Summary The Telehealth Clinical Technician (TCT) is an LPN that serves in a generalist role to support Telehealth clinical program. They provide a wide range of clinical and technical services to the Veteran. The duties include serving as the site imager for Store Forward Telehealth (SFT) applications and facilitator for real time Clinical Video Telehealth (CVT) encounters, patient education activities, Primary Care as well as specialty care remote visits. Responsibilities Nursing Practice/technical Competence: Demonstrates nursing practice with remote supervision of a registered nurse or physician. Administers medication accurately and promptly under the general supervision of a registered nurse. Demonstrates understanding of the effects and/or reactions caused by medications, treatments, and procedures. Demonstrates the ability to assist RN and/or provider to appropriately prioritize overall patient care needs and adjust plans for care delivery. Demonstrates the independent technical knowledge and skills that are complex in nature and that contribute to the Veteran's treatment plan and support the successful completion of the Telehealth visit. Performs Telehealth imaging, including tele-retinal screening, tele-dermatology Tele-wound care and other Telehealth programming as technology becomes available. Responsible for the patient site facilitation of the clinical, business, scheduling and technical aspects for real-time Telehealth applications. Uses video-conferencing technologies, Telehealth technology and scheduling software to coordinate and connect staff, resources, patients, and providers in the manner effective to delivery of services, patient care, education and training. Responsible for any patient, staff education/ training, documentation, and assistance with workload capture that is basic for the completion of the visit and/ or training. Assists in patient care under the direct supervision of an independent licensed healthcare provider. Conducts quality control procedures on equipment and products and maintains proper records for quality control reports and workload reporting. The TCT is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the clinical video conferencing, training, and SFT clinics. Performs personal care, diagnostic support duties and treatments according to procedure under the direction of the professional nurse in a timely manner. Actively seeks out educational opportunities to enhance nursing knowledge and skills, sharing new knowledge gained with other staff to improve and advance nursing practice. Observation, Reporting and Documentation: Identifies subtle changes in patient condition, both physical and emotional. Demonstrates practical knowledge of human behavior, motivation, and reactions to situations. Reports these in a timely manner and initiates appropriate action. Participates in Health Care Team meetings. Instructs patients and family members on principles of health, self-care, and protocols for treatments and /or medications. Utilizes teaching materials to promote self-reliance and independence including methods to prevent complications and facilitate recovery. Clearly and thoroughly records significant observations and actions on appropriate forms. Completes required patient care documentation and records significant observations and actions utilizing the nursing process in a clear and concise manner. Maintaining a Safe and Therapeutic Environment: Maintains a safe, clean, therapeutic environment and adheres to infection control guidelines. Participates in accomplishing unit maintenance tasks which includes checking equipment to ensure that it is functioning safely. Practices aseptic techniques during sterile procedures. Demonstrates safe work habits, identifies, and immediately reports any unsafe conditions to the registered nurse. Identifies any life-threatening environmental hazards immediately, takes appropriate action and reports findings to the registered nurse. Identifies potential risk and takes necessary precautions to ensure the safety of the patient. Interpersonal Relationships/Customer Service: Treats customers in a courteous and helpful manner that indicates dignity and respect. Communicates, both oral and written, are done in a professional manner and exemplify the mission and vision of this Healthcare System. Interacts with visitors/staff in a courteous, thoughtful, and caring manner using tact, discretion and patience when explaining policies and procedures or assisting in finding an answer to a problem. Displays a helpful, proactive attitude toward customers by answering questions and resolving problems to enhance customer satisfaction. Accepts assignments willingly, volunteers to help others, and works cooperatively and effectively with co-workers and supervisors displaying a helpful, positive attitude. Ensures that all customers (internal and external) are treated with respect and dignity using professional tact and common manners. Work Schedule: 8AM - 4:30PM, Monday - Friday Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 00000 Relocation Incentive: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required 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. 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 To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement. 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: Citizen of the United States. Education: 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) 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 that is accepted by the licensing body in the jurisdiction in which licensed as qualifying for full LPN/LVN licensure meets the education requirements. Individuals granted a license by a jurisdiction that does not require graduation from an approved school. Licensure: Full, active, current and unrestricted licensure as a licensed practical or vocational nurse in a State, Territory or Commonwealth of the US, or District of Columbia. Language Proficiency: Eligible candidates must be proficient in English (spoken and written). 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: GS-3: None beyond the basic requirements. GS-4: Six months of qualifying experience as an LPN or LVN; OR Must have graduated 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 Must have graduated from an approved school of at least 24 months duration. LPNs at the GS-4 grade level perform all duties expected of employees at the GS-3 grade level; however, they are expected to exercise greater judgment, require less supervision, and to operate in accordance with all established policies, procedure, and techniques. GS-5: Completion of at least 1 year of qualifying experience at the GS-4 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. Works with the RN and/or MD/DO to appropriately orient/train less experienced LPNs/LVNs and/or Nursing Assistants (NAs)/Health Technicians (HTs) in relation to acceptable standards of practice in promoting optimal patient care delivery. Provides effective education to patients and/or family members in relation to common disease processes, medication, and /or prescribed treatment regimes. Demonstrated ability to serve as a responsible member of the nursing team and interact in an appropriate manner with patients, family members, professional and other supportive personnel involved in the delivery of patient care, incorporating acceptable, established customer service standards into practice. Knowledge and skill sufficient to prepare, administer, and appropriately document actions taken specific to commonly prescribed oral, topical, subcutaneous, intramuscular, and/or intravenous medications as permitted by approved local facility policies and procedures. Observation and documentation will include patient's response to medication administered and the reporting of any noted change in patient's condition to RN or MD/DO. Knowledge and ability to recognize the need for and to institute emergency measures when indicated, promptly seek the assistance of the RN or MD/DO, and assist in resuscitation procedures in cardiac and/or pulmonary arrest. Recognizes and appropriately responds to breakage/malfunction or loss of equipment, safety hazards, and supply deficiencies, promptly reporting to appropriate personnel for corrective action. Completed work is under the general supervision of an RN or MD/DO. Individuals at this grade level are expected to have a broad working knowledge of practical nursing procedures. However, completion of more complex practices or procedures may be subject to closer higher-level review. GS-6: Completion of one year of additional qualifying experience at the GS-5 level or equivalent, fully meeting all performance requirements for the GS-5 LPN/LVN. 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; 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 RN/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/LVN 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/LVNs 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. Continued in Education section... Education ...Preferred Experience: At least 5 years of direct patient care experience. Video teleconferencing experience as both technical troubleshooting and as a tele presenter preferred. Good patient care skills and documenting subjective and observed data. Operation of digital cameras and image uploading to electronic medical record. Coordinating care with virtual provider and health care team. References: VA Handbook 5005/3, Part II, Appendix G-13, April 10, 2003 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-6. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-3 to GS-6. Physical Requirements: Moderate lifting and carrying (15 - 44 lbs.), straight pulling, pushing, reaching above shoulder, use of fingers, both hands, walking, standing, repeated bending, ability to distinguish basic colors, and hearing (aid may be permitted). Environmental factors include working alone. 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: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html. 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.