Summary
This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application.
This job is open to
Clarification from the agency
This position is open to all U.S. citizens.
*** If you ARE a current permanent federal employee, please apply to the Internal Announcement CBSU-12553281-24-JRS***
Duties
Provision of Care
Element: Knowledge and ability to provide practical nursing care to patients with physical and/or behavioral problems.
Standards:
1. Demonstrates the ability to provide a full range of care to patients' requiring complex treatments and care with remote
supervision by the Registered Nurse.
2. Considers patient age specific needs when providing care.
3. Functions as a preceptor for newly assigned LPN and Nursing Assistant staff.
4. Demonstrates ability to plan and organize assignments independently.
5. Demonstrates ability to prioritize care delivery, considering the patient's individual needs, condition, and the overall needs of
the unit.
6. Adapts nursing care to meet the needs of patients.
7. Attends team conferences; suggest appropriate interventions to meet patient care needs.
8. Recognizes emergency situations and acts appropriately to get assistance; initiates CPR.
9. Provides patient/family education and reinforce education initiated by the Registered Nurse.
10. Administers treatments based on plan of care with remote RN supervision.
Medication Administration
Element: Knowledge and skill to prepare and administer commonly prescribed oral, topical, subcutaneous, and intra-muscular
medications and other routes using BCMA and as approved by GJVAMC policy and procedure.
Standards:
1. Complies with established policies and procedures in the preparation of, administration of and documentation of medications.
2. Recognizes side effects of medications; reports observations to the Registered Nurse immediately.
3. Demonstrates proficiency using the BCMA system.
4. Complies with established policy and procedure for inventory and administration of narcotics.
5. Assists the Registered Nurse in checking emergency equipment.
6. Administers and monitors infusion of IV medications and fluids (if IV certified).
7. Records amount of fluids infused on Intake and Output record.
8. Provides patient education concerning medications and reinforce education initiated by the Registered Nurse.
Communication and Documentation
Element: Reports and documents pertinent observations, care provided and response to care, patient/family education in the
electronic medical record and appropriate treatment sheets according to policy and procedure.
Standards:
1. Recognizes subtle changes in the patient's condition, behavior and/or comfort. Intervenes appropriately. Reports observations
and interventions to the Registered Nurse.
2. Records observations and interventions in the electronic medical record.
3. Takes and records vital signs including pain level. Reports abnormal vital signs and pain level immediately to the Registered
Nurse.
4. Provides patient/family education initiated. Reports response to teaching to the Registered Nurse.
5. Records teaching and response in the electronic medical record.
6. Demonstrates proficiency in use of the electronic medical record.
Safety
Element: Follows VA and GJVAMC safety policies and procedures in the delivery of patient care.
Standards:
1. Maintains a safe, clean, clutter free environment for patients, visitors, and co-workers. Corrects and reports safety hazards
promptly to the Registered Nurse.
2. Responds appropriately to fire and disaster drills.
3. Utilizes Personal Protective Equipment appropriately.
4. Verbalizes and demonstrates appropriate use of safety materials and apparel (i.e. MSDS, Isolation Equipment)
5. Promptly reports accidents, injuries, disease, or illness related to employment to the Registered Nurse. Completes 2162 and
CA1 electronically in the ASISTS Program.
6. Reports and responds appropriately to breakage/malfunction or loss of equipment, safety hazards, and supply deficiencies to
the Registered Nurse.
7. Completes mandatory Safety Training.
Work Schedule: rotating shifts days, evenings, nights, 12 hour shifts and 8 hour shifts.
Telework: Not available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 53056A,53057A, 53057A, 53058A
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized
EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive.Contact Jillana.Martinez@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
- You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
- 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.
- 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.
Qualifications
Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred & tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.
Basic 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 at the time the program was completed by the applicant.
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, 983, & for VHA employees converted to appointments under 38 U.S.C. 7405 in implementation of Public Law 99-576, & 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 & unrestricted licensure as a licensed practical or vocational nurse in a State, Territory or Commonwealth of the United States, or District of Columbia.
Grade Determinations:
GS-3 Experience. None beyond the basic requirements.
GS-4 Experience/Education: Six months of qualifying experience as an LPN or LVNOR, 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 & sterile techniques & procedures;
OR
Graduation from an approved school of at least 24 months duration.
GS-5 Experience: Completion of at least 1 year of qualifying experience at the GS-4 level or equivalent.
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills & Abilities. In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
- Demonstrated knowledge & 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, NP, and/or MD/DO to appropriately orient/train less experienced LPNs/LVNs and/or Nursing Assistants /Health Technicians /Intermediate Care Technicians 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, & /or prescribed treatment regimes.
- Demonstrated ability to serve as a responsible member of the nursing team & interact in an appropriate manner with patients, family members, professional & other supportive personnel involved in the delivery of patient care, incorporating acceptable, established customer service standards into practice.
- Knowledge & skill sufficient to prepare, administer, & appropriately document actions taken specific to commonly prescribed oral, topical, subcutaneous, intramuscular, and/or intravenous medications as permitted by approved local facility policies & procedures. Observation & documentation will include patient's response to medication administered & the reporting of any noted change in patient's condition to RN, NP, or MD/DO.
- Knowledge & ability to recognize the need for & to institute emergency measures when indicated, promptly seek the assistance of the RN, NP, or MD/DO, & assist in resuscitation procedures in cardiac and/or pulmonary arrest.
- Recognizes & appropriately responds to breakage/malfunction or loss of equipment, safety hazards, & supply deficiencies, promptly reporting to appropriate personnel for corrective action.
- Completed work is under the general supervision of an RN, NP, 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.
GS-6 Experience: 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.
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills & Abilities. In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
- Technically proficient in initiating, performing & completing assigned duties in providing care to variable patient populations.
- Knowledge & ability to appropriately carry out assigned patient care based on the patients' conditions; to use judgment in selecting the appropriate order & sequence of procedures & treatments; & to accurately recognize, report & record relevant] patient information. Completed work should need only a general review by a registered nurse, Nurse Practitioner, or physician for appropriateness & conformity with established policies/procedures.
- Ability to observe, identify & respond to the patient's needs for care, including medication, equipment-assisted care & patient/family education. In organizing & delivering care, the LPN/LVN recognizes & considers emotional, cultural, spiritual, socio-economic, & age-related factors.
- Prepares & administers prescribed medications & performs treatments according to established policies/procedures. Observes for physical and/or emotional changes in patient's condition from prescribed medications/treatments, promptly & accurately documenting noted changes, & reporting any deviations from normal to RN, NP, or MD/DO.
- Knowledge & ability to recognize urgent or emergent patient care situations, seek assistance of the RN, NP, and/or MD/DO, & initiate appropriate emergency interventions as directed.
- Knowledge & understanding of human behavior, patient motivations & reactions to situations, & ability to appropriately utilize this knowledge in working effectively with patients, family members, & other staff.
- Establishes constructive relationships with individual patients & their families to elicit feelings & attitudes, & to promote positive relationships, communication & socialization skills. Fosters an environment of respect for individual patient & family rights to privacy & dignity in all aspects of care delivery. Effectively incorporates knowledge & understanding of established customer service standards in all interactions with patients, family members, and/or other internal/external customers.
- Knowledge & 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 & handling specialized instruments or other specialized equipment, & monitoring the patient's condition before, during, & following the procedure. Serves as a preceptor in orienting, educating, & training less experienced LPNs/LVNs or NAs/HTs/ICTs related to support duties for these more complex, specialized tests/procedures.
- Actively seeks out educational opportunities to enhance nursing knowledge & skills, sharing new knowledge gained with other staff to improve & advance nursing practice.
Preferred Experience: 6 months or more in long-term care, skilled or rehab, documentation, ADL support, wound care, medication/treatment.
References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/3 PART II APPENDIXG13 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS 6. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS 3 to GS 6.
Physical Requirements: See VA Directive & Handbook 5019.
Education
IMPORTANT: 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/.
Benefits
A 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 benefits
Eligibility 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.
How You Will Be Evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.
It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.
Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.
Required Documents
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please use this checklist to ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc.
- Cover Letter
- DD-214/ Statement of Service
- License
- Other (1)
- Other (2)
- Other (3)
- Resume
- SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
- Transcript
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from
schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
How to Apply
All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 10/07/2024 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12553282.
- To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
- Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.
NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.
To verify your application is complete, log into your USA JOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USA JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USA JOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
Next steps
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.
You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.
NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.
|