Vocational Nurse

<p>The Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) provides resident-centered practical nursing care on a Community Living Center (CLC) long-term care unit serving Veterans with chronic medical and behavioral health conditions, including pain, stress, and behavior management, IV therapy, and complex wound care, while functioning under RN direction to educate Veterans and families and support high-quality, interdisciplinary care.</p><h3>Major Duties</h3><p>Major Duties: Provides practical nursing care to Community Living Center residents with complex medical and psychiatric conditions (e.g., skin impairment, mobility issues, pain, depression, fall risk, assaultive behavior, end-of-life needs) in a long-term care, home-like environment under the direction of a Registered Nurse (RN). Administers and documents prescribed treatments and medications (oral, topical, subcutaneous, intramuscular, and IV where permitted by policy), monitors for physical and emotional changes, and promptly reports deviations in condition to the RN or MD/DO. Uses effective clinical judgment and communication skills to organize, prioritize, and deliver resident-centered care that preserves autonomy, rights, dignity, cultural preferences, and diversity. Participates in interdisciplinary care planning, reviews treatment plans and care-tracker reports, documents observed or reported changes, and advocates for resident needs and concerns in collaboration with the care team. Collaborates as a responsible member of the interdisciplinary team, supporting team decisions, assisting other team members with workload, and working closely with residents' families on care needs and goals. Assists the RN with admissions and discharges, gathers and documents resident information, and adjusts the order and sequence of assigned procedures based on the resident's condition and the interdisciplinary care plan. Provides resident and family education on self-care, disease processes, behavior modification, coping skills, medications, and treatment regimens, tailored to age-related and cultural needs. Maintains readiness and compliance with Joint Commission and other long-term care regulatory standards, including participation in Geriatrics and Extended Care and Nursing Service committees as assigned. Protects information security and privacy, following VA and VHA policies for safeguarding printed and electronic sensitive data and complying with computer access and confidentiality requirements. Contributes to staff development and quality improvement by orienting and mentoring new personnel (LVNs, CNAs/NAs/HTs), serving as a preceptor for complex procedures (at higher grades), practicing strong customer service, and actively seeking and sharing educational opportunities. Work Schedule: May vary depending on assigned facility needs Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized</p><h3>Requirements</h3>You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. Must be proficient in written and spoken English. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Must pass pre-employment physical examination. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.<h3>Education</h3>Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. NOTE: Current GS-0620 LPN/LVN employee of the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) who were converted to an appointment under 38 U.S.C. 7401(3) in implementation of Public Law 98-160, enacted November 21, 1983, or who was converted to an appointment under 38 U.S.C. 7405 in implementation of Public Law 99-576, enacted October 28, 1986 are considered to have met the Education requirement. The waiver does not apply to persons appointed under 38 U.S.C. 7401(3) or 7405 after these conversions.