The incumbent demonstrates initiative, assumes responsibility for improving knowledge and skills, demonstrates sound clinical judgment, and adapts to patient/resident needs. Incumbent demonstrates sound techniques in complex nursing care procedures and basic care of the acutely ill chronic and long-term residents/patients in all areas of the VA New Jersey Health Care System to include, Mental Health, Primary Care, Specialty Clinics and Medical-Surgical and Community Living Center. 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. Education. A Graduate from 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. Licensure. Possess a full, active, current and unrestricted licensure as a licensed practical nurse in a State, Territory or Commonwealth (i.e., Puerto Rico) of the United States, or District of Columbia. English Language Proficiency. Licensed practical 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). 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). Grade Determinations: GS-06 (a) Completion of at least one (1) year of additional qualifying experience at the GS-5 level or equivalent, fully meeting all performance requirements for the GS-5 LPN. (b) Technically proficient in initiating, performing and completing assigned duties in providing care to variable patient populations. (c) 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. Completed work should need only a general review by a registered nurse or physician (MD/DO) for appropriateness and conformity with established policies/procedures. (d) Ability to observe, identify and respond to the patient's needs for care, including medication, equipment-assisted care and patient/family education. In organizing and delivering care, the LPN recognizes and considers emotional, cultural, spiritual, socio-economic, and age-related factors. (e) Prepares and administers prescribed medications (oral, topical, subcutaneous, intramuscular and/or intravenous) and performs treatments according to established policies/procedures. Observes for physical and/or emotional changes in patient's condition from prescribed medications/treatments, promptly and accurately documenting noted changes, and reporting any deviations from normal to RN or MD/DO. (f) 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. (g) 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. (h) 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 aspects 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. (i) 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. Serves as a preceptor in orienting, educating, and training less experienced LPNs/LVNs or NAs/HTs related to support duties for these more complex, specialized tests/procedures. (j) Actively seeks out educational opportunities to enhance nursing knowledge and skills, sharing new knowledge gained with other staff to improve and advance nursing practice. References: VA Handbook 5005, Appendix G-13. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-06. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-06 Physical Requirements: The work requires standing and walking for long periods of time. The LPN must frequently bend, reach, stoop, stretch to perform necessary work duties. Must be able to carry or lift up to 35 pounds and be able to utilize mechanical lifts for safety. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. ["Duties Include but are not limited to: Performs the functions of the LPN GS-6 and in addition, is responsible for primary nursing care to an assigned group of selected patients/residents and for the plan of action in carrying out patient/resident care assignments. Reports and records current observations such as patient's/resident's physical condition, emotional response and results of procedures; observes skin conditions, variations in vital signs, personal habits of patients/residents, and listens for clues to patient's/resident's reaction to illness and treatment. Performs assigned nursing care responsibilities requiring the use of advanced equipment, technology, or knowledge in procedures performed in the GU Clinic, Eye Clinic, General Medical, Surgical, Orthopedic, Diabetic, Urology Clinics, Vital Signs area, and Patient Transport. Provides patient/resident and family education regarding the patient's/resident's condition, procedures, and preventive health care; reinforces health teaching initiated by the multidisciplinary treatment team. Recognizes the need for and initiates action in emergencies, i.e., cardiac/respiratory arrest, seizures, and/or assaultive behavior. Maintains precise adherence to basic principles of asepsis, safety, and standard precautions to provide a safe environment for patients/residents, families, and employees. Utilizes specialized equipment such as, Doppler Units, Oximeter, Visual Field Analyzer, Electro-fulguration Machine, Cryothermia Machine, Computer Terminal, and Printer. Escorts acutely ill patients/residents to and from clinics and/or outside the facility for special tests. Provides one-to-one nursing care to assigned outpatients whose care requires close observation. Follows policies and procedures related to fire and disaster drills, safety and security measures. Interprets Medical Center Regulations and policies to patients, relatives, and visitors. Assists the physician and/or nurse with therapeutic or diagnostic procedures, including skin biopsies, joint aspirations, phlebotomies, pap smears, pelvic examinations, minor eye surgeries, and minor GU procedures. Obtains and arranges necessary equipment. Correctly positions the patient/resident, provides information, and reassurance to the patient. Observes and responds to changes in patient's/resident's behavior by providing emotional support, intervening to correct the problem, or reporting the situation to the Registered Nurse. Accepts and supports established Medical Center policies and procedures. Performs other related duties as indicated by the needs of the patient and the unit. Work Schedule: Day Shift with rotation Telework: Not Availble Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]

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