Career Center

This announcement will be used to fill vacancies in various units within the Salem VA Medical Center and subordinate Community Based Outpatient Clinic's (CBOC's). CBOC locations include Staunton, Lynchburg and Wytheville. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis. Qualified candidates will be verified and referred as vacancies become available. Education scholarship programs available and incentive bonus for eligible positions. Other great benefits can be found here: LPN Total Rewards 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: Citizenship: Citizen of the United States. (Noncitizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens). 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. Exceptions include: 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(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; and 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. Individuals granted a license by a jurisdiction that does not require graduation from an approved school. 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. Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements, the following qualification criteria must be met for each grade. The candidate's qualifications must clearly demonstrate the level of competence required for the grade. GS-3: None beyond the basic requirements. LPNs at this grade level are expected to perform all duties within the scope of their license.GS-4: GS4: Six months of qualifying experience as an LPN or LVN; 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-5: 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. Demonstrated ability to serve as a responsible member of the nursing team and interact with patients, family members, professional and 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. GS-6: Completion of at least 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. Knowledge and ability to appropriately carry out assigned patient care based on the patients' conditions; to use judgment in selecting the appropriate order and sequence of procedures and treatments; and to accurately recognize, report and record relevant] patient information. 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/LVN 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/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. 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 to GS 3-GS-6. References: VHA handbook 5005/2 Appendix G13. Physical Requirements: Physical qualifications require the ability to stand, walk, bend, and move freely. Must be able to utilize good body mechanics in lifting or restraining patients. Must have good hearing, eyesight, and physical dexterity. Must be clean and neat in appearance. Must be emotionally stable and cooperative. Work is accomplished predominantly on the nursing unit and through escorting to various clinics or hospital areas. The physical surroundings involve working with the acute and chronically physically and mentally ill patients, which may cause discomfort related to negative verbal and physical activities from these patients. ["Check out the total rewards for inclusive monetary compensation and benefit package for LPN's - LPN Total Rewards Education scholarship programs available for continuing education which can include salary replacement while full time student, covered cost of tuition, books and some fees. Incentive bonus available: Limited to specific positions and must meet incentive qualifications. Specific duties and responsibilities for the positions will vary between units. General responsibilities include but not limited to: Recognizes urgent or emergent patient care situations, seeks assistance of the RN and/or MD/DO, and initiates appropriate emergency interventions as directed. Provides full range of LPN/LVN care to patients with a variety of medical, physical and psychological needs. Performs procedures, collections, treatments, and assistance while monitoring and observing the patient, under the supervision of the RN. Provides patient care in compliance with the policy and procedure and standards set forth by the Medical Center. Works in collaboration with the Registered Nurse, Physicians, Nursing Assistants and/or the Health Care Personnel (HCP). Observes for physical and/or cognitive changes in patient condition from prescribed medication, treatments, promptly and accurately documenting noted changes, and reporting deviations. Possesses the knowledge and skill to effectively apply all aspects of the nursing process within a collaborative interdisciplinary practice setting. Demonstrates adherence to VA and Nursing policies/procedures/SOP's and maintains competencies consistent with the responsibilities. Participates in either unit or hospital quality improvement measures or unit projects. Assists the RN and other staff to identify and address the Veterans needs and take appropriate action. Accurately and timely documents observations and information related to patient care and patient education in CPRS or on approved Medical Center forms. Works with the RN and/or HCP to appropriately orient/train less experienced LPN/LVN and or Nursing Assistants. When competing the Questionnaire in the application, please select the units and shifts that you would like to be considered. Units include: Primary Care- Lynchburg CBOC Primary Care-Salem VAMC Primary Care-Staunton CBOC Primary Care- Wytheville CBOC Outpatient Mental Health-Lynchburg CBOC Outpatient Mental Health-Salem VAMC Outpatient Mental Health-Staunton CBOC Outpatient Mental Health-Wytheville CBOC Mental Health Inpatient- Acute Psychiatry-Day Shift Mental Health Inpatient- Acute Psychiatry-Night Shift Mental Health Inpatient-Substance Use Unit- Rotational Mental Health Inpatient-Substance Use Unit- Evening Shift Mental Health Inpatient-Substance Use Unit- Night Shift Mental Health Inpatient- PTSD Unit- Day Shift Mental Health Inpatient- PTSD Unit- Night Shift Geriatrics & Extended Care Surgical- Outpatient Specialty Clinics (GI, Pre-Admission, ENT, General Surgery, Podiatry, Nail Technician, Orthopedics, Urology, Vascular, Plastics, Pulmonary/ Sleep, Cardiology, Neurology, Dermatology, Endocrine, Pain, Infectious disease) Work Schedule: To be determined by the service based on the unit's hours of operation and the staffing needs of the unit. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: May be authorized for highly qualified applicants who meet the requirements of an approved incentive. Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]

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