Overview

VOCATIONAL/PRACTICAL NURSE (GS-0620-06) - PRIMARY CARE - Ft Cavazos, TX

Fort Cavazos is located in the beautiful 'hill and lake' country of Central Texas between Killeen and Copperas Cove and is approximately 60 miles north of the capital city of Austin, 50 miles south of Waco, 160 miles south of Dallas, and 150 miles north of San Antonio.

Founded in 1942, this 340-sq.-mile military base is the Army's Premier Installation to train and deploy heavy forces.

A 214,968 acre installation, Fort Cavazos is now the largest active duty armored post in the U.S. Armed Forces and the only post in the United States capable of stationing and training two Armored Divisions.

The rolling, semi-arid terrain is ideal for multifaceted training and testing of military units and individuals. Additionally, the Killeen community is a model of support for Army families. There are lots of resources and networks available to assist you.

Working for the Department of Defense comes with an abundance of benefits and perks to include competitive compensation packages, paid-time off, medical benefits, student loan repayments, and retirement package with Thrift Savings Plan to include matching employer contributions. For more information, please visit the following link: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/benefits/

Responsibilities

1. Obtains information from patient and/or family to identify major complaints, symptoms, or reason for seeking health care. Takes all vital signs (blood pressure, temperature, pulse, respirations, pain level, height, weight, measurement of head circumference, and length); performs a behavioral health screening. Documents patients' chief complaints and other pertinent information in the health record. Documentation will also include medication reconciliation, screening tools, and behavioral health intake surveys. Participates in promoting patient compliance with health activities in accordance with RESPECT-Mil. Coordinates and facilitates care coordination, communicates relevant information according to the medical plan of care and nursing assessment, and documents accordingly in the health record.

2. Provides individualized nursing care to patients of all ages based upon the physician’s medical care plan, the nursing assessment, and the physical, mental and emotional needs of the patient. Assists the physician with various examinations and diagnostic procedures. Sets up and maintains a sterile field; understands the proper positioning of patients required for various procedures. Administers oxygen, IV fluid and prescribed oral, rectal, subcutaneous and intramuscular medications. Performs inhalation treatments, fingerstick glucose, urine dipsticks, visual acuity, phlebotomy, dressing changes, and surgical instrument cleaning and packaging after use. Educates patients and family members on childcare and school requirements for children on medications. Assures accurate care and handling of specimens. Performs routine procedures, such as EKGs, eye, throat, nasal and/or wound cultures, dressing changes, ear irrigation, and application of bandages. Recognizes adverse signs and symptoms immediately and calls for assistance and if the situation warrants it, performs CPR immediately. Sets up, operates and monitors specialized equipment, such as cardiac monitor, defibrillator, etc.

3. Screens and reviews immunization records IAW AR 40-562 and unit Standard Operating Procedures to select required immunizations, correct dosages, and routes of administration. Review requires transcription of information to medical records and official school forms. Documents administration on documents and forms in AHLTA or manually. Administrative duties include inputting data into the computer and retrieving information such as laboratory and diagnostic procedure results. Other computer related duties include the use of automated health care system to complete the workload accountability documents through the Ambulatory Data System (ADS forms) on same day service and MEDPROS entry. Documents administration utilizing IAW Ambulatory Quality Assurance criteria.

4. Administers oral, intradermal, subcutaneous, intramuscular immunizations to all age groups IAW established protocols. Maintains accountability for actions and control of vaccines. Documents interventions and patients’ response to care. Communicates relevant information to healthcare team. Recognizes signs and symptoms of untoward effects of immunization and/or allergen extracts. Maintains certification in Basic Cardiac Life Support and demonstrates ability to initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation in the event of an anaphylactic reaction and/or cardiopulmonary arrest.

5. Performs teaching to patients and/or family regarding self-care procedures and documents teaching. Instructs parents/guardians regarding normal verses adverse reactions to immunizations and treatment for normal reactions of discomfort. Reviews laboratory results and brings abnormal results to attention of physician. Per physician’s instruction, telephones patient regarding follow-up required and documents in records. Performs patient education for special needs such as medication administration, inhaler and spacer use, self-dressing changes, ostomy care, fingerstick and glucose meter use, drawing up and injection of insulin and glucagon, and asthma home monitoring with peak flow meters and nebulizer use. Educates patients and family members on childcare and school requirements for children on medications. Completes necessary paperwork for school (sick slips, asthma care plan, etc.), for provider signature. Also teaches patients early warning signs for early detection of diseases.

6. Performs both administrative and logistical tasks as a member of the healthcare team for the clinic by contributing to maintaining the environment and resources to deliver healthcare. Reviews expiration dates for medications, vaccines, and supplies; and initiates the reorder. Coordinates with designated clinic administrative staff for maintenance of adequate vaccines and supply levels. In the absence of the medical receptionist, assists with the responsibilities for checking patients into the system, completion of records and other clerical duties as assigned. Reviews laboratory results and brings abnormal results to the attention of the physician and per physician’s instructions, telephones patients regarding any follow-up care that is required. Duties include the use of automated systems (i.e. Armed Forces Health Longitudinal Technology Application (AHLTA), Medical Operational Data System (MODS) and the Medical Protection system (MEDPROS). Reviews chart for coding compliance and ensures all procedures are documented to obtain accurate capture of workload. Attends mandatory training as directed by supervisor or command. Will be trained in documenting adverse medication reactions in the VAERS or local system. Participates in and may coordinate performance improvement activities.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Conditions of Employment

• Must possess and maintain current LPN licensure in a state, territory, or the District of Columbia.
• Must obtain within 30 days of employment and maintain current Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification.
• This position is covered by the Civilian Drug Abuse Testing Program. Incumbent is required to sign a "Condition of Employment for Certain Civilian Positions Identified as Critical Under the Drug Abuse Testing Program."
• This position is designated "Mission Essential." In the event of severe weather conditions or such emergency type situation (natural or man-made disater) the incumbent is required to report to work or remain at work as scheduled to support mission operations. 
• Incumbent may be required to perform call duties; work overtime to include weekends and federal holidays, out of cycle, or unscheduled training or on an emergency basis.
• The work will require the incumbent to work evenings/nights, rotating shifts, extended hours or other schedules common to hospital operations.
• Incumbent will have to pass a pre-employment physical to meet Physical Efforts requirements. This position may require an annual physical or medical surveillance examination.
• This position requires the ability to lift up to 50 lbs.

• INCUMBENT WILL BE REQUIRED TO HAVE A HEP B IMMUNIZATION SERIES AS WELL AS AN IMMUNIZATION SCREENING AS A CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT.

• Position requires TDY.

Qualifications

Who May Apply: US Citizens

Basic Requirement for Vocational Nurse:Licensure: Vocational nursing program and a current license to practice as a practical or vocational nurse in a State, territory of the United States, or the District of Columbia is required.

In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirement listed below:Qualifications for the GS-06Experience: One year of nursing experience 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, performing such duties as measuring patient's vital signs, administering immunizations or medications via various routes, screening or updating patient medical records and performing routine procedures, such as electrocardiograms (EKGs), pulmonary function tests, wound care, audiograms and vision screenings. This definition of nursing experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-05).