Summary

Central Ohio VA Health Care System is seeking for Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT) Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) - GS-7 in Primary Care (PC) that provides skilled and individualized practical nursing care to all levels of patients including most complex patients who are acutely and/or chronically ill in the outpatient care setting.

Qualifications

Basic Requirements:

• Citizenship: Citizen of the United States
• Education: Graduate of a school of practical or vocational nursing approved by the appropriate State agency and/or accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) - previously known as 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 Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) - previously known as the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) - 61 Broadway - 33rd Floor - New York - NY 10006
• Additional information may also be obtained from the ACEN Website
• 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
• English Language Proficiency
• Licensed practical or vocational nurses appointed to direct patient care positions must be proficient in both spoken and written English
• GS-7. The GS-7 grade level is for select - complex LPN/LVN positions - as established by each health care facility
• To be advanced - employees must meet all of the following standards - provided the standard is part of their assignment
• (a) Completion of at least one (1) year of additional qualifying experience at the GS-6 level or equivalent - fully meeting all of the performance requirements for the GS-6 LPN/LVN
• (b) Knowledge and skills necessary to carry out more specialized patient care duties - including assignments in selected - more complex inpatient and/or outpatient care settings
• Knowledge base promotes the incorporation of current patient care data in actively contributing to the development of the patient's overall health plan and in carrying out assigned nursing interventions
• Positions at this grade level require broader knowledge and skills because supervision is more general and employees are expected to be involved to a greater degree in the development and modification of treatment plans
• (c) Ability to assist RN and/or MD/DO to appropriately prioritize overall patient care needs and adjust plans for care delivery
• Makes astute observations of subtle - less obvious changes - both physical and emotional - in patient's condition - and accurately and thoroughly documents care delivered and patient's response to care that could require immediate modification of the patient's care plan
• Appropriately seeks assistance and guidance by informing RN or MD/DO of changes in patient's condition requiring higher-level intervention
• At this grade level - the LPN/LVN is expected to participate to a greater degree in prioritizing - and - as appropriate - modifying patient care treatment
• (d) Ability to proactively assist the RN or MD/DO in addressing patient's needs for medication/treatments - accurately administering prescribed medications/treatments according to established policies/procedures and appropriately recording administration and patient's response to medications/treatments received
• (This may include restricted medication locally authorized for administration by employees at this grade level.) Demonstrates the knowledge and ability to readily recognize the more subtle signs and symptoms of potential or actual drug reactions - promptly inform the RN or MD/DO of observed changes in patient's condition and initiate appropriate - prescribed interventions
• Employees at this grade level demonstrate broader knowledge and skill with respect to these responsibilities than employees at lower grade levels
• (e) Knowledge and skill to promptly recognize potential urgent or emergent patient care situations - seek assistance of the RN and/or MD/DO for appropriate team intervention and effectively intervene - as directed - to assure the continuation of optimal - safe and therapeutic patient care delivery
• At this grade level - the LPN/LVN must have a broader knowledge of the patient treatment process and exercise judgment that demonstrates the ability to effectively intervene when appropriate
• (f) Assists individuals or groups of patients and their families to take an active role in promoting healthy lifestyles for more positive patient outcomes
• Exercises skill in influencing and communicating with unusually difficult to care for or communicate with patients and/or family members who may exhibit problems with lack of self-control - resistant or abusive behaviors - or impediments in their ability to understand or follow instructions
• This includes the ability to effectively deal with the above types of patients under very general supervision
• (g) Exhibits skill - creativity and initiative in contributing to the improvement of overall care delivery and patient and/or family satisfaction levels through active participation in committees/task forces - research projects or in developing educational materials/media
• Actively promotes and effectively incorporates established customer service standards in all aspects of their practice
• (h) Possesses comprehensive practical nursing knowledge and skills in specialized procedures and practices to serve as a resource person for other staff in organizing and implementing more complex/specialized patient care
• Serves as a role model and mentor to other nursing staff in the application of more complex technology - effectively guiding and directing their continuing practice in these areas
• (i) Supports the RN or MD/DO in monitoring the practice of unlicensed nursing or non-medical staff in patient care delivery
• Promptly reports any deviations from normal practice patterns to the RN or MD/DO
• In addition to responsibilities at the lower grade level - the LPN/LVN is responsible for monitoring the practice of non-licensed nursing and medical staff
• (j) Work of considerable difficulty and responsibility is performed under general supervision
• Individuals in these positions are - to a considerable extent - expected to exercise independent technical judgments and to possess and apply a comprehensive working knowledge of the principles - art and science of practical nursing
• The staff mix is such that employees at this grade level are expected to perform practical nursing duties of considerable difficulty and responsibility under very general supervision
• (k) Actively seeks out educational opportunities to enhance nursing knowledge and skills - and providing leadership in assisting other staff improve and advance their nursing practice.] NOTE: Determinations concerning placement of positions at this grade level shall take into consideration the skill mix and the availability of supervision in the work unit
• Although these positions are under the supervision of an RN and/or MD/DO - employees in such settings successfully and consistently demonstrate the exercise of independent technical judgment (without the need for readily available supervision) - as well as a comprehensive and thorough working knowledge of the most complex or difficult practices and procedures
• Preferred Experience: 3-5 years of previous experience References: VA Handbook 5005 - Part II - Appendix G13 - LICENSED PRACTICAL OR VOCATIONAL NURSE QUALIFICATION STANDARD Physical Requirements: This position requires visual acuity - keen hearing - clear distinctive speech - and manual dexterity
• This position requires potentially long periods of continued walking - standing - stooping - sitting - bending - pulling - and pushing
• The incumbent must be a mature - flexible - sensible individual capable of working effectively in stressful situations - able to shift priorities based on patient needs
• The incumbent may be exposed to infected patients and contaminated materials and may be required to don protective clothing in isolation situations or operative/invasive procedures
• The incumbent may occasionally be exposed to patients who are combative secondary to delirium - dementia - or psychiatric disorders.

Duties

• PATIENT CARE: The PACT GS7 LPN provides nursing care to patients with chronic - acute - and terminal health problems - with minimal supervision of a registered nurse/provider
• Performs the functions of the PACT GS7 LPN and in addition - is responsible for primary nursing care to an assigned group of selected patients and is responsible for the plan of action in carrying out patient care assignments
• Implements basic and advanced LPN procedures as defined by policies and procedures of the Columbus ACC: Independently triages and prioritizes patient needs as emergent - urgent - or non-urgent in the clinic setting and modifies patient care/ treatment as needed
• Will consult with provider or RN if they feel there is a decision outside of their scope of practice
• Recognizes and applies data related to the physical - emotional - social - spiritual and cultural needs from patient - family - significant others - health care providers - and/or agencies in the community
• Safely handles - prepares - administers and records medications and treatments in accordance with policy
• Recognizes subtle abnormal signs and symptoms and/or changes in patients' condition and notifies the RN Care Manager (RNCM)
• promptly seeks the assistance of the RNCM or provider
• Recognizes the need for and initiates action in emergencies - i.e. - cardiac/respiratory arrest - seizures - and/or assaultive behavior
• Knows how to therapeutically care for the mental health patient and provides appropriate intervention in the suicidal/homicidal patient
• Based on the patient's goals - provides patient and family health education - and executes skills - such as motivational interviewing to promote patient self-management - prevention and wellness
• Takes an active role in promoting healthy lifestyles to increase positive patient outcomes
• Correctly performs nursing care procedures and performs support duties for complex and specialized practices
• CUSTOMER SERVICE: Promotes an atmosphere of caring by practicing positive customer service techniques through effective interactions with patients - visitors - and other personnel
• Establishes professional relationships - which are courteous and cooperative with veterans and co-workers
• utilizes VA Core Values/ ICARE in the delivery and performance of care to veterans/families
• Demonstrates complex communication and socialization skills that foster respect for patient/significant others rights to privacy and dignity in care delivery
• Protects patient/family rights
• Recognizes - reports - and participates in the resolution of ethical issues
• The PACT GS7 LPN follows up on abnormal lab values with providers - meeting performance measures and evaluating team effectiveness in meeting performance measures
• MEDICATION ADMINISTRATION: Has the 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 policy/procedure
• The PACT GS7 LPN promptly and completely documents all pertinent data in appropriate Cerner EMHR template or reminder using correct note title and linking the documentation to the correct clinic appointment or consult
• The PACT GS7 LPN demonstrates advanced knowledge and skill in preparation - administration - and documentation of commonly prescribed oral - topical - subcutaneous - intra-muscular permitted by facility policies and procedures
• Provides patient/family education as appropriate on medication use including desired actions and adverse /allergic reactions
• The PACT GS7 LPN safely handles - prepares - administers and records medications and treatments in accordance with policy
• monitors and documents results appropriately in Cerner EMHR
• Work Schedule: 8:00am to 4:30pm - Monday thru Friday Compressed/Flexible: Not Available Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Functional Statement #: 92978-A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not Authorized