Career Center

This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until September 30, 2023. Eligible applications received after that date will be referred at regular intervals or as additional vacancies occur on an as-needed basis until positions are filled. As a Licensed Practical Nurse in Mental Health Performs increasingly complex nursing functions/care and applies the knowledge in planning care and interpreting behavior of Mental Health patients in the Domiciliary. 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. 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 program was completed by the applicant. 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. VHA employees who were converted to appointments under 38 U.S.C. 7401 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 or 7405 after these conversions. Individuals granted a license by a jurisdiction that does not require graduation from an approved school. See paragraph 4, section C. 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 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 and 7407. 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: GS-06 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. Technically proficient in initiating, performing and completing assigned duties in providing care to variable patient populations. References: VA Handbook 5005/3, Part II, Appendix G13. Licensed Practical or Vocational Nurse Qualification Standard. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-6. Physical Requirements: Heavy Lifting (45 lbs. and over); Heavy Carrying (45 lbs. and over);Straight Pulling (up to 4 hours); Reaching above shoulder; Use of fingers; Both hands required; Walking (up to 8 hours); Standing (up to 8 hours); Kneeling (up to 8 hours); Both legs required or prosthesis; Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; Ability to read typewritten characters, glasses permitted; Ability to hear the whispered voice, hearing aid permitted. ["Major duties: Knowledge and skill in performing support duties for complex diagnostic tests and/or specialized practices or procedures, which include preparing the patient. assisting 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. Actively seeks out educational opportunities to enhance nursing knowledge and skills, sharing new knowledge gained with other staff to improve and advance nursing practice. Anticipate the needs of patients and initiate action to meet these needs. Discriminate between what he/she is capable of handling alone and that which needs to be referred to the professional staff. Administers medication. Assists providers in Dorm Clinic with primary care type of patient needs. Change dressings, which may include packing the wound and occlusive dressing. Collect, label and send specimen(s) to the laboratory. Perform Electrocardiograms (EKGs). Participate in the care planning or changes in the patient's condition, behavior, or response to therapy. Document patients' care and nursing care plan. Observe, report, and appropriately record changes in the patients' vital signs. symptoms. physical and emotional condition for inclusion in the patients' care plan, using the FOCUS format. Implement safe nursing measures. Provides one to one special observation to patients in the MHSL as ordered. Performs drug testing at point of care. Performs glucometer testing. Supports a safe environment of care, making patient rounds, closely monitoring patients. Completes administrative and clinical documentation to meet patient care requirements. Participates in the admission process. Serves in a patient advocacy role. Participates in treatment teams as directed. Maintains current licensure as a practical nurse. Has knowledge and skills required to perform increasingly complex nursing functions/care and to apply this knowledge in planning care and interpreting behavior of Mental Health patients. Has knowledge and skills not only of physiological responses to illness, but also psychological and sociological. Knowledge about prevention of suicide and suicidal behavior. Has knowledge of drug incompatibilities and adverse actions and knowledge of medication administration. Ability to recognize side effects of psychotropic drugs. Has knowledge and skill in communicating with other professional staff for the purpose of sharing and interpreting patients' response to care and behavior. Demonstrates infection control practices for disease prevention i.e. hand washing, universal precautions/isolation procedures. including TB requirement/precautions. The incumbent is also exposed to diseases and must handle contaminated and hazardous waste materials (dirty dressings and contaminated needles and syringes) and use isolation techniques. Protects printed and electronic files containing sensitive data in accordance with the provisions of the Privacy Act of 1974 and other applicable laws, Federal regulations, VA statutes and policy. and VHA policy. Protects the data from unauthorized release or from loss, alteration, or unauthorized deletion. Follows applicable regulations and instructions regarding access to computerized files. release of access codes. etc. Uses word processing software to execute several office automation functions such as storing and retrieving electronic documents and tiles; activating printers; inserting and deleting text, formatting letters, reports, and memoranda; and transmitting and receiving e-mail. Uses the Veterans Health Information and Technology Architecture (Vista) to access information in the Medical Center Computer System Work Schedule: 8:00am-4:30pm, 3:30pm-12:00am, 11:30pm-8:00am Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: May Be Authorized for a Well-Qualified applicants. Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]

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