Licensed Vocational Nurse (Oncology)

Summary

The Cancer Center/Infusion Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) provides high-quality, evidence-based care for a culturally diverse Veteran population, emphasizing patient-centered care to veterans ages 18 to 75 and above in the outpatient care setting. They must be able to promote a safe environment for all patients, including those with altered sensorium due to medication or an acute or chronic illness.

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Overview

• Accepting applications

• Open & closing dates

03/26/2024 to 04/05/2024

• Salary

$57,187 - $90,828 per year

• Pay scale & grade

GS 3 - 6

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Location

1 vacancy in the following location:

• Loma Linda, CA 1 vacancy

• Remote job

No

• Telework eligible

No

• Travel Required

Not required

• Relocation expenses reimbursed

No

• Appointment type

Permanent -

• Work schedule

Full-time -

• Service

Excepted

• Promotion potential

None

• 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

CBSX-12364445-24-RS

• Control number

783384300

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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 position will give first priority to current VA Loma Linda employees. To be considered a current SF-50 must be submitted.

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Duties

DIRECT PATIENT CARE:

1.Collects data and documents findings on newly assigned/ established patients, including common observations and actions in electronic health record Computerized Patient Recording System (CPRS). VISTA, and appropriate electronic documentation and forms if indicated

2.Performs medication reconciliation.

3.Starts intravenous catheters, obtains blood samples, and administers medications per the scope of a license.

4.Ability to perform EKG.

5.Recognizing patients in distress needing immediate intervention.

6.Recognizes the signs of potential or active disruptive behavior and quickly intervenes with appropriate therapeutic interventions, including activating Disruptive Behavior Committee Team (DBC).

7.Demonstrates ability to use "Safe Patient Handling" Equipment and techniques, transporting, turning, and moving patients using proper equipment.

8.Gathers and records data reflecting the patient's (and family's) physical, psychosocial, emotional, spiritual, cultural, and educational needs.

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

10. Documents in a timely, accurate, and concise manner.

11. Identifies common changes in condition, both physical and emotional, which have relevance to health status.

12. Participates in planning the nursing care provided to patients with various physical and behavioral problems.

13. Gives Situation, Background, Assessment, and Recommendations (SBAR) reports to team members and provides patient-related data.

14. Performs daily duties and quality controls including but not limited to

15. Automated External Defibrillator (AED) daily checks

16. Glucometer quality controls ?, Medication refrigerator temperature

17. Clean, and Dirty utility room checks.

18.Clean exam and procedure rooms in between and after patient usage.

19. Stock supplies

? Blanket Warmer Temperature

UNIT SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES:

• Completes all mandatory unit-specific competencies within specific time frames.

• Ability to express best practices, including environment of care practices that impact the quality of life for the veteran at the Cancer Center/Infusion Clinic.

PERFORMANCE IMPROVEMENT:

• Assists Charge/Resource RN in answering phones and coordinating care.

• Answer view alerts/secure messages within 24-48 hours.

• Perform/participate in huddles with the Cancer Center team.

• Collaborates with RN Cancer Center Case Manager. CUSTOMER SERVICE:

• Fosters an environment of respect for individual patient and family rights to privacy and dignity in all aspects of care delivery.

• Facilitate access to care as requested/required.

• Collaborates with the Cancer Center/Infusion care coordination and management.

• Demonstrates knowledge and skills necessary to provide age-appropriate care relative to the patients in the Cancer Center/Infusion setting.

• Demonstrates skill in verbal and written communication.

• Acts to resolve complaints within his/her control and reports feedback to management promptly.

• Communicates effectively with various individuals and functions calmly in situations requiring high sensitivity, tact, and diplomacy.

• Adheres to ethical principles and standards while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries when delivering care.

• Maintains confidentiality. Performs nonstandard and specialized practical nursing activities per Medical Center policy/procedures.

Work Schedule: M-F 0800AM-1630PM

Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

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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.

• 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.

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.

• English Language Proficiency. In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), no person shall serve in direct patient care positions unless they are proficient in basic written and spoken English.

• Education

• Graduate of a school of practical or vocational nursing approved by the appropriate State agency and/or accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) at the time the program was completed by the applicant. Exceptions include 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 OR granted a license by a jurisdiction that does not require graduation from an approved school AND have at least one year of successful practice as an LPN/ LVN.

• Licensure

• Active, full, current and unrestricted licensure as a Graduate Licensed Practical or Vocational Nurse in a State, Territory, or Commonwealth (i.e., Puerto Rico), of the United States or the District of Columbia.

Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements stated above, the following qualification criteria must be met for each grade. The candidate's qualifications must clearly demonstrate the level of competence required for the grade.

GS-03 None beyond the basic requirements. LPNs at this grade level are expected to perform all duties within the scope of their license (e.g., medication administration); however, completed work may require routine or detailed higher level review depending upon the complexity of the duties involved.

GS-04 (a) Six months of qualifying experience as an LPN or LVN; or(b) Graduation from an approved school (which may be waived as provided in paragraph 4 of Section C) 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 (c) Graduation from an approved school of at least 24 months duration.

GS-05

• Knowledge and ability to provide a full range of practical nursing care to patients with a variety of physical and/or behavioral problems.

• Ability to serve as a responsible member of a nursing team and interact in an appropriate manner with patients, family members, professional and/or other support personnel involved in the delivery of patient care.

• Knowledge and skill sufficient to prepare, administer, and appropriately document actions taken specific to commonly prescribed oral, topical, subcutaneous, intramuscular and/or intravenous medications. This includes observing and documenting patient responses to medication and reporting noted changes in the patient's condition.

• Knowledge and ability to recognize the need for and to institute emergency measures and assist in resuscitation procedures in cardia and/or pulmonary arrest.

• Recognize and appropriately respond to breakage/malfunction or loss of equipment, safety hazards, and supply deficiencies.

GS-06

• Proficiency 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, using judgment in selecting the appropriate order and sequence of procedures and treatments, and accurately recognizing, reporting, and recording relevant patient information.

• Ability to observe, identify, and response to a patient's needs for care including medication, equipment-assisted care, and patient/family education.

• Prepares and administers prescribed medications (oral, topical, subcutaneous, intramuscular and/or intravenous) and performs treatments according to established policies/procedures. Observes for, documents, and reports physical and/or emotional changes in the patient's condition from prescribed medications/treatments.

• Knowledge and ability to recognize urgent or emergent patient care situations and initiating appropriate emergency interventions as directed.

• Knowledge and understanding of human behavior, patient motivations and reactions to situations and the ability to appropriately utilize this knowledge in working effectively with patients, family members and other staff.

• Knowledge and skill in performing support duties for complex diagnostic tests and/or specialized practices or procedures, which includes preparing the patient and 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.

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/.

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 window

Learn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

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, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.

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.