Summary

This LPN position is located within the VA Community Living Center at CHI Midlands Hospital in Papillion, NE, providing care to Veterans receiving extended hospital care and short-term rehabilitation levels of care which includes help with activities of daily living, skilled nursing, and dementia care. The mission of a Community Living Center is to restore each Veteran to his or her highest level of well-being, to prevent declines in health, and to provide comfort at the end of life.

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Overview

* Accepting applications

* Open & closing dates

12/20/2023 to 09/30/2024

* Salary

$41,846 - $65,685 per year

Recruitment/relocation incentive of up to $7,500 is authorized.

* Pay scale & grade

GS 3 - 6

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Location

Many vacancies in the following location:

* Papillion, NE

* Remote job

No

* Telework eligible

No

* Travel Required

Not required

* Relocation expenses reimbursed

No

* Appointment type

Permanent -

* Work schedule

Multiple Schedules - Full-time and part-time schedules available

* Service

Competitive

* Promotion potential

6

* Job family (Series)

0620 Practical Nurse

* Supervisory status

No

* Security clearance

Other

* Drug test

Yes

* Position sensitivity and risk

Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk

* Trust determination process

Credentialing

Suitability/Fitness

* Announcement number

CBSY-12220645-24-AW

* Control number

767176200

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This job is open to

* The public

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

Clarification from the agency

This announcement is open to All US Citizens including Federal employees of agencies other than the VA. Current, permanent employees of Nebraska-Western Iowa VA Health Care System including Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs) and current VA nationwide employees should apply to announcement CBSY-12220644-24-AW.

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Duties

VA Community Living Centers (CLCs) are a place where Veterans receive extended hospital care and short-term rehabilitation levels of care which includes help with activities of daily living, skilled nursing, and dementia care. This CLC is located within the Papillion - CHI Midlands Hospital Campus at 11111 South 84th Street, on the 5th and 6th floors. The CLC has total of 33-beds, providing services to eligible Veterans needing skilled healthcare, rehabilitation, or dementia/ neurocognitive support. Veterans stay for a short time (between 30-90 days). The mission of a Community Living Center is to restore each Veteran to his or her highest level of well-being, to prevent declines in health, and to provide comfort at the end of life.

Major duties of the CLC LPN include, but are not limited to:

* Perform assessments and interventions in the areas of health promotion, wound care, basic physical/psychological/social assessments, support care plans, palliative care, hospice.

* Prioritize patient care needs, support care plans, seeking assistance and guidance by informing the CLC RN or the CLC providers of changes in patient's condition.

* Prepare and administer medications prescribed by the provider.

* Perform complex procedures to include catheterizations, venipuncture, central line dressing changes, heparin or saline flushes in peripheral lines and PICC lines.

* Assist provider with diagnostic tests and procedures.

* Collect specimen samples from patients.

* Recognize and supports suicide prevention initiatives.

* Recognized and respond to patient emergencies, initiating life saving measures while waiting for help to arrive.

* Document data and assessments into the electronic medical record following established guidelines.

* Mentor lower graded LPNs and unlicensed medical staff.

* Other duties as assigned.

Vacancies may not presently exist for all work schedules but may become available at any point during the opening period of this vacancy announcement. Applications will be reviewed and referred to hiring managers at regular intervals. Your application will remain active for 3 months. If you have not been selected after 3 months from your application date, you must resubmit to receive further consideration.

Work Schedule: Work is scheduled Sunday-Saturday, Days (6am to 6pm)/Nights (6pm to 6am), with alternating weekends and holidays

Additional Pay:

* Shift Differential - 10% of basic pay for work performed during regularly scheduled hours between 6pm and 6am.

* Weekend Premium - 25% of basic pay for work performed between the hours of midnight Friday and midnight Sunday. This includes continuous service connected to work performed during these hours.

* Holiday Pay - 2 times basic hourly rate for regularly scheduled, non-overtime work on a designated holiday.

Compressed/Flexible:Available

Telework: Not Available

Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Recruitment/Relocation incentive of up to $7,500 authorized for eligible, highly qualified applicants.

Student Loan Repayment Program (SLRP): This occupational series is eligible for the Student Loan Repayment Program (SLRP). Participants must sign a service agreement and maintain an acceptable level of performance to remain eligible for this program. Funding is limited; therefore, applications will be approved on a first-come basis.

Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO):

Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Nebraska-Western Iowa VA Health Care System is part of the VA Midwest Health Care Network (VISN 23). The VA Midwest Health Care Network advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers. This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their lives to the fullest. As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care, you will operate in a model with three core elements, seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran. This is done in the context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veteran's community. This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission Statement to Honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being.

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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 and/or evaluation.

* 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.

* Selected applicants must obtain and maintain Basic Life Support (BLS) certification. Training provided.

Qualifications

Basic Requirements:

* Education: Graduate of a school of practical or vocational nursing approved by the appropriate State agency and/or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (Formerly: National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission). See "Education" section for additional requirements and exceptions.

* 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.

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:

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-06. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-03 to GS-06. In addition to the basic requirements stated above, additional criteria must be met for each grade. Human Resources will determine eligibility and qualifications and recommend the appropriate grade level to the selecting official. This determination will be made based on the information in your application. To receive full consideration at the GS-5 and -6 levels, your application must clearly demonstrate the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) described below.

GS-03. None beyond the basic requirements.

GS-04:

* Six months of qualifying experience as an LPN or LVN; OR,

* Graduation 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,

* Graduation from an approved school of at least 24 months duration.

GS-05. Completion of at least 1 year of qualifying experience at the GS-4 level or equivalent that demonstrates the following KSAs:

* 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 registered nurse (RN) and/or physician (MD/DO) to appropriately orient/train less experienced LPNs 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.

* 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.

* 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.

* 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.

* Recognizes and appropriately responds to breakage/malfunction or loss of equipment, safety hazards, and supply deficiencies, promptly reporting to appropriate personnel for corrective action.

* 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-06. Completion of at least 1 year of additional qualifying experience at the GS-5 level or equivalent that demonstrates the following KSAs:

* Technically proficient in initiating, performing, and completing assigned duties in providing care to variable patient populations.

* 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 or MD/DO for appropriateness and conformity with established policies/procedures.

* 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 recognizes and considers emotional, cultural, spiritual, socio-economic, and age-related factors.

* Prepares/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.

* 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.

* 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.

* 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.

* 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.

* Actively seeks out educational opportunities to enhance nursing knowledge and skills, sharing new knowledge gained with other staff to improve and advance nursing practice.

References: VA Handbook 5005/3, Part II, Appendix G13.

Physical Requirements: You will be asked to participate in a pre-employment examination or evaluation as part of the pre-employment process for this position. Questions about physical demands or environmental factors may be addressed at the time of evaluation or examination.

Education

IMPORTANT: This position has a positive education requirement. Transcripts are required to verify your education. A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education at the GS-3 and -4 levels. You do not need to submit an official copy with your application; however, your submitted transcript must include your name, name of school, name of program, total credits completed, date degree/certificate conferred. If currently enrolled, you may be asked to provide proof of enrollment from your school's Registrar's office.

Your education program must be approved by the appropriate State agency and/or accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (Formerly: National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission) at the time the program was completed.

Exceptions/Deviations:

* 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.

* VHA employees who were converted to appointments under 38 U.S.C. 7401(3) in implementation of Public Law 98-160, enacted November 21, 1983, and for VHA employees converted to appointments under 38 U.S.C. 7405 in implementation of Public Law 99-576, enacted October 28, 1986; and for their future personnel actions under this authority. The waiver will not apply to persons appointed under 38 U.S.C. 7401(3) or 7405 after these conversions.

* Individuals granted a license by a jurisdiction that does not require graduation from an approved school. Appointing officials may, at their discretion, waive the education requirement if an LPN/LVN was licensed in a jurisdiction that does not require graduation from an approved school, provided the individual has demonstrated successful practice as an LPN/LVN. One year of successful practice is considered the equivalent of graduation from an approved school of 12 months duration.

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: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.

Additional information

Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.

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.

Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process.

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.

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* Benefits

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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

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Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, rsum, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.

To receive full consideration for this position at the GS-5 and -6 levels, your application must clearly demonstrate the Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs) required by the Licensed Practical or Vocational Nurse Qualification Standard found in VA Handbook 5005/3, Part II, Appendix G13.

What are KSAs?

In the federal hiring process, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) are a list of special qualifications and personal attributes that you need to have for a particular job/grade level (see Qualifications section of this announcement).

* Knowledge statements refer to an organized body of information usually of a factual or procedural nature which, if applied, makes adequate performance on the job possible. A body of information applied directly to the performance of a function. Skill statements refer to the proficient manual, verbal or mental manipulation of data or things.

* Skills can be readily measured by a performance test where quantity and quality of performance are tested, usually within an established time limit.

* Ability statements refer to the power to perform an observable activity at the present time. This means that abilities have been evidenced through activities or behaviors that are similar to those required on the job. Note that abilities are different from aptitudes. Aptitudes are only the potential for performing the activity.

Although not required at the time of application, we highly recommend submitting a supplemental document with your written responses to the KSAs required at each grade level you wish to be considered. If you choose not to submit KSA responses, please ensure your resume includes details of your experience that fully demonstrate the required KSAs as described in the "Qualifications" section of this announcement.

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.