Licensed Practical Nurse-Medical Outpatient Clinic (MOPC)

Summary

Possesses the necessary skills to readily recognize acute and subtle changes and emergent situations in the Veteran's condition, documentation is timely and adequately reflects the care delivered to the Veteran as well as the response to care received. Reports to the Nurse Manager for further intervention. Demonstrates the ability to effectively communicate with all levels of the health care team. Possesses comprehensive practical nursing knowledge and serves as a resource for others.

Duties

Duties include: 1. Possesses the knowledge and skills to carry out more specialized patient care activities. This knowledge base includes the use of veteran care data to initiate active contributions to the veteran's overall health plan. Observations of veteran's present status are made and interventions implemented to improve, restore or maintain the optimal function of the veteran. 2. Has knowledge of program regulations and is able to carry out objectives of the Nursing program. In doing this, follows the guidelines to meet and maintain program requirements. 3. Contributes to the development of the plan of care for assigned veterans outlining program modalities and updates per policy and as changes occur. This plan of care is completed with general review and co-signature by the RN or MD, utilizing a broad knowledge base and expertise to develop and modify treatment plans to meet the veteran and the family's expectations. 4. Promotes and demonstrates nursing concepts in the Medical Center. Works in collaboration with the Registered Nurse (RN), and or Health Care Provider (HCP). 5. Prepares and administers prescribed medications (oral, topical, subcutaneous, Intramuscular, and/or intravenous) and performs treatments according to established policies/procedures. The LPN/LVN observes for physical and/or emotional changes in patient's health condition, which may include prescribed medications/treatments, to promptly and accurately documenting identified changes, and reporting any deviations from normal to RN/HCP. 6. Takes appropriate actions based upon communications, observations, veteran care reports, provider/staff discussion. Reports changes to provider and demonstrates the knowledge and ability to effectively intervene and recommend and implement strategies that assure optimal, safe and effective care. 7. Assists other staff to prioritize the overall veteran care needs and adjusts the plan of care as needed. Has astute assessment skills, which allow for observation of obvious and subtle changes in the veteran health condition. Responds diligently to the veteran changes and deteriorating condition in emergent situations, notifying appropriate personnel in a timely manner. 8. Accurately and consistently reports and records significant veteran information received from other team members and can analyze and implement modifications based on these reports. 9. Is adept at encouraging and communicating with challenging psychological and physical behaviors to promote optimal functioning. Uses treatment modalities and implements appropriate practices and procedures with complex patients. Utilizes skills to influence and communicate with difficult and challenging veterans and families. 10. Demonstrate the ability to work independently without the need for readily available supervision and communicates effectively with the veteran, families, caregivers, professionals, and other supportive staff. Work Schedule: 7:30am to 4:00pm Functional Statement #: 61675-F Payscale: V0Q2

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. 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. Verification can be obtained from the State approving agency [or] the National League for Nursing [Accrediting Commission], 61 Broadway, 33rd Floor, New York, NY 10006. Additional information may also be obtained from the NLNAC Website. c. 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. 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-7. 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 of 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 of the performance requirements for the GS-6 LPN/LVN. 6(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 loca