Licensed Practical Nurse-Patient Aligned Care Team Clinical Associate

About the role

The PACT LPN Clinical Associate carries out the most complex practical nursing care assignments, which include performing nonstandard and specialized activities sufficient to solve a range of complex nursing problems, under the general review of a Registered Nurse (RN) in the outpatient clinic.

The LPN uses a systematic problem-solving process in the care of multiple patients with predictable health care needs to provide individualized, goal-directed nursing care.

What you will do

• Successfully and consistently demonstrates 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.
• May also serve as leaders or co- leaders in a nursing unit or for a specifically identified group of Veterans.
• Demonstrates ability to assist RN and/or Provider to appropriately prioritize overall Veteran care needs and adjust plans for care delivery.
• Completed work should only need very limited review by a registered nurse (RN) or Provider for appropriateness and conformity with established standards of practice, policies, and procedures.
• Demonstrates the ability to proactively assist the RN and/or Provider in addressing Veteran's needs for medication/treatments, accurately administering prescribed medications/treatments according to established policies/procedures and appropriately recording administration and Veteran's response to medications/treatments received.
• This may include restricted medication locally authorized for administration by employees at this grade level.
• Appropriately seeks assistance and guidance by informing RN and/or Provider of more subtle physical and emotional changes in Veteran's condition requiring higher-level intervention and demonstrate taking appropriate action based on those observations.
• Demonstrates a broad knowledge of the Veteran treatment process and exercises judgment that demonstrates the ability to effectively intervene when appropriate.
• At this grade level, the LPN is expected to participate to a greater degree in prioritizing and as appropriate, modifying patient care treatment.
• Possesses knowledge and demonstrates skills to promptly recognize potential urgent or emergent Veteran care situations, seeks assistance of the RN and/or Provider for appropriate team intervention, and effectively intervenes as directed, to assure the continuation of optimal, safe, and therapeutic Veteran care delivery.
• Demonstrates the knowledge and ability to readily recognize the more subtle signs and symptoms of potential or actual drug reactions, promptly informs the RN and/or Provider of observed changes in Veteran's condition and initiates appropriate, prescribed interventions.
• Employees at this grade level demonstrate broader knowledge and skill with respect to these responsibilities than employees at lower grade levels.
• Makes astute observations of subtle, less obvious changes, both physical and emotional, in Veteran's condition, and accurately and thoroughly documents care delivered and Veteran's response to care that could require immediate modification of the Veteran's care plan.
• Assists individuals or groups of Veterans, families, and/or caregivers to take an active role in promoting healthy lifestyles for more positive Veteran outcomes.
• Exercises skill in influencing and communicating with unusually difficult to care for or communicate with Veterans, families, and/or caregivers who may exhibit problems with lack of self-control, resistant or abusive behaviors, or impediments in their ability to understand or follow instructions.
• Exhibits skill, creativity, and initiative in contributing to the improvement of overall care delivery and Veteran, family, and/or caregiver satisfaction levels through active participation in committees/task forces, research projects, or in developing educational materials/media.
• Promotes the incorporation of current Veteran care data in actively contributing to the development and modification of the Veteran's overall health/treatment plan and in carrying out assigned nursing interventions.
• Actively seeks out educational opportunities to enhance nursing knowledge and skills and provides leadership in assisting other staff to improve and advance their nursing practice.
• Serves as a role model and mentor to other nursing staff in the application of more complex technology, effectively guiding and directing their continuing practice in these areas.
• Possesses comprehensive practical nursing knowledge and skills in specialized procedures and practices to serve as a resource person for other staff in organizing and implementing more complex/specialized Veteran care.
• Supports the RN and/or Provider in monitoring the practice of unlicensed nursing or non-medical staff in Veteran care delivery.
• Promptly reports any deviations from normal practice patterns to the RN and/or Provider.
• In addition to responsibilities at the lower grade level, the LPN is responsible for monitoring the practice of non-licensed nursing and medical staff.
• Work Schedule: Full Time, Monday-Friday, 0730 - 1600.
• Flexible to meet needs of organization.
• Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
• Relocation Incentive: Not Authorized.
• Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized.
• Functional Statement: 81253F.

Requirements

• Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
• English Language Proficiency.
• In accordance with 38 U.S.C.
• 7402(d) and 7407(d), no person shall serve in direct patient care positions unless they are proficient in basic written and spoken English.
• Education (Documentation Submitted (If Applicable)- 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.
• OR Current GS-0620 LPN/LVN employee of the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) who was 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.
• OR Individual granted a license by a jurisdiction that does not require graduation from an approved school.
• Licensure -Documentation Submitted - 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.

How you will be evaluated

Area of Consideration - Eligible applications will be reviewed and referred in the following order: Current Permanent Orlando VAMC employees including Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs). Current permanent VISN8 employees. Current permanent VA employees.

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.

Documents you must provide

• The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this position.
• To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes: Long-form resume/Curriculum vitae (CV) SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position.
• Please 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 License Long-form resume/Curriculum vitae (CV) Other (1) Performance Appraisal Professional Certification Separation Notice (RIF) SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action Transcript

What to expect next

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.

Additional information

During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.

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

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. Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer.

For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.