is not a virtual position. The full performance level is GS-6; selection may be at GS-3 through GS-6.

Requirements

• Graduate of a school of practical or vocational nursing approved by the appropriate state agency and/or accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission, subject to stated exceptions.
• 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, subject to the stated grandfathering provision.
• Proficiency in basic written and spoken English.
• U.S. citizenship is required, subject to the stated exception for non-citizens when qualified citizens cannot be recruited under VA policy.
• Meet the experience or education requirements for the grade sought: GS-3 has no requirements beyond the basic requirements; GS-4 requires six months of qualifying LPN/LVN experience, or specified education and experience alternatives; GS-5 requires at least one year of qualifying experience at the next lower level plus the described practical nursing knowledge and abilities; GS-6 requires at least one additional year of qualifying experience at GS-5 or equivalent and the specified competencies.
• Ability to provide practical nursing care, work as a responsible member of a nursing team, and interact appropriately with patients, families, and care personnel.
• Knowledge and skill to prepare, administer, and document medications as permitted by local policy, observe patient responses, and report changes in condition.
• Ability to recognize urgent or emergent situations, initiate emergency measures, seek assistance, and assist with resuscitation procedures.
• Ability to recognize and report equipment problems, safety hazards, and supply deficiencies.
• Must pass a pre-employment physical examination and background/security investigation; selected applicants are subject to drug testing for testing-designated positions.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is required for VA Health Care Personnel.
• Must complete the online onboarding process and required application documentation, and provide acceptable identification for pre-employment requirements.
• Must serve a one- or two-year trial period, subject to written certification for continued employment.
• Physical capabilities include moderate lifting and carrying up to 44 pounds; pushing and pulling; reaching above shoulder; use of fingers and both hands; walking, kneeling, standing up to 1.5 hours, and repeated bending; rapid simultaneous mental and muscular coordination; specified corrected near and far vision, depth perception, color discrimination, and hearing (hearing aid permitted).

Responsibilities

• Prioritize, check in, and triage patients; obtain vital signs within required time parameters.
• Print medication lists and perform medication reconciliations.
• Conduct initial and ongoing physical and psychosocial assessments and synthesize information from assessments, monitoring devices, laboratory reports, and imaging reports.
• Use the Computerized Patient Recording System (CPRS) and document care accurately, concisely, and promptly.
• Perform EKGs and Accu-Checks accurately.
• Identify patients in distress who need immediate intervention and provide or seek appropriate assistance.
• Participate in care planning and advocate for patients while maintaining privacy and confidentiality.
• Collaborate with the interdisciplinary team and practice infection control.
• Provide patient education and use airway management skills learned in BLS.
• Participate in or activate Rapid Response Team or Medical Response Team calls and assist with resuscitation during cardiac or pulmonary arrest or other medical emergencies.
• Perform required daily quality-control checks, including medication refrigerator temperatures, EKG machines and paper, crash carts, defibrillators, AEDs, and clean and dirty utility rooms.
• Clean and restock examination and procedure rooms between and after patient use and at the end of each tour of duty; stock supplies.
• Recognize and promptly report equipment malfunction or loss, safety hazards, and supply deficiencies; check for expired supplies and medications.
• Prepare, administer, monitor, and document medications within LVN scope of practice and according to facility and Nursing Service policies and procedures; observe for actions, side effects, adverse reactions, and contraindications.
• Perform additional clinic duties as needed, including ordering laboratory tests within LVN scope and policy, answering view alerts and secure messages within 24–48 hours, and completing appropriate reminders such as Audit-C, Depression, FLU, FIT, and PTSD.
• Participate in daily clinic huddles and make pre-appointment phone calls.
• Communicate respectfully and effectively with patients, families, physicians, coworkers, and other hospital staff.
• Express and apply best practices, including environment-of-care practices affecting Veterans receiving anticoagulation therapy.

Benefits

• Federal employees and their families have access to a comprehensive benefits package; specific benefit eligibility depends on position type and other factors.
• Selected applicants may request consideration of prior work or military service for credit toward annual leave accrual; approval is not guaranteed.

What This Job Offers

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