Bonham CLC DSCU Licensed Vocational Nurse - Recruitment/Relocation Incentive/EDR

SummaryThis position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific eligibility requirements per VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) & eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after review of the EDRP application. Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply.DutiesHelpDuties include but are not limited to: Veteran Care:Provides care with minimal RN supervision to a select group of patients. Performs and documents focused assessments (i.e. pain assessment, fall risk assessment) and reports abnormal findings to the RN team leader, or charge nurse.Performs Accu-Check gluco-screen, takes and records vital signs and reports all significant deviations to the RN and/or health care provider immediately. Takes appropriate action as directed.Evaluates the nutritional needs for patients, including feeding assistance, and performs as necessary. Provides fluid needs and administers feeding by nasogastric, gastrostomy, jejunostomy, and enteral tubes.Actively participates in interdisciplinary team planning and patient care meetings.Utilizes problem-solving process when patient problems arise. Informs RN about data obtained pertaining to the problem. Offers solutions to problems and offers feedback to ancillary members emphasizing ways to improve performance.Accepts and mentors non-RN staff and student nurses.Independently establishes priorities and varies the sequence of nursing care based on the patient's condition and/or response to treatment in order to accomplish assigned tasks by the end of the tour with limited supervision.Medical AdministrationDemonstrates proficiency in utilizing the Bar Code Medication Administration (BCMA) scanner to administer medications to a group of patients safely and efficiently.Is able to serve as a preceptor for other LVNs, and can instruct others in the appropriate use of BCMA for medication administration.Is able to trouble shoot when issues with the BCMA scanners arise. Is aware of the contingency policy for medication administration and documentation should the computer system be non- functional.Veteran SafetyIs able to verbalize understanding of the Joint Commission National Patient Safety Goals (NPSG) and the means by which VANTHCS is assuring that these goals are met.Operates and is familiar with equipment utilized for physiological monitoring, ventilation,patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) pumps, pulse oximeter, and blood/fluid warmers if assigned in areas where in use.Identifies documents and reports fall risk, confused/wandering patients to all staff. Recognizes and reports potential safety hazards and takes appropriate action to address the problem.Computer/Information SecurityProvide for the security and privacy of the veteran and privileged information for the purpose of ensuring veteran's right to privacy.In performance of official duties, the employee has regular access of printed and electronic files containing sensitive data which must be protected under the provision of the Privacy Act of 1974 and other applicable laws, federal regulations, VA statues, and policies and VANTHCS policy. The employee is responsible for (1) protecting that data from unauthorized release or from loss, alteration, or unauthorized deletion, and (2) following applicable regulations and instructions regarding access agreement which the employee signs.Documentation/Communication/Hand-OffAccurately documents all critical finding in the CPRS medical record. Demonstrates ability to perform and document focused assessments utilizing established CPRS templates.Demonstrates the ability to clearly communicate the patients' care needs during hand- off.Coordinates team planning, makes assignments for non-RN team members and follows for accomplishment of delegated assignments.Customer ServiceDisplays an attitude of caring and courtesy toward all veterans and their families by treating them as our customers, greeting them with a smile, referring to them by name, responding quickly to their needs, maintaining confidentiality and treating them at all times with dignity and respect.Initiates and organizes quality process improvement activities for specifically assigned specialty areas. Participates in unit-based quality improvement activities.Demonstrates understanding of current customer service measure, and activities to improve customer service throughout VANTHCS.Work Schedule: Night shift 6-12 hours shifts, 1-8 our shift, rotating weekends and holidays. May be required to work other shifts, be on call, work weekends and/or holidays as patient care and needs of the service require. Should operational needs dictate, candidates must be willing to work within other units (including community based outpatient clinics, for example) to assist and support continuation of the provision of care/services.Telework: Not AvailableVirtual: This is not a virtual position.Functional Statement #: 000000Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: AuthorizedEDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive.Contact VHA.ELRSPProgramSupport@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn morePermanent Change of Station (PCS): Not AuthorizedRequirementsHelpConditions of employmentYou must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.All 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.You may be required to serve a probationary period.Subject to background/security investigation.Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.Must pass pre-employment physical examination.Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details.QualificationsBasic Requirements:United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.Education. 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 (NLNAC) at the time the program was completed by the applicant. Verification can be obtained from the State approving agency or the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission, 61 Broadway, 33rd Floor, New York, NY 10006. Additional information may also be obtained from the NLNAC Website. Exceptions include: (1) Health care education in the military service or training in the military service which is accepted by the licensing body in the jurisdiction in which the individual is licensed as qualifying for full LPN/LVN licensure will be accepted as meeting the education requirements for VHA employment. (2) VHA employees who were converted to appointments under 38 U.S.C. 7401(3) in implementation of Public Law 98-160, enacted November 21, 1983, and for VHA employees converted to appointments under 38 U.S.C. 7405 in implementation of Public Law 99-576, enacted October 28, 1986; and for their future personnel actions under this authority. The waiver will not apply to persons appointed under 38 U.S.C. 7401(3) or 7405 after these conversions. (3) Individuals granted a license by a jurisdiction that does not require graduation from an approved school. See paragraph 4, section C.Licensure. 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. An LPN/LVN who has or has ever had, any license(s) revoked, suspended, denied, restricted, limited, or issued/placed in a probationary status may be appointed only in accordance with the provisions in chapter 3, section B, paragraph 16 of this part.English Language Proficiency. Licensed practical or vocational nurses appointed to direct patient care positions must be proficient in both spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d)Grade Determinations:GS-3: Experience or Education: None beyond the basic requirements. LPNs at this grade level are expected to perform all duties within the scope of their license (e.g., medication administration); however, completed work may require routine or detailed higher level review depending upon the complexity of the duties involved.GS-4: Employees may be appointed at or advanced to GS-4 if they meet any of the criteria in paragraphs 3b(2)(a) through (c) below:Six months of qualifying experience as an LPN or LVN; OR,Graduation from an approved school (which may be waived as provided in paragraph 4 of Section C) and one year of experience that involved nursing care work in a hospital, outpatient clinic, nursing home, or other supervised medical, nursing, or patient care facility that provided a practical knowledge of human body structure and sterile techniques and procedures; OR,Graduation from an approved school of at least 24 months duration.LPNs at the GS-4 grade level perform all duties expected of employees at the GS-3 grade level; however, they are expected to exercise greater judgment, require less supervision, and to operate in accordance with all established policies, procedure, and techniques.GS-5: Experience: Completion of at least 1 year of qualifying experience at the GS-4 level or equivalent.Demonstrated knowledge and ability to provide a full range of practical nursing care to patients with a variety of physical and/or behavioral problems. Works with the RN and/or MD/DO to appropriately orient/train less experienced LPNs/LVNs and/or Nursing Assistants (NAs)/Health Technicians (HTs) in relation to acceptable standards of practice in promoting optimal patient care delivery. Provides effective education to patients and/or family members in relation to common disease processes, medication, and /or prescribed treatment regimes.Demonstrated ability to serve as a responsible member of the nursing team and interact in an appropriate manner with patients, family members, professional and other supportive personnel involved in the delivery of patient care, [incorporating acceptable, established customer service standards into practice.Knowledge and skill sufficient to prepare, administer, and appropriately document actions taken specific to commonly prescribed oral, topical, subcutaneous, intramuscular, and/or intravenous medications as permitted by approved local facility policies and procedures. Observation and documentation will include patient's response to medication administered and the reporting of any noted change in patient's condition to RN or MD/DO.GS-6: Experience. Completed work is under the general supervision of an RN or MD/DO. Individuals at this grade level are expected to have a broad working knowledge of practical nursing procedures. However, completion of more complex practices or procedures may be subject to closer higher-level review.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. Completed work should need only a general review by a registered nurse (RN) or physician (MD/DO) for appropriateness and conformity with established policies/procedures.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/LVN 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.Preferred Experience:Previous LVN experienceMedical Surgical Nursing ExperienceLong Term Care Nursing ExperienceReference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-06. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-03 to GS-06.Physical Requirements: Moderate lifting, 15-44lbsLight lifting, under 15lbsModerate carrying, 15-44lbsLight carrying under 15 lbsPulling hand over hand Pushing Reaching above shoulderUse of fingersBoth hands requiredWalking (8-12 hours)Standing (8-12 hours)Kneeling Repeated bending (8-12 hours)Climbing, leg use only (8-12 hours)Climbing, use of legs and armsBoth legs requiredNear vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4Far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the otherAbility to distinguish basic colorsHearing (aid may be permitted)EducationIMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.NOTE: If your school has changed names, or is no longer in existence, you must provide this information in your application.NOTE: If your school was accredited by at the time of graduation but is no longer listed on the website, you must provide documentation of accreditation with your application packet.Additional informationReceiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions.This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process.If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.Expand Hide additional informationCandidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.BenefitsHelpA career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.Review our benefitsEligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.