Practical Nurse
The Licensed Practice Nurse (LPN) performs duties as a part of the health care team within the specialty Department of Cardiology. The LPN will consistently demonstrate skills as well as comprehensive knowledge of the program which she/he coordinates without the need for readily available supervision. The LPN will function as a responsible member of the Cardiology team and will possess the knowledge and skill necessary for self-direction in planning, implementing and evaluating of programs assigned. The Cardiology LPN performs more complex patient assignments related to use of Pacemaker/Defibrillator programmer use for device interrogations and coordination of care related to management of remote transmissions for device surveillance. Demonstrates knowledge and skill to promptly recognize potential urgent or emergent patient care needs or situations and seeks immediate intervention in collaboration with the health care team. The Cardiology LPN GS-7 work is of significant complexity and responsibility and is performed under general supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN) or provider. The Cardiology LPN works collaboratively with VA CBOC locations in ensuring availability and access to Cardiac Monitors and assists in troubleshooting Cardiac Monitors across NWIHCS. Competency will be evaluated during the orientation period and annually. The Cardiology LPN works in the Cardiology Department in the Cardiac Monitoring areas. The Cardiology LPN utilizes high level clinical and technical skills with minimal supervision as well as thorough working knowledge of the complex and difficult practices and procedures. Cardiac monitoring and stress testing are provided to meet outpatient and inpatient care needs. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Cardiac Rhythm Recognition:
Demonstrates strong knowledge of cardiac rhythm recognition that is utilized throughout the Cardiac Monitoring department. Accurately identifies cardiac dysrhythmias and notifies a Cardiologist to meet patient care needs within appropriate urgency as identified by cardiac rhythm. Cardiac rhythms are integrated into all facets of the Cardiology LPN duties. Cardiac Monitoring:
Application & removal of external cardiac monitors including but not limited to Holter Monitors, Zio Patches, and Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitors; Provides patient education and instructions on use of cardiac monitor, diary use, troubleshooting and instructions for return of monitors Registers cardiac monitors utilizing specialty equipment or online sites to adequately ensure monitor is ready for patient recording and is registered to correct patient Processes returned holter monitors using the MARS computer system including download and preparation of holter report with rhythm strips for physician review. 12 Lead Electrocardiograms (EKG):
Able to perform 12-lead electrocardiograms. Utilizes appropriate skin preparation and lead placement to ensure a satisfactory quality tracing. Acquires electrocardiogram tracing:
Instructs others in the correct performance of 12 lead electrocardiograms; Troubleshoots EKG equipment to ensure satisfactory tracing; Utilizes MUSE system for editing and processing of EKG tracings and assigning to physician for interpretation. Stress Testing:
The Cardiology LPN assists with Exercise Treadmill Testing and Nuclear Stress Testing procedures (with or without bicycle ergometer); Applies and performs cardiac monitoring including EKG, Blood Pressure Cuff, Oximeter for monitoring of patient during stress testing; Accurately calculates maximum heart rate and target heart rates needed for procedure and communicates with care team &/or supervising Provider prior to procedure. Medication Administration:
The Cardiology LPN administers medications as per VA Policy. Prepares and administers prescribed medications (oral, topical, subcutaneous, intramuscular, and/or intravenous) and performs treatments according to established policies/procedures. The Cardiology LPN observes for physical/or emotional changes in patient's health condition. Pacemaker / Defibrillator Surveillance Program:
The Cardiology LPN assists with management of the pacemaker / defibrillator remote surveillance program; Registers patients into VA San Francisco Remote Surveillance Center website when a new device or revision has been performed Pacemaker / Defibrillator Interrogations:
The Cardiology LPN assists with routine checks of pacemakers and defibrillators using electronic device programmers; Performs routine device interrogations in the Cardiology-Electrophysiology Clinic and inpatient care areas. Work Schedule:
Monday - Friday, 7:
30 a.m. - 4:
00 p.m. (Option to change to Monday - Friday 9 hour Shift Schedule once orientation completed - Week 1 = 9 hour shifts x4 days and 1 8 hour shift = 44 hours; Week 2 = 9 hours shifts x 4 days = 36 hours with 1 day off) Financial Disclosure Report:
Not required 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. 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. Verification can be obtained from the State approving agency or the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission, 61 Broadway, 33rd Floor, New York, NY 10006. Additional information may also be obtained from the NLNAC Website. Please see below for education 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. An LPN/LVN who has or has ever had, any license(s) revoked, suspended, denied, restricted, limited, or issued/placed in a probationary status may be appointed only in accordance with the provisions in chapter 3, section B, paragraph 16 of this part. English Language Proficiency. Licensed practical or vocational nurses appointed to direct patient care positions must be proficient in both spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d). 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). Grade Determinations:
GS-7 The GS-7 grade level is for select, complex LPN/LVN positions, as established by each health care facility. To be advanced, employees must meet all of the following standards, provided the standard is part of their assignment. (a) Completion of at least one (1) year of additional qualifying experience at the GS-6 level or equivalent, fully meeting all of the performance requirements for the GS-6 LPN/LVN. (b) Knowledge and skills necessary to carry out more specialized patient care duties, including assignments in selected, more complex inpatient and/or outpatient care settings. Knowledge base promotes the incorporation of current patient care data in actively contributing to the development of the patient's overall health plan and in carrying out assigned nursing interventions. Positions at this grade level require broader knowledge and skills because supervision is more general and employees are expected to be involved to a greater degree in the development and modification of treatment plans. (c) Ability to assist RN and/or MD/DO to appropriately prioritize overall patient care needs and adjust plans for care delivery. Makes astute observations of subtle, less obvious changes, both physical and emotional, in patient's condition, and accurately and thoroughly documents care delivered and patient's response to care that could require immediate modification of the patient's care plan. Appropriately seeks assistance and guidance by informing RN or MD/DO of changes in patient's condition requiring higher-level intervention. At this grade level, the LPN/LVN is expected to participate to a greater degree in prioritizing, and, as appropriate, modifying patient care treatment. They must also possess the ability to observe more subtle physical and emotional changes in patients and demonstrate taking appropriate action based on those observations. (d) Ability to proactively assist the RN or MD/DO in addressing patient's needs for medication/treatments, accurately administering prescribed medications/treatments according to established policies/procedures and appropriately recording administration and patient's response to medications/treatments received. (This may include restricted medication locally authorized for administration by employees at this grade level.) Demonstrates the knowledge and ability to readily recognize the more subtle signs and symptoms of potential or actual drug reactions, promptly inform the RN or MD/DO of observed changes in patient's condition and initiate appropriate, prescribed interventions. Employees at this grade level demonstrate broader knowledge and skill with respect to these responsibilities than employees at lower grade levels. (e) Knowledge and skill to promptly recognize potential urgent or emergent patient care situations, seek assistance of the RN and/or MD/DO for appropriate team intervention and effectively intervene, as directed, to assure the continuation of optimal, safe and therapeutic patient care delivery. At this grade level, the LPN/LVN must have a broader knowledge of the patient treatment process and exercise judgment that demonstrates the ability to effectively intervene when appropriate. (f) Assists individuals or groups of patients and their families to take an active role in promoting healthy lifestyles for more positive patient outcomes. Exercises skill in influencing and communicating with unusually difficult to care for or communicate with patients and/or family members who may exhibit problems with lack of self-control, resistant or abusive behaviors, or impediments in their ability to understand or follow instructions. This includes the ability to effectively deal with the above types of patients under very general supervision. (g) Exhibits skill, creativity and initiative in contributing to the improvement of overall care delivery and patient and/or family satisfaction levels through active participation in committees/task forces, research projects or in developing educational materials/media. Actively promotes and effectively incorporates established customer service standards in all aspects of their practice. (h) 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 patient care. 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. (i) Supports the RN or MD/DO in monitoring the practice of unlicensed nursing or non-medical staff in patient care delivery. Promptly reports any deviations from normal practice patterns to the RN or MD/DO. In addition to responsibilities at the lower grade level, the LPN/LVN is responsible for monitoring the practice of non-licensed nursing and medical staff. (j) Work of considerable difficulty and responsibility is performed under general supervision. Individuals in these positions are, to a considerable extent, expected to exercise independent technical judgments and to possess and apply a comprehensive working knowledge of the principles, art and science of practical nursing. The staff mix is such that employees at this grade level are expected to perform practical nursing duties of considerable difficulty and responsibility under very general supervision. (k) Actively seeks out educational opportunities to enhance nursing knowledge and skills, and providing leadership in assisting other staff improve and advance their nursing practice. All qualifying experience and KSAs you possess must be clearly described in your application package. We will not make assumptions when reviewing applications. Failure to demonstrate your experience/how you gained each KSA in your resume may result in disqualification. It is strongly recommended that you write to each KSA in your application package. Please see the Required Documents section below for resume requirements. References:
VA Handbook 5005/3 Part II Appendix G13 Licensed Practical or Vocational Nurse Qualification Standard The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-7. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-7. Physical Requirements:
See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.
Estimated Salary: $20 to $28 per hour based on qualifications.
Cardiac Rhythm Recognition:
Demonstrates strong knowledge of cardiac rhythm recognition that is utilized throughout the Cardiac Monitoring department. Accurately identifies cardiac dysrhythmias and notifies a Cardiologist to meet patient care needs within appropriate urgency as identified by cardiac rhythm. Cardiac rhythms are integrated into all facets of the Cardiology LPN duties. Cardiac Monitoring:
Application & removal of external cardiac monitors including but not limited to Holter Monitors, Zio Patches, and Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitors; Provides patient education and instructions on use of cardiac monitor, diary use, troubleshooting and instructions for return of monitors Registers cardiac monitors utilizing specialty equipment or online sites to adequately ensure monitor is ready for patient recording and is registered to correct patient Processes returned holter monitors using the MARS computer system including download and preparation of holter report with rhythm strips for physician review. 12 Lead Electrocardiograms (EKG):
Able to perform 12-lead electrocardiograms. Utilizes appropriate skin preparation and lead placement to ensure a satisfactory quality tracing. Acquires electrocardiogram tracing:
Instructs others in the correct performance of 12 lead electrocardiograms; Troubleshoots EKG equipment to ensure satisfactory tracing; Utilizes MUSE system for editing and processing of EKG tracings and assigning to physician for interpretation. Stress Testing:
The Cardiology LPN assists with Exercise Treadmill Testing and Nuclear Stress Testing procedures (with or without bicycle ergometer); Applies and performs cardiac monitoring including EKG, Blood Pressure Cuff, Oximeter for monitoring of patient during stress testing; Accurately calculates maximum heart rate and target heart rates needed for procedure and communicates with care team &/or supervising Provider prior to procedure. Medication Administration:
The Cardiology LPN administers medications as per VA Policy. Prepares and administers prescribed medications (oral, topical, subcutaneous, intramuscular, and/or intravenous) and performs treatments according to established policies/procedures. The Cardiology LPN observes for physical/or emotional changes in patient's health condition. Pacemaker / Defibrillator Surveillance Program:
The Cardiology LPN assists with management of the pacemaker / defibrillator remote surveillance program; Registers patients into VA San Francisco Remote Surveillance Center website when a new device or revision has been performed Pacemaker / Defibrillator Interrogations:
The Cardiology LPN assists with routine checks of pacemakers and defibrillators using electronic device programmers; Performs routine device interrogations in the Cardiology-Electrophysiology Clinic and inpatient care areas. Work Schedule:
Monday - Friday, 7:
30 a.m. - 4:
00 p.m. (Option to change to Monday - Friday 9 hour Shift Schedule once orientation completed - Week 1 = 9 hour shifts x4 days and 1 8 hour shift = 44 hours; Week 2 = 9 hours shifts x 4 days = 36 hours with 1 day off) Financial Disclosure Report:
Not required 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. 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. Verification can be obtained from the State approving agency or the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission, 61 Broadway, 33rd Floor, New York, NY 10006. Additional information may also be obtained from the NLNAC Website. Please see below for education 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. An LPN/LVN who has or has ever had, any license(s) revoked, suspended, denied, restricted, limited, or issued/placed in a probationary status may be appointed only in accordance with the provisions in chapter 3, section B, paragraph 16 of this part. English Language Proficiency. Licensed practical or vocational nurses appointed to direct patient care positions must be proficient in both spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d). 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). Grade Determinations:
GS-7 The GS-7 grade level is for select, complex LPN/LVN positions, as established by each health care facility. To be advanced, employees must meet all of the following standards, provided the standard is part of their assignment. (a) Completion of at least one (1) year of additional qualifying experience at the GS-6 level or equivalent, fully meeting all of the performance requirements for the GS-6 LPN/LVN. (b) Knowledge and skills necessary to carry out more specialized patient care duties, including assignments in selected, more complex inpatient and/or outpatient care settings. Knowledge base promotes the incorporation of current patient care data in actively contributing to the development of the patient's overall health plan and in carrying out assigned nursing interventions. Positions at this grade level require broader knowledge and skills because supervision is more general and employees are expected to be involved to a greater degree in the development and modification of treatment plans. (c) Ability to assist RN and/or MD/DO to appropriately prioritize overall patient care needs and adjust plans for care delivery. Makes astute observations of subtle, less obvious changes, both physical and emotional, in patient's condition, and accurately and thoroughly documents care delivered and patient's response to care that could require immediate modification of the patient's care plan. Appropriately seeks assistance and guidance by informing RN or MD/DO of changes in patient's condition requiring higher-level intervention. At this grade level, the LPN/LVN is expected to participate to a greater degree in prioritizing, and, as appropriate, modifying patient care treatment. They must also possess the ability to observe more subtle physical and emotional changes in patients and demonstrate taking appropriate action based on those observations. (d) Ability to proactively assist the RN or MD/DO in addressing patient's needs for medication/treatments, accurately administering prescribed medications/treatments according to established policies/procedures and appropriately recording administration and patient's response to medications/treatments received. (This may include restricted medication locally authorized for administration by employees at this grade level.) Demonstrates the knowledge and ability to readily recognize the more subtle signs and symptoms of potential or actual drug reactions, promptly inform the RN or MD/DO of observed changes in patient's condition and initiate appropriate, prescribed interventions. Employees at this grade level demonstrate broader knowledge and skill with respect to these responsibilities than employees at lower grade levels. (e) Knowledge and skill to promptly recognize potential urgent or emergent patient care situations, seek assistance of the RN and/or MD/DO for appropriate team intervention and effectively intervene, as directed, to assure the continuation of optimal, safe and therapeutic patient care delivery. At this grade level, the LPN/LVN must have a broader knowledge of the patient treatment process and exercise judgment that demonstrates the ability to effectively intervene when appropriate. (f) Assists individuals or groups of patients and their families to take an active role in promoting healthy lifestyles for more positive patient outcomes. Exercises skill in influencing and communicating with unusually difficult to care for or communicate with patients and/or family members who may exhibit problems with lack of self-control, resistant or abusive behaviors, or impediments in their ability to understand or follow instructions. This includes the ability to effectively deal with the above types of patients under very general supervision. (g) Exhibits skill, creativity and initiative in contributing to the improvement of overall care delivery and patient and/or family satisfaction levels through active participation in committees/task forces, research projects or in developing educational materials/media. Actively promotes and effectively incorporates established customer service standards in all aspects of their practice. (h) 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 patient care. 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. (i) Supports the RN or MD/DO in monitoring the practice of unlicensed nursing or non-medical staff in patient care delivery. Promptly reports any deviations from normal practice patterns to the RN or MD/DO. In addition to responsibilities at the lower grade level, the LPN/LVN is responsible for monitoring the practice of non-licensed nursing and medical staff. (j) Work of considerable difficulty and responsibility is performed under general supervision. Individuals in these positions are, to a considerable extent, expected to exercise independent technical judgments and to possess and apply a comprehensive working knowledge of the principles, art and science of practical nursing. The staff mix is such that employees at this grade level are expected to perform practical nursing duties of considerable difficulty and responsibility under very general supervision. (k) Actively seeks out educational opportunities to enhance nursing knowledge and skills, and providing leadership in assisting other staff improve and advance their nursing practice. All qualifying experience and KSAs you possess must be clearly described in your application package. We will not make assumptions when reviewing applications. Failure to demonstrate your experience/how you gained each KSA in your resume may result in disqualification. It is strongly recommended that you write to each KSA in your application package. Please see the Required Documents section below for resume requirements. References:
VA Handbook 5005/3 Part II Appendix G13 Licensed Practical or Vocational Nurse Qualification Standard The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-7. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-7. Physical Requirements:
See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.
- Department:
0620 Practical Nurse - Salary Range:
$46,108 to $59,936 per year
Estimated Salary: $20 to $28 per hour based on qualifications.
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