The Blind Rehabilitation Practical Nurse assignments require the knowledge of the concepts, principles and practices of blind and vision rehabilitation and the use of assessments, therapies and technologies to improve the independent function, quality of life and adjustment for Veterans who are blind or visually impaired. 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. Education or Training. Graduate of a school of practical or vocational nursing approved by the appropriate State Agency and/or accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN); OR Received health care education/training in the military service which is accepted by the licensing body in the jurisdiction in which the individual is licensed as qualified for full LPN/LVN licensure. 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. [NOTE: YOU MUST PROVIDE YOUR LICENSE NUMBER OR SUBMIT A COPY OF YOUR CURRENT LICENSURE WITH THE APPLICATION PACKAGE]. 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 and meet the criteria). Grade Determinations: Upon Selection a review will be conducted of the selected candidate's education and experience in order to determine the grade and salary at which the candidate qualified for and will be placed in. Qualifications and required KSA's (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities) required to be appointed at each grade level are as follows: GS-03: None beyond the basic requirements listed above. GS-04: Six months of qualifying experience as an LPN; 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-04 level or equivalent and Demonstrated knowledge and ability to provide a full range of practical nursing care to patients with a variety of physical and/or behavioral problems. GS-06: Completion of at least one (1) year of additional qualifying experience at the GS-05 level or equivalent, fully meeting all performance requirements for the LPN AND 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; Ability 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 registered nurse (RN) or physician (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 and 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. Knowledge and 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 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 G6, License Practical Qualification Standards dated April 10, 2003.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. Preferred Experience: Blind Rehab Experience (PREFERRED) Acute Care Experience (PREFERRED) References: VA Regulations, specifically VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G-6 Nurse Qualification Standard. This can be found in the local Human Resources Office. Physical Requirements: Physical demands include repetitive body movements including the following: frequent reaching, standing, walking, and lifting of equipment and/or patients to provide patient care. This position requires extension of the hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction including above or below shoulder level, during the provision of patient care, including retrieval of needed equipment, supplies and to make contact with the patient. This position requires the maintenance of an upright position to perform duties associated with patient care. This position is typically non-sedentary, and frequently involves being in the standing position. This position requires moving about accomplish tasks, such as assisting with patient ambulation and moving one patient area to the next. This position requires the raising of objects from a lower position to a higher position or the movement of objects horizontally position to position. Lifting may be done to move a patient from one location to the next, i.e.- from the exam table to the chair, and in the movement of equipment or supplies. ["Major duties and responsibilities include but, not limited to: Performs comprehensive systematic nursing assessments Provides care for the visually impaired patients with medical needs through coordination of services, demonstrating an organized and systematic process for problem solving and prioritizing the delivery of care. Establishes collaborative goals with the patient and interdisciplinary team. Implements measurable and achievable patient specific short- and long-term goals/interventions. Evaluates the effectiveness of the treatment plan/goals on an on-going basis. Documents in accordance with hospital policies. Continually analyzes and evaluates unit functions and activities in order to improve care to patients. Functions as an integral member of the interdisciplinary team to plan, deliver coordinated patient care and is responsible for accurate clinical assessments, interventions, evaluations and documentation. Provides therapeutic rehabilitation environment. Provides patient education and participate in multidisciplinary discharge planning. Assists in the orientation and teaching of nursing personnel and students. Participates in VAPAHCS service improvement model and evidence-based activities. Plays active role in interdisciplinary committees to enhance design and develop performance improvement efforts. Work Schedule: Varies including rotating weekends and holidays\nTelework: Not Available\nVirtual: This is not a virtual position.\nRelocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required"]