General Duties:
The LPN/LVN is responsible for upholding the philosophy and objectives of the Nursing Service. The LPN is accountable for adhering to established policies, procedures, standards of care and standards of practice, and for maintaining competencies consistent with roles and responsibilities.
This position is split between Geriatrics and Palliative Care in the Division of Rehabilitation and Long Term Care. The preferred candidate will have experience in Geriatrics and/or Palliative Care.
Under the supervision of an RN and/or MD/ DO the GS-7 LPN/LVN 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. Such individuals may also serve as leaders or co-leaders in a nursing unit or for a specifically identified group of patients.
1. Provide care in a safe and cost-effective manner. He/she will follow all policies/procedures pertaining to own personal safety including the use of standard precautions. The LPN will maintain a safe environment using appropriate equipment, devices, and safety measures for all patients with demonstrated special awareness of the needs of psychiatric patients and patients with impaired cognitive functioning and mobility.
2. Contribute to the evaluation of Fall Risk patients, perform validated evaluations of cognitive function and administer instruments to document symptom presence and severity; assist patients to cope with and/or compensate for changes affecting cognition, mobility and balance. (Examples of tools include the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, and The Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale)
3. Implement care for more complex/specialized patient care duties based on broader knowledge and skills with less direct supervision.
4. Incorporate current patient care data by actively contributing to the development and modification of treatment plans. Assist all health care team members with patient care needs and adjust treatment plan accordingly.
5. Demonstrate knowledge of the principles of precepting/mentoring, effective communication techniques, facilitating therapeutic groups and participation. He/she will take an active role in promoting healthy lifestyles to increase positive patient outcomes. He/she will provide one-on-one patient education as appropriate. The LPN GS 7 will communicate calmly, courteously, and tactfully with all patients, personnel, and visitors maintaining confidentiality in accordance with HIPPA regulations and medical center policies. He/she will utilize advanced skills to communicate effectively with verbally or physically abusive patients or visitors.
6. Demonstrate broad knowledge and skill with respect to medications, contraindications, actions, and recognition of the subtle signs and symptoms of potential actual drug reactions, and demonstrate the ability to proactively assist the provider in managing the patient's medications/treatments. He/she will promptly recognize potential or actual drug reactions, promptly informing the provider of observed changes in patient condition and initiating appropriate, prescribed intervention with safe and therapeutic patient care delivery. 7. Perform capillary glucose testing, evaluate glucose results, and act accordingly. When indicated, perform phlebotomy during clinic appointments for patients unable to access the outpatient laboratory.
8. Interpret mental and physical changes based on theoretical and practical understanding of psychology, anatomy, and physiology. Address patient suicidal ideation as indicated, using appropriate screening tool and referring to provider. He/she will cope quickly and decisively with emergency situations or unpredictable behavior.
9. Contribute to the evaluation of pain/comfort status consistently using the scale of 1-10 scale and implements interventions to keep discomfort below a rating of 3; if pain is not relieved seeks provider for further intervention.
10. Promote the values of cultural transformation and Veteran Centered. He/she actively seeks Veteran choice in care plan participation and goal participation.
11. Identify and encourage participation in psychiatric therapeutic care to promote achieving shared goals and improved outcomes.
12. Demonstrate knowledge of medical equipment and supplies with advanced skill to set up and/or operate specialized equipment.
13. Demonstrate ability to promote teamwork consistently and foster cohesiveness among team members in order to successfully complete individual, team, and unit level assignments.
Work Schedule: M-F 0730-1600 or 0800-1630
Telework: Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 0000
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Starting at $69,844 Per Year (GS 7)
