The incumbent serves as a LPN and is organizationally responsible to the assigned Nurse Manager. The Licensed Practical Nurse uses knowledge and skills to complete assigned duties which involve performing standard LPN activities at the assigned level with supervision by the Registered Nurse. To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 07/28/2022. Basic Requirements: Citizenship: Citizen of the United States. (Noncitizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g, this part.) 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. 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. English Language Proficiency. Licensed practical or vocational 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). GRADE DETERMINATIONS: GS-03: None beyond the basic requirements. LPNs at this grade level are expected to perform all duties within the scope of their license (e.g., medication administration); however, completed work may require routine or detailed higher level review depending upon the complexity of the duties involved. GS-04: (a) Six months of qualifying experience as an LPN or LVN; OR (b) 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 (c) Graduation from an approved school of at least 24 months duration. GS-5: (a) Completion of at least one (1) year of qualifying experience at the GS-4 level or equivalent. (b) 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. (c) 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. (d) 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. (e) 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. (f) Recognizes and appropriately responds to breakage/malfunction or loss of equipment, safety hazards, and supply deficiencies, promptly reporting to appropriate personnel for corrective action. (g) Completed work is under the general supervision of an RN or MD/DO. Individuals at this grade level are expected to have a broad working knowledge of practical nursing procedures. However, completion of more complex practices or procedures may be subject to closer higher-level review. GS-6 (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/LVN. (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 (RN) 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/LVN 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 RNor 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 5005/3, Part II, Appendix G13, LICENSED PRACTICAL OR VOCATIONAL NURSE QUALIFICATION STANDARD ** The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-06 ** The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-03 to GS-06. ["Duties Include but are not limited to: Demonstrate knowledge and skill sufficient to complete assigned duties/responsibilities which involve performing the LPN activities in providing practical nursing care with a variety of physical and/or behavioral problems. Assignments above this level are limited to situations demanding an exceptional degree of practical nursing knowledge and skills (DM&S Supplement, MP-5, Part II, Chapter 2, Appendix 2P). Demonstrate knowledge and skills sufficient to complete assigned duties/responsibilities which involve performing nonstandard and specialized Licensed Practical Nurse activities at the specific GS level with minimal supervision by the registered nurse. Demonstrate knowledge and ability to serve as a responsible member of the patient care team and interact with patients, family members, professional and supportive personnel who provide patient care and with members of other services. Demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the adult and geriatric life span and possess the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to the age-specific needs, and to provide the care needed as described in policies and procedures. Demonstrate knowledge and skill sufficient to recognize and properly use equipment, materials and supplies to carry out procedures and other assignments with only a general review by the Registered Nurse for technical soundness, appropriateness, and conformity with established policies and procedures. Ability to make pertinent observations of the patient's physical and emotional reactions/needs to nursing care, medications, and treatment for purposes of communicating with the Registered Nurse and recording in the patient's record in the approved charting format. Ability to establish positive interpersonal relationships, to contribute to the emotional support of the patient and to function as a team member. Demonstrate knowledge and skills to recognize and manage environmental factors which may present a risk to patients in order to maintain a safe environment on the locked inpatient mental health unit. Ability to respond to concerns of patients and visitors in a manner that is effective and improves customer satisfaction. Demonstrate knowledge sufficient to understand human body structure and function, illnesses, and diseases entities and skill sufficient to communicate with Registered Nurses, patients, family members, and hospital staff. Demonstrate knowledge and skill sufficient to perform a complex range of nursing care activities that have been acquired through training and experience. Possess knowledge of nursing care involved in the care of the patient with multiple geriatric, psychiatric, and/or medical problems. Contribute to the assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of the nursing care that expedites the patient's return to, or maintenance of, optimal functioning by providing continuity of care of each patient's individual needs. Demonstrate knowledge of infection control and sterile technique to safely carry out assigned duties. Demonstrate knowledge and skill sufficient to participate effectively in emergency situations. Comply with health, safety, and environmental rules and procedures and performs work in a manner that enhances the safety of the work environment. Ensure strict adherence to federal, state, and local codes concerning health, safety and the environment as applicable within the performance of his/her duties. Demonstrate knowledge and skill sufficient to integrate the use of health care technology and/or information management system into the provision of nursing care. Perform a variety of nursing care activities, which include activities of daily living, vital signs, intake and output, and pain screening. Work Schedule: 12hour shifts, Night shift, rotating every other weekend.\nVirtual: This is not a virtual position.\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required\nPhysical Requirements: Heavy lifting, 45 pounds and over; Moderate lifting, 15-44 pounds; Heavy carrying, 45 pounds and over; Moderate carrying, Both hands required, Walking, pushing, and standing 8 hours; Reaching above shoulder; Use of fingers; Ability to distinguish basic colors; Hearing (aid may be permitted); Ability to distinguish shades of colors; Near vision correctable at 13\" to 16\" to Jaeger 1 to 4; Far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other *This occupational series is eligible for the Student Loan Repayment Program (SLRP). Repayment is limited to $10,000 annually, up to $60,000 in lifetime awards. Participants must sign a service agreement and maintain an acceptable level of performance to remain eligible for this program.*"]