Psych Practical Nurs
Recruitment incentive has been authorized for highly qualified applicants. Current Tuscaloosa VA employees are not eligible for the recruitment incentive. Mental Health functions as an integral member of the interdisciplinary treatment team that assesses the needs of patients; plans, implements and evaluates quality nursing care to meet acute mental health care needs. Geriatrics & Extended Care provides skilled nursing care, and supportive personal care including the Restorative Care Program, Hospice Care, Long Term Care, and inpatient rehabilitation care in an inter professional environment to include social, recreational, and spiritual care in a culturally transformed and patient centered environment. The duties of the position includes but are not limited to the following:
Administer medications and treatment to patients that may exhibit a variety of physical and/or behavioral problems. Respond to fire and other disasters, drills and practices conservation of supplies and energy. Assist in the maintenance of a safe, clean and therapeutic environment. Participate in the team process for improvement and implementation of change. Facilitate Veteran rights and encourages them to meet their responsibilities as Veterans. Perform skilled nursing care on a regular and re-occurring basis for critically ill Veterans that may exhibit a variety of physical and/or behavioral problems. Provide Veteran/Family Centered Care throughout the assignment. Demonstrate communication skills that promote rapport and trust in Mental Health Recovery. Exhibit de-escalation communication skills to prevent unsafe situations. Assure the assignment of special observation status, including restraint and seclusion is completed according to policy. Uses wireless computing skills to increase engagement with Veterans. Maintain a therapeutic environment, milieu, and cultural transformation. Search for missing Veterans, person search, environmental contraband search, verifying Veteran's presence, etc. Complete assigned duties and responsibilities which involve performing nonstandard and specialized practical nursing activities, requiring broad work experience and demonstrated skill sufficient to resolve a range of complex nursing problems. Prepare and perform a wide range of nursing tasks consistent with policies and procedures, such as personal nursing care, medication/treatment, support for diagnostic services, documentation, teaching, leadership and environmental duties. Work Schedule:
Shifts may vary depending upon unit of placement Financial Disclosure Report:
Not required 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:
U.S. citizenship. Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. Must be a graduate of practical or vocational nursing approved by the appropriate State accrediting agency and/or the National League for Nursing at the time the program was completed by the applicant. Must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d) and 7407(d). Must have a full, current, active and unrestricted license as a graduate licensed practical or vocational nurse in a State, Territory, or Commonwealth (i.e., Puerto Rico) of the United States or District of Columbia. Must pass a pre-employment examination if selected. Grade Determinations:
GS-3. None beyond the basic requirements. LPNs at this grade level are expected to perform duties within the scope of their license; however, completed work may require higher level review depending upon the complexity of the duties. GS-4. Employees may be appointed at or advanced to GS-4 if they meet any of the criteria in paragraphs (a) through (c) below:
(a) Six months of qualifying experience as an LPN/LVN; GS-5. Completion of at least 1 year of experience at the GS-4 level.(a) 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 LPN/LVN and/or Nursing Assistants/Health Technicians to acceptable standards of practice in promoting patient care. Provides education to patients and/or family members in relation to common disease processes, medication, and prescribed treatment regimes.(b) 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 care, incorporating acceptable, established customer service standards.(c) 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.(d) 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.(e) Recognizes and appropriately responds to breakage/malfunction or loss of equipment, safety hazards, and supply deficiencies, promptly reporting to appropriate personnel for corrective action.(f) 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. Completion of at least one 1 year of qualifying experience at the GS-5 level. (a) Technically proficient in initiating, performing and completing assigned duties in providing care to variable patient populations. (b) 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 for appropriateness and conformity with established policies/procedures. (c) 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. (d) 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. (e) 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. (f) 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. (g) Establishes 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. (h) 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. (i) 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 G-13 Licensed Practical or Vocational Nurse Qualification Standard. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS--6. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS 6. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS 3 to GS 6. 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. Physical Requirements:
Heavy Lifting (45 lbs. and over); Heavy Carrying (45 lbs. and over); Straight Pulling (up to 4 hours); Reaching above shoulder; Use of fingers; Both hands required; Walking (up to 8 hours); Standing (up to 8 hours); Kneeling (up to 8 hours); Both legs required or prosthesis; Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; Ability to read type written characters, glasses permitted; Ability to hear the whispered voice, hearing aid permitted.
Estimated Salary: $20 to $28 per hour based on qualifications.
Administer medications and treatment to patients that may exhibit a variety of physical and/or behavioral problems. Respond to fire and other disasters, drills and practices conservation of supplies and energy. Assist in the maintenance of a safe, clean and therapeutic environment. Participate in the team process for improvement and implementation of change. Facilitate Veteran rights and encourages them to meet their responsibilities as Veterans. Perform skilled nursing care on a regular and re-occurring basis for critically ill Veterans that may exhibit a variety of physical and/or behavioral problems. Provide Veteran/Family Centered Care throughout the assignment. Demonstrate communication skills that promote rapport and trust in Mental Health Recovery. Exhibit de-escalation communication skills to prevent unsafe situations. Assure the assignment of special observation status, including restraint and seclusion is completed according to policy. Uses wireless computing skills to increase engagement with Veterans. Maintain a therapeutic environment, milieu, and cultural transformation. Search for missing Veterans, person search, environmental contraband search, verifying Veteran's presence, etc. Complete assigned duties and responsibilities which involve performing nonstandard and specialized practical nursing activities, requiring broad work experience and demonstrated skill sufficient to resolve a range of complex nursing problems. Prepare and perform a wide range of nursing tasks consistent with policies and procedures, such as personal nursing care, medication/treatment, support for diagnostic services, documentation, teaching, leadership and environmental duties. Work Schedule:
Shifts may vary depending upon unit of placement Financial Disclosure Report:
Not required 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:
U.S. citizenship. Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. Must be a graduate of practical or vocational nursing approved by the appropriate State accrediting agency and/or the National League for Nursing at the time the program was completed by the applicant. Must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d) and 7407(d). Must have a full, current, active and unrestricted license as a graduate licensed practical or vocational nurse in a State, Territory, or Commonwealth (i.e., Puerto Rico) of the United States or District of Columbia. Must pass a pre-employment examination if selected. Grade Determinations:
GS-3. None beyond the basic requirements. LPNs at this grade level are expected to perform duties within the scope of their license; however, completed work may require higher level review depending upon the complexity of the duties. GS-4. Employees may be appointed at or advanced to GS-4 if they meet any of the criteria in paragraphs (a) through (c) below:
(a) Six months of qualifying experience as an LPN/LVN; GS-5. Completion of at least 1 year of experience at the GS-4 level.(a) 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 LPN/LVN and/or Nursing Assistants/Health Technicians to acceptable standards of practice in promoting patient care. Provides education to patients and/or family members in relation to common disease processes, medication, and prescribed treatment regimes.(b) 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 care, incorporating acceptable, established customer service standards.(c) 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.(d) 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.(e) Recognizes and appropriately responds to breakage/malfunction or loss of equipment, safety hazards, and supply deficiencies, promptly reporting to appropriate personnel for corrective action.(f) 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. Completion of at least one 1 year of qualifying experience at the GS-5 level. (a) Technically proficient in initiating, performing and completing assigned duties in providing care to variable patient populations. (b) 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 for appropriateness and conformity with established policies/procedures. (c) 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. (d) 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. (e) 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. (f) 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. (g) Establishes 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. (h) 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. (i) 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 G-13 Licensed Practical or Vocational Nurse Qualification Standard. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS--6. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS 6. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS 3 to GS 6. 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. Physical Requirements:
Heavy Lifting (45 lbs. and over); Heavy Carrying (45 lbs. and over); Straight Pulling (up to 4 hours); Reaching above shoulder; Use of fingers; Both hands required; Walking (up to 8 hours); Standing (up to 8 hours); Kneeling (up to 8 hours); Both legs required or prosthesis; Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; Ability to read type written characters, glasses permitted; Ability to hear the whispered voice, hearing aid permitted.
- Department:
0620 Practical Nurse - Salary Range:
$38,921 to $50,598 per year
Estimated Salary: $20 to $28 per hour based on qualifications.
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