Licensed Practical Nurse

Location
Topeka, Kansas
Salary
Competitive
Posted
Feb 09, 2024
Closes
Feb 23, 2024
Ref
775616900
Specialty
Nurse
Contract Type
Full Time
Duties

The position performs tasks such as: checking and recording vital signs; administering injections; assisting patients with medication refills; medication and health teaching; recognizes changes in moods and behaviors of patients, intervening effectively to assist patients in coping; telephone interventions; demonstrating knowledge of principles/stages growth and development and provides age-specific care to veterans age 18 through the geriatric years including adult transition, young adulthood, middle adulthood, and old life stages on assigned unit; assisting with admissions, transfers, and discharges according to nursing policies and procedures; coordinating care with outside facilities and groups; and performs other duties/tasks as assigned.

Knowledge/Competency:
  • The LPN must demonstrate:
    • The knowledge and skills necessary to provide culturally and spiritually appropriate care which is specific to the age and gender of patients assigned to him/her.
    • Knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and possess the ability to identify data of each patient's status and interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to his/her cultural, spiritual, and age-specific need and provide the care indicated as described in nursing service policies.
    • Knowledge/competency in core subjects and topics identified for mandatory annual review.
    • Effective interpersonal skills.
    • Customer Service.
    • Support for organizational goals.
    2. The LPN must demonstrate clinical competency in the area to which he/she is assigned.

    Customer Service:
  • Fosters a culture of high service standards that:
    • Understands that customer service is essential to achieving the medical center's mission.
    • Models commitment to customer service.
    • Understands and meets the needs of internal/external customers.
    • Manages customer complaints and concerns effectively and promptly.
    • Provides the customer with consistent information according to the established policies and procedures.
    • Uses customer feedback data in planning and providing services.
    • Encourages and empowers others to meet or exceed customer needs and expectations.
    • Identifies behaviors that enhance customer service.
    • Embodies organizational Values that further the Mission and Vision of VA EKHCS.

    Work Schedule: 6:15pm-6:15am, 12 Hour Night Shifts (80 hours every two weeks), to include weekends and holidays
    Telework: Not Available
    Remote: Not Available
    Virtual: This is not a virtual position
    Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

    Requirements

    Conditions of Employment


    NOTE: Prior to accepting a final employment offer, all selected applicants will be required to sign a Memorandum of Understanding regarding deployment responsibilities
    • 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.
    • You may be required to serve a probationary period.
    • Subject to background/security investigation.
    • Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
    • Must pass pre-employment physical examination and maintain CDT physical readiness.
    • Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
    • Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details.
    • Must be able to meet physical demands which include strenuous physical activity to include carrying persons and equipment, walking long distances over difficult terrain, running, climbing, working long hours in primitive or arduous conditions, long periods of standing, and bending and stooping.


    Qualifications

    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.
    • 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).
    • 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.
      • Exceptions include:
      • Health care education in the military service or training in the military service which is accepted by the licensing body in the jurisdiction in which the individual is licensed as qualifying for full LPN/LVN licensure will be accepted as meeting the education requirements for VHA employment.
      • VHA employees who were converted to appointments under 38 U.S.C. 7401(3) in implementation of Public Law 98-160, enacted November 21, 1983, and for VHA employees converted to appointments under 38 U.S.C. 7405 in implementation of Public Law 99-576, enacted October 28, 1986; and for their future personnel actions under this authority. The waiver will not apply to persons appointed under 38 U.S.C. 7401(3) or 7405 after these conversions.
      • Granted a license by a jurisdiction that does not require graduation from an approved school AND have at least one year of successful practice as an LPN/ LVN.
    • Licensure - Active, full, current and unrestricted licensure as a Graduate Licensed Practical or Vocational Nurse in a State, Territory, or Commonwealth (i.e., Puerto Rico), of the United States or the District of Columbia.
    Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements stated above, the following qualification criteria must be met for each grade. The candidate's qualifications must clearly demonstrate the level of competence required for the grade.

    GS-03 None beyond the basic requirements.

    GS-04 (a) Six months of qualifying experience as an LPN or LVN; or(b) Graduation from an approved school (which may be waived as provided in paragraph 4 of Section C) 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.

    LPNs at the GS-4 grade level perform all duties expected of employees at the GS-3 grade level; however, they are expected to exercise greater judgment, require less supervision, and to operate in accordance with all established policies, procedure, and techniques.

    GS-05: Completion of at least 1 year of qualifying experience at the GS-4 level or equivalent and the following knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs):
    • Knowledge and ability to provide a full range of practical nursing care to patients with a variety of physical and/or behavioral problems.
    • Ability to serve as a responsible member of a nursing team and interact in an appropriate manner with patients, family members, professional and/or other support personnel involved in the delivery of patient care.
    • Knowledge and skill sufficient to prepare, administer, and appropriately document actions taken specific to commonly prescribed oral, topical, subcutaneous, intramuscular and/or intravenous medications. This includes observing and documenting patient responses to medication and reporting noted changes in the patient's condition.
    • Knowledge and ability to recognize the need for and to institute emergency measures and assist in resuscitation procedures in cardia and/or pulmonary arrest.
    • Recognize and appropriately respond to breakage/malfunction or loss of equipment, safety hazards, and supply deficiencies.
    GS-06: Completion of at least one year of [additional] qualifying experience at the GS-5 level or equivalent, fully meeting all performance requirements for the GS-5 LPN/LVN.
    • Proficiency in initiating, performing, and completing assigned duties in providing care to variable patient populations.
    • Knowledge and ability to appropriately carry out assigned patient care based on the patients' conditions, using judgment in selecting the appropriate order and sequence of procedures and treatments, and accurately recognizing, reporting, and recording relevant patient information.
    • Ability to observe, identify, and response to a patient's needs for care including medication, equipment-assisted care, and patient/family education.
    • Prepares and administers prescribed medications (oral, topical, subcutaneous, intramuscular and/or intravenous) and performs treatments according to established policies/procedures. Observes for, documents, and reports physical and/or emotional changes in the patient's condition from prescribed medications/treatments.
    • Knowledge and ability to recognize urgent or emergent patient care situations and initiating appropriate emergency interventions as directed.
    • Knowledge and understanding of human behavior, patient motivations and reactions to situations and the ability to appropriately utilize this knowledge in working effectively with patients, family members and other staff.
    • Knowledge and skill in performing support duties for complex diagnostic tests and/or specialized practices or procedures, which includes preparing the patient and 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.
    Preferred Experience: One year of experience in behavioral health.

    Reference: VA Handbook 5005/3, Part II, Appendix G-13 Licensed Practical or Vocational Nurse Qualification Standard.

    Physical Requirements: The duties involve activities which require standing and/or walking for extended periods, as well as moving (lift, lower, push, pull, turn) equipment and participating in patient transfers (lifts and assisted lifts) and patient mobility which requires application of principles of body mechanics. This position requires visual acuity, keen hearing, clear distinctive speech and manual dexterity. This position requires potentially long periods of stooping, sitting, bending, pulling, pushing, carrying and lifting of at least 35 pounds. Transferring patients and objects may be required. The incumbent may be exposed to infected patients and contaminated materials and may be required to don protective clothing in isolation situations or operative/invasive procedures. The incumbent may occasionally be exposed to patients who are combative secondary to delirium, dementia or psychiatric disorders. The incumbent must be mature, flexible, sensible individual capable or working effectively in stressful situations, able to shift priorities based on patient needs.

    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.

    Education

    IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.

    Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/ . If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/ .

    Reference: VA Regulations, specifically VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G-13 Licensed Practical or Vocational Nurse Qualification Standard. This can be found in the local Human Resources Office.

    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.

    Additional information

    Physical Requirements: Eligible applicants must be physically and mentally able to perform efficiently the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation, without hazard to themselves or others. Depending on the essential duties of a specific position, usable vision, color vision, hearing or speech may be required. However, in most cases, a specific physical condition or impairment of a specific function may be compensated for by the satisfactory use of a prosthesis or mechanical aid.

    This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.

    This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.

    Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

    VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.

    Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process.

    If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.

    • Benefits
      Help
      A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new window Learn more about federal benefits .

      Review our benefits

      Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.



    How You Will Be Evaluated

    You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

    IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.

    Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

    The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.

    It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

    Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.

    • Benefits
      Help
      A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new window Learn more about federal benefits .

      Review our benefits

      Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

    • Required Documents

      As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.

      To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
      • Resume
      • LPN License (NOT DRIVER'S LICENSE)
      • Transcript: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.
      • SF-50

      The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please use this checklist to ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc.
      • Cover Letter
      • DD-214/ Statement of Service
      • Disability Letter (Schedule A)
      • Disability Letter (VA)
      • Other (1)
      • PCS Orders
      • Performance Appraisal
      • Professional Certification
      • Resume
      • SF-15

      Veteran's Preference will not be collected or applied in IAW OCHCO Bulletin: Annual Determination of Staffing Shortages, dated October 3, 2023.

      If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

      Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education .

      Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

    • How to Apply

      All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 02/22/2024 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12301371 .
    • To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
    • Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.
    • NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.

      To verify your application is complete, log into your USA JOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login , select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USA JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USA JOBS account or your application will be incomplete.

      Agency contact information

      Nicole Cyrus

      Email

      Nicole.Cyrus@va.gov

      Address

      VA Eastern Kansas Health Care System
      2200 SW Gage Blvd
      Topeka, KS 66622
      US

      Learn more about this agency

      Next steps

      Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.

      You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center .

      NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.

    • Fair and Transparent

      The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
      • Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
      • Reasonable accommodation policy
      • Financial suitability
      • Selective Service
      • New employee probationary period
      • Signature and false statements
      • Privacy Act
      • Social security number request



    Required Documents

    To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
    • Resume
    • LPN License (NOT DRIVER'S LICENSE)
    • Transcript: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.
    • SF-50

    The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please use this checklist to ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc.
    • Cover Letter
    • DD-214/ Statement of Service
    • Disability Letter (Schedule A)
    • Disability Letter (VA)
    • Other (1)
    • PCS Orders
    • Performance Appraisal
    • Professional Certification
    • Resume
    • SF-15

    Veteran's Preference will not be collected or applied in IAW OCHCO Bulletin: Annual Determination of Staffing Shortages, dated October 3, 2023.

    If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

    Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education .

    Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

    How to Apply

    All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 02/22/2024 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12301371 .
  • To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
  • Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.
  • NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.

    To verify your application is complete, log into your USA JOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login , select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USA JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USA JOBS account or your application will be incomplete.

    Agency contact information

    Nicole Cyrus

    Email

    Nicole.Cyrus@va.gov

    Address

    VA Eastern Kansas Health Care System
    2200 SW Gage Blvd
    Topeka, KS 66622
    US

    Learn more about this agency

    Next steps

    Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.

    You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center .

    NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.

    Fair & Transparent

    The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
    • Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
    • Reasonable accommodation policy
    • Financial suitability
    • Selective Service
    • New employee probationary period
    • Signature and false statements
    • Privacy Act
    • Social security number request