The Licensed Practical Nurse will be assigned to the Gastroenterology Clinic providing services to Veterans in the inpatient and outpatient setting. 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. 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). 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-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: Outpatient Experience Acute Care Experience Recent GI Experience IV Certification References: VA Handbook 5005/3, Part II, Appendix G6, License Practical Qualification Standards dated April 10, 2003.The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-06. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-03 to GS-06.The full performance level of this vacancy is GS6. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS3 to GS6.Physical Requirements: Light lifting, under 15 pounds, Light carrying, under 15 pounds, Pushing ( 1-2 hours), Use of fingers, Both hands required, Walking (4 hours), Standing (4 hours), Repeated bending (2 hours), Near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4, Both eyes required, Depth perception, Ability to distinguish basic colors, Hearing (aid permitted), Other (specify below), Mental & emotional stability required. ["The LPN is assigned to the GI Clinics. The clinics provide outpatient and inpatient endoscopy, gastroenterology and hepatology care. The LPN is responsible for assisting with patient assessments, treatments, planning and coordination of care that facilitates in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary disorders. Duties include but are not limited to: Organizes/prioritizes clinical specific activities Accurately documents and retrieves patient/clinical information using CPRS Recognizes significant changes in the patient; recognizes urgent or emergent patient care situations Provides effective education to patients and/or family members in relation to common GI disease processes, medications and/or prescribed diagnostic and/or treatment regimes Demonstrates basic knowledge and ability to provide practical nursing care to Veteran patients within the Nursing Service Line and provides outpatient care for Veterans with a variety of health disorders with age ranges from young adult to geriatric. Observes and reports changes in patients' condition, administers medications and documents this care in the medical record. Functions as an integral member of the health care team. Works with consistent support and supervision with completion of work requiring routine or higher-level review. LPN is expected to perform all duties within the scope of their license and will develop advanced skills in demonstrating good judgement, effective problem solving, organization and planning and leading group activities. The applicant will apply knowledge effectively; document patient care and information accurately and respond appropriately to emergency situations. Work Schedule: Day shift with on call rotation Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]
The Veterans Health Administration is America’s largest integrated health care system, providing care at 1,298 health care facilities, including 171 medical centers and 1,113 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics), serving 9 million enrolled Veterans each year. The VA Martinsburg Healthcare System offers a wide range of health, support, and facility services for Veterans at 8 locations serving western Maryland, south-central Pennsylvania, northwest Virginia, and West Virginia’s eastern panhandle. Primary Care services are offered at the following locations. Martinsburg WV, Hagerstown MD, Cumberland MD, Franklin WV, Harrisonburg VA, Petersburg WV and Winchester VA.
OUR MISSION: To fulfill President Lincoln's promise – "To care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan" – by serving and honoring the men and women who are America's Veterans.
Physicians interested in caring for our America's Veterans and their families, email Nicole.Carey@va.gov or call 304-620-4354.