Licensed Practical Nurse - Telehealth Clinical Technician

Summary
The Telehealth Clinical Technician (TCT) is a LPN that serves in a generalist role to support Telehealth clinical programs from the patient location. Provides a wide range of clinical and technical services to the Veteran. The complexity of duties include serving as the site imager for SFT applications and facilitator for real time Clinical Video Telehealth (CVT) encounters. Additionally, provides technical and scheduling support, and other program support duties, as assigned.
This job is open to

• The public
  U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Clarification from the agency
The area of consideration will be the Public - US Citizens.
*Veterans Preference does not apply to this announcement per OCHCO Bulletin, Annual Determination of Staffing Shortages, dated 9/27/2023.
This job is also open in another announcement to:

• Federal employees - Competitive service
• Federal employees - Excepted service
• Internal to an agency

This job is also open in another announcement to:

• Federal employees - Competitive service
• Federal employees - Excepted service
• Internal to an agency

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Duties
Duties listed below are at the GS-6 level, developmental grades will differ in complexity and level of supervision. Additional duties may be assigned.
Nursing Practice/Technical Competence

• Demonstrates nursing practice with remote supervision of a RN or physician.
• Administers medication accurately and promptly under the general supervision of a RN. Demonstrates understanding of the effects and/or reactions caused by medications, treatments, and procedures. Records and reports these observations.
• Demonstrates the ability to assist RN and/or MD/DO to appropriately prioritize overall patient care needs and adjust plans for care delivery. Makes astute observations of subtle, less obvious changes, both physical and emotional, in patient's condition, and accurately and thoroughly documents care delivered and patient's response to care that could require immediate modification of the patient's care plan.
• Demonstrates the independent technical knowledge and skills that are complex in nature and that contribute to the Veteran's treatment plan and support the successful completion of the Telehealth visit.
• Performs Telehealth imaging. Guided by local policy/standing orders, the imager can initiate consultations for patients on behalf of the primary care provider. TCT will provide patient education regarding the imaging process.
• Responsible for the patient site facilitation of the clinical, business, scheduling and technical aspects for real-time Telehealth applications.
• Uses video-conferencing technologies, Telehealth technology and scheduling software to coordinate and connect staff, resources, patients and providers.
• Responsible for any patient, staff education/training, documentation, and assistance with workload capture that is basic for the completion of the visit and/or training.
• Assists in patient care under the direct supervision of an independent licensed healthcare provider. TCT can be crossed-trained to perform a range of direct care duties.
• Conducts quality control procedures on equipment and products and maintains proper records for quality control reports and workload reporting. TCT is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the clinical video conferencing, training, and SFT clinics.
• Performs personal care, diagnostic support duties and treatments according to procedure. Responds to patient's nursing needs. Will involve patients and family to participate in the provision of care throughout the continuum.
• Demonstrates the ability to provide a full range of care to patients' requiring complex treatments and care with remote supervision by the RN/Physician.
• Demonstrates the ability to plan and organize assignments independently.
• Demonstrates the ability to guide other LPN and NA staff in the provision of care for select groups of patients with remote supervision by the RN.
• Actively seeks out educational opportunities to enhance nursing knowledge and skills, sharing new knowledge gained with other staff to improve and advance nursing practice.

Observation, Reporting and Documentation

• Identifies subtle changes in patient condition, both physical and emotional. Demonstrates practical knowledge of human behavior, motivation and reactions to situations.
• Participates in Health Care Team meetings.
• Instructs patients and family members on principles of health, self-care and protocols for treatments and/or medications. Utilizes teaching materials to promote self-reliance and independence including methods to prevent complications and facilitate recovery.
• Clearly and thoroughly records significant observations and actions on appropriate forms.
• Completes required patient care documentation and records significant observations and actions utilizing the nursing process in a clear and concise manner.
• Acts as a resource nurse to other staff members.

Maintaining a safe and Therapeutic Environment

• Maintains a safe, clean, therapeutic environment and adheres to infection control guidelines.
• Prevents injury to self and others by complying with established safety procedures and uses proper body mechanics and transfer techniques. Patient lifting and transfer is performed with the assistance of patient lifts.
• Participates in accomplishing unit maintenance tasks.
• Practices aseptic techniques during sterile procedures.
• Demonstrates safe work habits, identifies and immediately reports any unsafe conditions to the RN.
• Identifies any life threatening environmental hazards immediately, takes appropriate action and reports findings to the RN.
• Identifies potential risk and takes necessary precautions to insure the safety of the patient.
• Uses appropriate equipment for appropriate activity.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8am - 4:30pm
Telework: Not available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position
Functional Statement #: 000000
Relocation Incentive: May be authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required
Requirements
Conditions of Employment

• 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.
• 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 have a valid driver's license.
• Must be able to operate a vehicle.

Qualifications
To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement.
Basic Requirements:

• United States Citizenship: Citizen of the United States.
• Education: Graduate of a school of practical or vocational nursing approved by the appropriate State agency and/or accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) at the time the program was completed by the applicant.
  
  • Exceptions include:
    
    1. Health care education in the military service or training in the military service that is accepted by the licensing body in the jurisdiction in which licensed as qualifying for full LPN/LVN licensure meets the education requirements.
    2. Individuals granted a license by a jurisdiction that does not require graduation from an approved school.
• 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.
• Language Proficiency: Licensed practical or vocational nurses must be proficient in both spoken and written English.

Grade Determinations:
GS-3: None beyond the basic requirements.
GS-4: Six months of qualifying experience as an LPN or LVN;
OR
Must have graduated 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
Must have graduated from an approved school of at least 24 months duration.
GS-5: Completion of at least 1 year of qualifying experience at the GS-4 level or equivalent AND

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Recognizes and appropriately responds to breakage/malfunction or loss of equipment, safety hazards, and supply deficiencies, promptly reporting to appropriate personnel for corrective action.
6. 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 one year of additional qualifying experience at the GS-5 level or equivalent, fully meeting all performance requirements for the GS-5 LPN/LVN AND

1. Technically proficient in initiating, performing and completing assigned duties in providing care to variable patient populations.
2. 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 RN/MD/DO for appropriateness and conformity with established policies/procedures.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. Knowledge and skill in performing support duties for complex diagnostic tests and...