Summary

The Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) - Community Living Center (CLC) is responsible for direct patient care activities under the direction of the Registered Nurse (RN). The LVN/LPN works in a self-directed manner which requires minimal supervision from the RN, and demonstrates a basic understanding of patient's physical and emotional needs by using a broad spectrum of technical skills to meet those needs. The LVN/LPN seeks guidance from the RN when difficulty is encountered with the assignment.

Qualifications

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
• English Language Proficiency
• In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), no person shall serve in direct patient care positions unless they are proficient in basic written and spoken English
• 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
• Exceptions include 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 OR granted a license by a jurisdiction that does not require graduation from an approved school AND have at least one year of successful practice as an LPN/ LVN
• Licensure - Active, full, current and unrestricted licensure as a Graduate Licensed Practical or Vocational Nurse in a State, Territory, or Commonwealth (i.e., Puerto Rico), of the United States or the District of Columbia
• Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements stated above, the following qualification criteria must be met for each grade
• The candidate's qualifications must clearly demonstrate the level of competence required for the grade
• GS 3: None beyond the basic requirements
• GS 4: Six months of qualifying experience as an LPN/LVN OR Graduation from an approved school and 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 Graduation from an approved school of at least 24 months in duration
• ANDLVN/LPNs at the GS-4 grade level perform all duties expected of employees at the GS-3 grade level
• GS 5: Completion of at least one year of qualifying experience at the GS-4 level or equivalent
• AND Demonstrated knowledge and ability to provide a full range of practical nursing care to patients with a variety of physical and/or behavioral problems
• Demonstrated ability to serve as a responsible member of the nursing team and interact with patients, family members, professional and supportive personnel patient care
• 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
• 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 general supervision of an RN or MD/DO
• GS 6: Completion of at least one year of qualifying experience at the GS-5 level or equivalent
• 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 and to use judgment in selecting the appropriate order and sequence of procedures and treatments
• Ability to observe, identify and respond to the patient's needs for medication, equipment-assisted care and patient/family education
• Prepares and administers prescribed 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 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
• 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
• 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 One year in long-term care, skill nursing facility, rehabilitation, and/or experience with restorative care
• One year medication administration
• Experience in patient education, adult education, or staff education
• Basic computer literacy proficiency with he use of Microsoft Office Programs and the ability to learn new programs specific to the VA
• Salary for this position ranges dependent upon applicant qualifications GS-03: $56,648-$73,639 annually GS-04: $63,588-$82,658 annually GS-05: $71,144-$92,482 annually GS-06: $77,418-$100,647 annually The full performance level of this vacancy is 6
• The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of 3 to 6
• Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
• Physical Requirements: The population of male and female patients served ranges from the adult, age 18, to the elderly adult, age 65 and over
• The San Francisco VA Health Care System is a health care facility, providing acute medical, surgical, behavioral health, physical medicine and rehabilitation, geriatric, and primary care services predominately to veterans, but in special cases, includes active duty military and civilian populations
• This position requires visual acuity (Correctable to 20/40), hearing clear distinctive speech (correctable to 20db), and manual dexterity to perform prescribed procedures/computer usage
• This position requires potentially long periods of continued walking, standing, stooping, sitting, bending, pulling, and pushing
• Transferring patients and objects may be required
• The incumbent may be exposed to infected patients and contaminated materials and may be required to wear protective clothing in isolation situations or during patient operative/invasive procedures
• The incumbent may occasionally be exposed to patients who are combative secondary to delirium, dementia, or psychiatric disorders
• The incumbent must be a mature, flexible, sensible individual capable of working effectively in stressful situations, and is able to shift priorities based on patient needs.

Duties

• **This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until February 28, 2025
• The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be November 18, 2024, with subsequent cut-off dates every 2 weeks
• Eligible applications received after that date will be accepted on an ongoing basis and qualified candidates will be considered as vacancies become available.** 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
• Program 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
• EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive
• Contact susan.bringel@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance
• Learn more Duties and responsibilities of the Community Living Center LVN/LPN include: Provides Resident care to Long Term Care Community Living Centers
• Uses sound clinical judgment and can vary the order and sequence of assignments based on Resident's conditions
• Assist RNs in implementing plans of care, prioritization of client needs, relevance of nursing diagnosis, individualization of interventions, expected veteran-resident outcomes, and quality of documentation
• Utilizes knowledge of physical, social, and emotional factors when planning Resident care, and uses this knowledge effectively in day-to-day interactions with patients and families
• Recognizes deviations from Resident's baseline
• Demonstrates ability to respond to Resident's immediate and long-term needs
• Prepares and administers medications correctly and understands the action and side effects of all medications administered
• Observes for physical and/or emotional changes in Resident's condition from prescribed medications/treatments, promptly and accurately documenting noted changes, and reporting any deviations from normal to RN or MD/DO
• Performs complex treatments and procedures with exceptional skill and knowledge
• Applies knowledge of Medical Center Policies and Procedures to his/her daily clinical functions and responsibilities
• Age differences - delivers nursing care that reflects the various phases of the life cycle from 18 to 85 years and over
• Distinguishes individual age need differences, considers maturation changes, promotes health in all phases, differentiates the need for special equipment, and considers the young adults and abuse problems
• Applies knowledge of effective verbal interactions and preventative tactics, such as the use of the least restrictive environment, when confronted by aggressive or potentially assaultive patients
• Knowledge of physical, social, and emotional factors when planning Resident care, and uses this knowledge appropriately to respond to Code Blue emergencies
• Recognizes and initiates life saving measures appropriately in the absence of other members of the Healthcare Team
• Participates in the planning and/or implementation of various codes and emergency management procedures
• Uses safe techniques when giving Resident' care and handling equipment, using standard precautions and personal/patient protective equipment
• Recognizes and reports unsafe situations
• Initiates appropriate emergency interventions
• Assesses acute and subtle changes and consistency in patients' mental and physical condition and intervenes appropriately
• Provide wound care within scope of practice
• Applies knowledge of human behavior and the various degrees of physical and mental impairment, is able to modify Resident/family teaching methods
• Assists the professional nurse in planning and implementation of Resident's educational or recreational activities
• Motivates Resident to participate in learning and recreational activities to improve their quality of life
• Recognizes Resident care management difficulties or problems and makes suggestions for change
• Communicates with Resident's and families in a calming, reassuring, and supportive manner
• Assesses the need for and provides emotional support to the dying Resident and family
• Observes Resident while on the unit and more frequently as directed in accordance with facility policies
• Establishes therapeutic relationships with Residents and all members of the Interdisciplinary Team
• Assist NM/ANM in completing special assignments and is a contributing member of Nursing Service
• Document patient care according to prescribed procedures and maintain an objective relationship with the peers and residents
• Work Schedule: 0730-1600, 1530-0000, 2330-0800 Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized