This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application. 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. 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. (1) 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. 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. An LPN[/LVN] who has or has ever had, any license(s) revoked, suspended, denied, restricted, limited, or issued/placed in a probationary status may be appointed only in accordance with the provisions in chapter 3, section B, paragraph 16 of this part. Grade Determinations: The GS-7 grade level is for select, complex LPN/LVN positions, as established by each health care facility. To be advanced, employees must meet all the following standards, provided the standard is part of their assignment. NOTE: Determinations concerning placement of positions at this grade level shall take into consideration the skill mix and the availability of supervision in the work unit. Although these positions are under the supervision of an RN and/or MD/DO, employees in such settings successfully and consistently demonstrate the exercise of independent technical judgment (without the need for readily available supervision), as well as a comprehensive and thorough working knowledge of the most complex or difficult practices and procedures. Such individuals may also serve as leaders or co-leaders in a nursing unit or for a specifically identified group of patients. (a) Completion of at least one (1) year of additional qualifying experience at the GS-6 level or equivalent, fully meeting all the performance requirements for the GS-6 LPN/LVN. (b) Knowledge and skills necessary to carry out more specialized patient care duties, including assignments in selected, more complex inpatient and/or outpatient care settings. Knowledge base promotes the incorporation of current patient care data in actively contributing to the development of the patient's overall health plan and in carrying out assigned nursing interventions. Positions at this grade level require broader knowledge and skills because supervision is more general, and employees are expected to be involved to a greater degree in the development and modification of treatment plans. (c) Ability to assist RN and/or MD/DO to appropriately prioritize overall patient care needs and adjust plans for care delivery. Makes astute observations of subtle, less obvious changes, both physical and emotional, in patient's condition, and accurately and thoroughly documents care delivered and patient's response to care that could require immediate modification of the patient's care plan. Appropriately seeks assistance and guidance by informing RN or MD/DO of changes in patient's condition requiring higher-level intervention. At this grade level, the LPN/LVN is expected to participate to a greater degree in prioritizing, and, as appropriate, modifying patient care treatment. They must also possess the ability to observe more subtle physical and emotional changes in patients and demonstrate taking appropriate action based on those observations. (d) Ability to proactively assist the RN or MD/DO in addressing patient's needs for medication/treatments, accurately administering prescribed medications/treatments according to established policies/procedures and appropriately recording administration and patient's response to medications/treatments received. (This may include restricted medication locally authorized for administration by employees at this grade level.) Demonstrates the knowledge and ability to readily recognize the more subtle signs and symptoms of potential or actual drug reactions, promptly inform the RN or MD/DO of observed changes in patient's condition and initiate appropriate, prescribed interventions. Employees at this grade level demonstrate broader knowledge and skill with respect to these responsibilities than employees at lower grade levels. (e) Knowledge and skill to promptly recognize potential urgent or emergent patient care situations, seek assistance of the RN and/or MD/DO for appropriate team intervention and effectively intervene, as directed, to assure the continuation of optimal, safe, and therapeutic patient care delivery. At this grade level, the LPN/LVN must have a broader knowledge of the patient treatment process and exercise judgment that demonstrates the ability to effectively intervene when appropriate. (f) Assists individuals or groups of patients and their families to take an active role in promoting healthy lifestyles for more positive patient outcomes. Exercises skill in influencing and communicating with unusually difficult to care for or communicate with patients and/or family members who may exhibit problems with lack of self-control, resistant or abusive behaviors, or impediments in their ability to understand or follow instructions. This includes the ability to effectively deal with the above types of patients under very general supervision. (g) Exhibits skill, creativity, and initiative in contributing to the improvement of overall care delivery and patient and/or family satisfaction levels through active participation in committees/task forces, research projects or in developing educational materials/media. Actively promotes and effectively incorporates established customer service standards in all aspects of their practice. (h) Possesses comprehensive practical nursing knowledge and skills in specialized procedures and practices to serve as a resource person for other staff in organizing and implementing more complex/specialized patient care. Serves as a role model and mentor to other nursing staff in the application of more complex technology, effectively guiding and directing their continuing practice in these areas. (i) Supports the RN or MD/DO in monitoring the practice of unlicensed nursing or non-medical staff in patient care delivery. Promptly reports any deviations from normal practice patterns to the RN or MD/DO. In addition to responsibilities at the lower grade level, the LPN/LVN is responsible for monitoring the practice of non-licensed nursing and medical staff. (j) Work of considerable difficulty and responsibility is performed under general supervision. Individuals in these positions are, to a considerable extent, expected to exercise independent technical judgments and to possess and apply a comprehensive working knowledge of the principles, art and science of practical nursing. The staff mix is such that employees at this grade level are expected to perform practical nursing duties of considerable difficulty and responsibility under very general supervision. (k) Actively seeks out educational opportunities to enhance nursing knowledge and skills and providing leadership in assisting other staff improve and advance their nursing practice.] References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/3 PART II APPENDIX G13 Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. ["The duties of the position include but are not limited to the following: Ability to perform Age Specific. Care for the veteran population. Measures and records vital signs, heights and weights, pain levels, and pulse oximeter readings. Reports abnormal values to the professional nurse. Performs a variety of procedures (Immunizations, EKG, veni­puncture, finger sticks, etc.), according to policy /procedure. Alert to patient's/caregiver's level of stress and assists the patient to verbalize feelings related to physical and psychosocial needs, reports and collaborates with the RN, SW and/or MD in developing and implementing appropriate interventions. Initiates corrective action for patient needs, requests, complaints, progress, and/or problems. Identifies potential crisis situations in the residential rehabilitation environment and initiates appropriate preventative actions. Recognizes, reports, intervenes, and/or assists with intervention in potential medical and psychiatric emergencies (i.e. initiates basic life support and activates the emergency medical system Provides and documents patient/family education regarding treatment planning goals/objectives, fails prevention, medication usage, etc. Assists the medical provider with examinations, diagnostic procedures, etc. Meets all documentation requirements In an accurate and timely manner. Assists patients to take an active role in promoting healthy lifestyles for more positive patient outcomes. Explains and encourages patients to follow and participate in plan of care. Re-evaluates plan of care and reports, and documents needed changes in progress notes, Performs activities related to maintenance/proper functioning of equipment, cleanliness, comfort,' and safety as needed. Works cooperatively with persons in other departments Serves as a liaison between the medical provider and patient. Is self- directed In carrying out complex clinical duties. Provides direct care following established guidelines set forth in the clinical protocols. Reviews the treatment plan and progress notes daily and routinely for prescribed nursing care. Participates as a skilled team member In a collaborative approach to planning and evaluation of treatment in weekly MHRRTP interdisciplinary team meetings, Contributes to discharge planning. Evaluates potential for patients at risk for falling and implements appropriate preventive measures; assists patient to cope with and/or compensate for changes affecting mobility and balance, Works collaboratively with Infection Control Nurse to meet Center for Disease Control and VA guidelines. Extracts data for reports for performance measures and quality Improvement. Participates In performance Improvement activities. Accompany off campus appointments and enters appointment information in CPRS. Assists with ensuring compliance with VA and OSHA Guidelines. Serves as liaison with community resources related to continuity of care, referrals, etc. Demonstrates preparation and administration of Insulin and other medications and assures successful return demonstration. Assist patient in setting up pill planners and educating patient on how to document self-administration of medication Demonstrates self-care procedures to patient, e.g, fingerstick blood sugar etc. Monitors patient's environment for safety hazards and potential unsafe items. Report these to nurse supervisor. Notifies RN or Nurse Manager of needed equipment or equipment in need of repair on unit. Administers medications and Immunizations, documents in CPRS, and observes patients for signs and symptoms of adverse reaction(s). Recognizes signs and symptoms of adverse reactions, and takes appropriate action. Monitors patient's environment for safety hazards and potential unsafe items. Report these to nurse supervisor. Work Schedule: Full-Time to include evening, nights, weekends and holidays working 8 hour, 10 hour, or 12 hour tours. Compressed/Flexible: Will be discussed upon selection Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 050347 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized EDRP Authorized for EXTERNAL selection: Contact Tonya.Gibson@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]

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