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. 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. Responsibilities ANNOUNCEMENT OPEN TO U.S. CITIZENS AND OTHER CURRENT PERMANENT FEDERAL EMPLOYEES OF OTHER AGENCIES, CURRENT PERM VA EMPLOYEES SHOULD APPLY TO # CBTC-12329136-24-JC This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT for Bruce W Carter VAMC looking for Geriatric and Extended Care (GEC) - Long Term Care, Home Based Primary Care and Mental Health (Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program (RRTP) & Outpatient Substance Abuse Clinic (OSAC)) Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs). The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applicants will be 03/04/2024. Eligible applications received after this date will be referred at regular intervals or as additional vacancies occur until 05/04/2024. The LPN collaborates with multiple specialty care providers in scheduling and providing care to our Veterans. Maintains acceptable standards of practice under the direction of the nurse manager or designee and engages in nursing care, which requires the knowledge and skills represented by licensure as an LPN. Assignments are limited to situations demanding an exceptional degree of practical nursing knowledge and skills. Other duties include but are not limited to: Provides nursing care to patients in meeting personal hygiene needs such as bathing, lifting, turning and feeding; administers tube feeding via feeding pump and changes administration sets. Take vitals. Administer medication. Assists selected patients with rehabilitation such as range of motion, ambulation, positioning, and self-help activities of daily living. Enters information about the patient's condition, an assessment of the patient's condition and a plan of action to carry out nursing care. Measures and records vital signs, neuro checks, intake and output, weights; collects urine, stool, sputum and drainage specimens; measures and records PH from nasogastric tubes; measures and records urine specific gravity. Performs procedures such as application of external urinary catheters; routine Foley catheter care; irrigation of Foley catheters. Carries out respiratory treatments; sets up and initiates oxygen therapy; performs oropharyngeal, nasopharyngeal and tracheal suctioning, performs routine tracheostomy care, instructs patient in use of incentive spirometer; monitors and records observations of chest tubes and Pleurovac. Prepare and administer prescribed medication; observe effectiveness and document observation in the clinical record. Administer vaccines, reads and records PPD's. Assist in monitoring patient's condition before, during and following procedure. Perform support duties for complex diagnostic tests and/or specialized practices of procedures. Observes for physical and/or emotional changes in patients' condition from prescribed medications/treatments, while promptly and accurately documenting noted changes, and reporting deviation from normal to RN or Provider. Monitor/regulate the flow of intravenous fluids manually or via infusion pumps. Report observations to the RN; changes peripheral IV and saline lock dressings; changes IV solution administration sets following established protocols; monitors and adds maintenance IV fluids (as approved) via mini-bags, prepared by pharmacy, through an existing peripheral line/saline lock. Responds appropriately to emergency situations; provides for environmental safety, security and patient privacy, checks the code cart except for the weekly defibrillator check (done by the RN). Assists physicians and nurses with patients undergoing diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Observes patient's changing conditions and provides specialized care to patients who may be helpless, comatose, and/or critically ill, including the patient on a ventilator. Participates in patient care planning conferences contributing to the identification of patient problems/needs; updates care plans reflecting current patient status in collaboration with the RN; provides report on assigned patients. Documents all observations and procedures performed on appropriate forms. Work Schedule: Multiple Work Schedules, dependent upon the service, discussed during interviews. Flexibility may be required to ensure coverage for the operations of the facility. Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized EDRP Authorized: Contact, VISN 8 Compensation Center of Excellence at VISN8CCOE@va.gov for questions. See "Additional Information" section below for more details Learn more Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required Requirements Conditions of Employment You 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. 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 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 (NLNAC) at the time the program was completed by the applicant; or Health care education in the military service or training in the military which is accepted by the licensing body in the jurisdiction in which the individual is licensed as qualifying for full LPN/LVN licensure; or Individuals granted a license by a jurisdiction that does not require graduation from an approved school. Licensure: Candidates must be currently licensed to practice as practical or vocational nurse in a state or territory of the United States or the District of Columbia, and must possess current, full active and unrestricted license registration of said license. English Language Proficiency: Applicants must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 USC 7402(d) and 7407 (d). (No person that is not proficient in spoken and written English will be appointed under authority of 38 USC Chapter 73 or 74 to serve in a direct patient-care capacity. Grade Determinations: Upon Selection a review will be conducted of the selected candidate's education and experience in order to determine the grade and salary at which the candidate qualified for and will be placed in. Qualifications and required KSA's (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities) required to be appointed at each grade level are as follows: GS-03: None beyond the basic requirements listed above. GS-04: Six months of qualifying experience as an LPN; OR Graduation from an approved school 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. GS-05: 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. Knowledge and ability to recognize the need for and to institute emergency measures when indicated, promptly seek the assistance of the RN or MD/DO and assist in resuscitation procedures in cardiac and/or pulmonary arrest. Recognizes and appropriately responds to breakage/malfunction or loss of equipment, safety hazards, and supply deficiencies, promptly reporting to appropriate personnel for corrective action. 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. GS-06: Completion of at least one (1) year of additional qualifying experience at the GS-05 level or equivalent, fully meeting all performance requirements for the LPN AND 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. Ability 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 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. 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 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. Preferred Experience: GEC-Geriatric experience MH-1-5 years of MH; Skill in Substance Use Disorders; Group Facilitation; Assessment of Vital; Medications Administration, and Documentation Reference: VA Directive and Handbook 5005/3, Part II, Appendix G13; Practical Nurse Qualification Standard, dated April 10,2003The full performance level is GS 6. The actual grade which an applicant may be selected is in the range of GS 3 to 6. Physical Requirement: See additional information section. 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/. 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 at the time of graduation, but is no longer listed on the ACEN, CCNE, or DAPIP website, you must provide documentation of accreditation with your application packet. (Please verify, failure to do so can result in an ineligible rating.) Additional Information Receiving 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. 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. Physical Requirements: The incumbent must be physically and mentally able to perform the essential functions of the position without hazard to themselves or others. This position requires visual acuity, keen hearing, clear distinctive speech, and manual dexterity. Requires potentially long periods of continued walking, standing, stooping, sitting, bending, pulling, pushing, use a keyboard, and perform CPR. Transferring patients and objects using appropriate assistive devices, push/pull an occupied gurney may be required. The incumbent may be exposed to infected patients and contaminated materials. 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. The incumbent must be capable of working effectively in stressful situations, able to shift priorities based on patient needs, and perform all other activities without restrictions. The position may require travel to the various locations (Main Facility, Broward Outpatient Center and CBOCs as applicable). Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP): Authorized for GEC positions only; may be eligible for the EDRP, a student loan reimbursement program within VHA, pending funding and approval. If selected for a GEC position you must meet specific individual eligibility criteria in accordance with VHA policy 1021; apply for EDRP within four (4) months of appointment. Final award amount and program start date is determined after review of a complete EDRP application and supporting documentation by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services office. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the V8 CCOE at VISN8CCOE@va.gov. 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.