Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and 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.
- Must be a graduate of school of practical or vocational nursing approved by the appropriate State agency and/or accredited by the National League for Nursing. (Education will be waived for current 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. The waiver will not apply to persons appointed under 38 U.S.C. 7401(3) or 7405 after these conversions.)
- Must possess a 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.
- Valid Driver's License
May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria).
Grade Determinations: Must possess at least one year of qualifying experience at the GS-6 level or equivalent. You must fully meet all performance requirements for the GS-6 LPN/LVN or equivalent and your resume must fully support this. Examples of experience include: Technically proficient in initiating, performing and completing assigned duties in providing care to variable patient populations; ability to appropriately carry out assigned patient care based on the patients' conditions; use judgment in selecting the appropriate order and sequence of procedures and treatments; accurately recognize, report and record relevant patient information; Completed work only needs a general review by a registered nurse or physician 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. 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.
Preferred Experience:
- 2 years nursing experience in skilled home care, hospice, adult inpatient setting or skilled nursing facility
- Excellent interpersonal relationship skills
- Ability to work in an interdisciplinary setting
- Ability to work independently and make competent clinical decisions using critical thinking skills
- Sound documentation
- Ability to prioritize responsibilities
- Ability to work independently in a variety of home environments
Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit
https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.
The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-07.
Physical Requirements: Functional requirements include ability to climb stairs; frequent walking, standing, kneeling, repeated bending, and squatting. Transferring patients and objects may be required. The incumbent may be exposed to infected patients and contaminated materials and may be required to don protective clothing in isolation situations, operative/invasive procedures, or home settings. The incumbent may occasionally be exposed to patients who are combative secondary to delirium, dementia, or psychiatric disorders. The incumbent must be a mature, flexible, sensible individual capable of working effectively in stressful situations, able to shift priorities based on patient needs. Must complete annual Employee Health requirements, such as annual TB screening or testing, as a condition of employment.