Summary The Battle Creek VA Medical Center is recruiting for a Licensed Practical Nurse. The Licensed Practical Nurse will function in Ambulatory Care Nursing Service in Battle Creek, MI. Responsibilities Nursing care duties are performed in a variety of settings, primarily within the Medical Center. Work involves regular and recurring exposure to infection and transmittal diseases and ordinary risks and discomforts requiring incidence of unpredictable, assault behavior, unintentional related to confused, disoriented patients and/or patients with psychiatric disorders/history. Nursing care performed comprises a segment of nursing care and contributes to the delivery of health care and the recovery of the patient. Work consists of personal nursing care duties, treatments, diagnostic support, recording, patient teaching and rehabilitation. Recurring duties are carried out independently and employee is able to vary basic procedures to meet the individual needs and capabilities of the patient. Follows safe practices and procedures to guard patient and personal safety as well as the safety of other individuals in the Medical Center. Provides various support functions as directed including, but not limited to, providing information on where patients are located, recording and maintaining unit records and obtaining all necessary monitor supplies. Performs Alarm check per policy. Technically proficient in initiating, performing and completing assigned duties in providing care to variable patient population. 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. Is consistently aware and responsive to special needs arising from the age and/or cultural needs of patients cared for, treated or served. Prepares and administers selected medications (oral, topical, subcutaneous, intramuscular and/or intravenous) and performs treatments according to established policies/procedures. Knowledge and ability to recognize urgent or emergent patient care situations, seek assistance of 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 respects 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. Participates with other team members in planning for total patient care. Knowledge and skill in performing support duties for complex diagnostic tests and/or specialized practices or procedures. Actively seeks out educational opportunities to enhance nursing knowledge and skills, sharing new knowledge with other staff to improve and advance nursing practice. Keeps medical staff well informed and promotes regulations pertaining to Nursing Service. Promptly recognizes and reports signs and symptoms which indicate subtle physical and/or emotional changes in the patient's condition. Utilizes proper body mechanics, lifting devices, and assistance from co-workers in performance of patient care activities which may require considerable lifting, bending, and moving of patients. Promotes safe work habits. Cares for patients being transported to facilities outside the Medical Center, which may include use of special equipment. Actively promotes, conducts, and participates in clinic conferences, therapeutic patient group activities, and educational programs. When using a blood glucose monitor, states proper use of control solutions and follows procedure when controls are not in proper range. Assumes responsibility to coordinate and maintain clinic activities during emergent situations or in the absence of a registered nurse in the immediate area. Actively uses VISTA and the Computerized Patient Record System (CPRS) and all computerized programs. Work Schedule: Monday to Friday; 8:00 am to 4:30 pm; hours may vary based on Veteran's needs. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 93117-A, 93118-A, 93119-A, 93120-A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized 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. 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. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. 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. 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. 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). OR 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. OR Individuals granted a license by a jurisdiction that does not require graduation from an approved school. Licensure: Full, active, current an
