Summary This position is aligned under the Nursing, and Ambulatory Care service assigned to the The Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center. The Licensed Practical Nurse, in the Primary Care area is a graduate of a school of practical nursing approved by the state accrediting agency and/or the National League of Nursing at the time the program was completed. He/she has a current licensure in a State, Territory, or Commonwealth of the United States, or District of Columbia. Responsibilities 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. Maintains a positive therapeutic relationship by displaying respect for human dignity with patient, families and/or significant others utilizing learned communication skills. 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 collection f. Ambulation and transfer needs g. Vital signs h. 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. Work Schedule: Full Time Monday-Friday 08:00am-04:30pm. Location: Oscar G. Johnson Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Facility 325 East H Street, Iron Mountain, MI 49801 Telework: Not Suitable Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #:08908F, 08909F, 08910F, 08911F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required Salary Ranges: GS-3: $45,308 - $58,903 GS-4: $48,126 - $62,567 GS-5: $51,120 - $66,456 GS-6: $54,256 - $70,584 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. 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). 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 1 or 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: US citizenship Current, full, active and unrestricted registration as a graduate professional nurse in a state, territory or commonwealth of US Graduate of an approved school of practical or vocational nursing. 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 jurisdiction that does not require graduation from an approved school. Current BLS certification (American Heart Association)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). IN ADDITION TO MEETING THE BASIC REQUIREMENTS LISTED ABOVE, YOU MUST MEET THE FOLLOWING GRADE REQUIREMENTS TO QUALIFY FOR THIS POSITION. Grade Determinations: GS-3:None beyond the Basic Requirements. GS-4:Must have completed 6 months of qualifying experience as an LPN or LVN; OR Graduated from an approved school and have 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 Graduated 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. 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
