Summary The incumbent of this position serves as an LPN with the Oscar G. Johnson, VAMC (OGJVAMC), Community Living Center (CLC). The primary purpose of this position is to perform a very wide range of resident personal care, treatment and charting activities on a regular and continuing basis on a rehabilitation, short term, respite, hospice, and long-term care unit. The incumbent performs duties in such a way as to promote a sense of worth and dignity for the individual. Responsibilities This position is at the developmental level and is closely supervised and refers issues/questions to supervisors, higher graded LPNs or other healthcare professionals. The LPNs at this grade level functions as a member of the nursing care team and assist higher level LPNs, licensed nursing staff, and other members of the care team in the care of patients/residents who are in acute, sub-acute, or chronic states of illness. Is learning to demonstrate ability to serve as a responsible member of the nursing team and interact in an appropriate manner with residents, family members, professional and other supportive personnel involved in the delivery of patient care, incorporating acceptable, established customer service standards into practice. Maintains a positive therapeutic relationship by displaying respect for human dignity with patient, families and/or significant others utilizing learned communication skills. Utilizes observation skills for data collection, reporting and recording patient/resident observations. Performs aspects of nursing care to meet patient's needs for the following under close supervision and with direction/guidance from the RN including but not limited to: a. Personal Hygiene b. Assistance with ADLs c. Oral hygiene d. Nutrition needs e. Specimen collectionf. Ambulation and transfer needs g. Vital signsh. Prevention of Skin Breakdown i. Rehabilitative Aspects of Care Engages in-group activities such as off-station trips, reality orientation, current events and other therapeutic groups. Utilizes principles of proper body mechanics while caring for patients. Reports patient observations to the RN and or other members of the treatment team. Begins to compute dosage and administer medication utilizing BCMA with consultation of the professional nurse. Under the guidance of the Nurse Manager/designee, observes, documents and reports patient: a. Response to medical/nursing care b. Variation in physical condition to include those that have occurred with aging. c. Variation in psycho-social condition/behavior to include those that are due to cultural and religious preferences d. Response to medication/treatments Participates in and contributes to care conferences: a. Assists the R.N. with modification of treatment plans to accommodate cultural preferences, religious preferences and changes that occur with aging. b. Participates in the implementation of the care plan developed by the R.N. and multidisciplinary team. Uses aseptic technique and adheres to written policy/procedure. Examples are (but are not limited to): a. Providing tracheostomy care and suctioning b. Urinary catheterization and irrigation c. Colostomy care d. Sterile dressing changes e. Compresses, sterile and unsterile f. Monitoring (but not regulating) peripheral I.V. infusions. Under the guidance of the Nurse Manager/designee, assists with care of patients who require complex nursing care and close observation (I.V. therapy, gastric tubes, special equipment, etc.). Participates in patient rehabilitation by: a. Encouraging self-care activities within limitations b. Assisting with re-socialization c. Patient/significant other education d. Contributing to discharge planning Assists with orienting patient/family to unit routines and policies. Works as a cooperative, courteous member of the interdisciplinary team. Safeguards the patient's right to privacy by judiciously protecting information of a confidential nature. Learns to utilize principles of proper safety practices including body mechanics and follows procedures for use of patient care equipment to prevent injury to self or others in all settings such as utilization of lifting equipment. Provides Resident Centered Care: VA CLCs are committed to providing resident-centered care. Resident centered care identifies an approach to providing health care where the treatment plan is driven by the needs, preferences, and life-long habits of the resident. Care is individualized to each resident, and the resident is a participant in their own care when possible. Attention is paid to ensure that care meets the age appropriate, cultural, and religious needs and preferences of each Veteran. Utilizes effective communication with patients, families, visitors, and members of the interdisciplinary team, including the patient in mutual goal setting, and providing patient advocacy when appropriate. Visibly demonstrates the ICARE (Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, Excellence) Core Values in interactions with Veterans, staff, and other stakeholders. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 2:00PM-10:30PM. This LPN position does work rotating weekends and holidays. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Salary Ranges: GS-3: $44,860-$58,311 GS-4: $47,649-$61951 GS-5: $50,613-$65,791 GS-6: $53,758-$69,883 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. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Must pass pre-employment physical examination. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Qualifications Basic Requirements: United States 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 National League for Nursing (Accrediting Commission, NLNAC)at the time the program was completed by the applicant. Exception: 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. (Transcripts required) License: 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. (Copy of your license is required with your application) English Language Proficiency: 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(d), and 7407(d). Grade Requirements: GS-3 None beyond the basic requirements. LPNs at this grade level are expected to perform all duties within the scope of their license (e.g. medication administration); however, completed work may require routine or detailed higher level review depending upon the complexity of the duties involved. G
