Practical Nurse (Telehealth Clinical Technician)

Summary
This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application.
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:

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

This job is also open in another announcement to:

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

Videos
Duties
The Clinical Health Informatics LPN serves in a generalist role to support and manage Telehealth clinical programs from the patient location. The LPN/LVN works with the RN and/or MD/DO to appropriately orient/train less experienced LPNs/LVNs and/or Nursing Assistants (NAs)/Health Technicians (HTs). The LPN/LVN serves in a specialist role to support and manage Telehealth clinical programs from the patient location. The LPN/LVN is proficient and provides clinical and technical services to the Veteran that demonstrates advanced technical knowledge and understanding under the remote supervision of a Registered Nurse or MD. The duties include assisting with the various duties including site imager for Telehealth store and forward applications, assisting with facilitation for real time Clinical Video Telehealth (CVT) encounters, assisting with patient education activities, assisting on Patient Aligned Care Teams (PACT) in Primary Care and on specialty care remote visits, and assisting with providing equipment for the Home Telehealth (HT) program. Demonstrates, advanced knowledge of technical and scheduling support, and other program support duties, as assigned.

• Consistently communicates and treats customers (Veterans, their representatives, visitors, staff, and internal and external providers) in a courteous, tactful, and respectful manner. Provides the customer with consistent information according to established policies and procedures. Handles conflict and problems in dealing with the customer constructively and appropriately. Has a clear understanding of the diverse nature of VA's beneficiary base and sensitivity towards the cultural and spiritual differences of all. Customer Service Standards:
• Treats Veterans with dignity, courtesy, and respect in keeping with the principles and practices of Veteran-Centered Care.
• Communicates with all internal and external customers in a courteous, positive, open, honest, cooperative manner, and treats all with dignity and respect.
• Responds to all inquiries in person, by e-mail, and telephone in a timely and courteous manner and as quickly as the situation dictates.
• Resolves all issues and carries them through to completion in a timely manner appropriate to the situation; directs inquires to appropriate personnel or department when unable to personally address the issue. Informs supervisor or appropriate management official of any issue or potential incident where a customer may be dissatisfied or angry because of information provided.
• Interacts with patients, supervisors, staff, visitors, and non-VA personnel reflecting a working knowledge of cultural differences in language, communication style, physical limitations, and other diversity-related factors.
• Exercises good judgement, tact and skill in communication and interpersonal relations.
• Builds customer confidence by professional dress and demeanor in accordance with the policy on personal attire.

Work Schedule: Monday thru Friday 7:30 am - 4:00 pm.
Telework: Not Available.
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 000000
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized.
EDRP Authorized: Contact V20compensationteam@va.gov or VHAEDRPProgramSupport@va.gov for questions/assistance. Learn more
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/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.
9. Actively seeks out educational opportunities to enhance nursing knowledge and skills, sharing new knowledge gained with other staff to improve and advance nursing practice.

Preferred Experience:Serving as a tele-presenter, imager and data manager for store and forward clinical encounters. Screening patients for telehealth modality and referring patients that do not meet established criteria to appropriate care.
References: VA Handbook 5005/3 Part II Appendix G13
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.
Physical Requirements:Light lifting (15lbs), use of fingers, both hands required, standing, specific visual requirement to see computer screen and bright light, hearing (aid may be permitted) and operation of motor vehicle. Environmental factors working closely with others, working alone and protracted or irregular hours of work.
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 accredi...