Summary

The PACT LPN Clinical Associate carries out the most complex practical nursing care assignments - which include performing nonstandard and specialized activities sufficient to solve a range of complex nursing problems - under the general review of a Registered Nurse (RN) in the outpatient clinic. The LPN uses a systematic problem-solving process in the care of multiple patients with predictable health care needs to provide individualized - goal-directed nursing care.

Duties

• Duties include but not limited to: 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
• May also serve as leaders or co- leaders in a nursing unit or for a specifically identified group of Veterans
• Demonstrates ability to assist RN and/or Provider to appropriately prioritize overall Veteran care needs and adjust plans for care delivery
• Completed work should only need very limited review by a registered nurse (RN) or Provider for appropriateness and conformity with established standards of practice - policies - and procedures
• Demonstrates the ability to proactively assist the RN and/or Provider in addressing Veteran's needs for medication/treatments - accurately administering prescribed medications/treatments according to established policies/procedures and appropriately recording administration and Veteran's response to medications/treatments received
• This may include restricted medication locally authorized for administration by employees at this grade level
• Appropriately seeks assistance and guidance by informing RN and/or Provider of more subtle physical and emotional changes in Veteran's condition requiring higher-level intervention and demonstrate taking appropriate action based on those observations
• Demonstrates a broad knowledge of the Veteran treatment process and exercises judgment that demonstrates the ability to effectively intervene when appropriate
• At this grade level - the LPN is expected to participate to a greater degree in prioritizing and as appropriate - modifying patient care treatment
• Possesses knowledge and demonstrates skills to promptly recognize potential urgent or emergent Veteran care situations - seeks assistance of the RN and/or Provider for appropriate team intervention - and effectively intervenes as directed - to assure the continuation of optimal - safe - and therapeutic Veteran care delivery
• Demonstrates the knowledge and ability to readily recognize the more subtle signs and symptoms of potential or actual drug reactions - promptly informs the RN and/or Provider of observed changes in Veteran's condition and initiates appropriate - prescribed interventions
• Employees at this grade level demonstrate broader knowledge and skill with respect to these responsibilities than employees at lower grade levels
• Makes astute observations of subtle - less obvious changes - both physical and emotional - in Veteran's condition - and accurately and thoroughly documents care delivered and Veteran's response to care that could require immediate modification of the Veteran's care plan
• Assists individuals or groups of Veterans - families - and/or caregivers to take an active role in promoting healthy lifestyles for more positive Veteran outcomes
• Exercises skill in influencing and communicating with unusually difficult to care for or communicate with Veterans - families - and/or caregivers who may exhibit problems with lack of self-control - resistant or abusive behaviors - or impediments in their ability to understand or follow instructions
• Exhibits skill - creativity - and initiative in contributing to the improvement of overall care delivery and Veteran - family - and/or caregiver satisfaction levels through active participation in committees/task forces - research projects - or in developing educational materials/media
• Promotes the incorporation of current Veteran care data in actively contributing to the development and modification of the Veteran's overall health/treatment plan and in carrying out assigned nursing interventions
• Actively seeks out educational opportunities to enhance nursing knowledge and skills and provides leadership in assisting other staff to improve and advance their nursing practice
• Serves as a role model and mentor to other nursing staff in the application of more complex technology - effectively guiding and directing their continuing practice in these areas
• Possesses comprehensive practical nursing knowledge and skills in specialized procedures and practices to serve as a resource person for other staff in organizing and implementing more complex/specialized Veteran care
• Supports the RN and/or Provider in monitoring the practice of unlicensed nursing or non-medical staff in Veteran care delivery
• Promptly reports any deviations from normal practice patterns to the RN and/or Provider
• In addition to responsibilities at the lower grade level - the LPN is responsible for monitoring the practice of non-licensed nursing and medical staff
• Work Schedule: Full Time - Monday-Friday - 0800 - 1630
• Telework: Not Available
• Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Relocation Incentive: Not Authorized
• Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
• Functional Statement: 81253F.