Practical Nurse

The Podiatry Care Clinic LPN is part of Primary Care and an extensive of the Surgical Clinic of the VA of Salisbury, Charlotte, and Kernersville. The position was established to provide direct patient care and provide support. This position recommends a specialized certification such as a certificate of training for Primary Foot Care of High-Risk Patients.Qualifications: 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:

• United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.

Education: Graduate of a school of practical or vocational nursing, approved by the appropriate state accrediting agency and/or accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) at the time the program was completed by the applicant. Verification can be obtained from the state approving agency or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria).
Grade Determinations:GS-7
(a)Completion of] at least one (1)year of [additional] qualifying experience at the GS-6 level or fully meeting all performance requirements for the GS-6 LPN. Maintain current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
(b) Technically proficient in initiating, performing, and completing assigned duties in providing care to variable patient populations.
(c) Knowledge and skills necessary to carry out more specialized patient care duties, including assignments in selected, more complex inpatient and/or outpatient care settings.
(d) 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.
(e) 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.
(f) 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.
(g) 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.
(h) 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.
(i) 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.
(j) Actively seeks out educational opportunities to enhance nursing knowledge and skills, sharing new knowledge gained with other staff to improve and advance nursing practice. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-7.
Preferred Experience: 1-2 Podiatry years and/or Surgical experience
References: VA Handbook 5005/3 Part II Appendix G13The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-7
Physical Requirements: Physical demands of the job include lifting extremities (heavy swollen legs), balancing to perform difficult angle nail cutting using multiple types of medical equipment, stooping, kneeling, bending, standing, and crouching for extended periods. This activity is all day for every patient. The job requires donning PPE such as eye protection, mask, and protective gown. Protective measures are taken to reduce exposure to skin and nail dust which is extreme.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/.Employment Type: FULL_TIME