Blind Rehabilitation Center Licensed Practical Nurse

The Blind Rehabilitation Center is comprised of a 13 bed inpatient unit that provides services to qualified Veterans. The mission is to assist Veterans and service members who are blind, have low vision adjust to their sight loss; to help them learn skills and alternate techniques that will reduce their overall risk, improve their quality of life, enable them to reach their maximum level of independence to help them develop positive attitudes, self-esteem and a renewed sense of self-worth.

The mission of BRC is to assist Veterans and service members who are blind, have low vision adjust to their sight loss; to help them learn skills and alternate techniques that will reduce their overall risk, improve their quality of life, enable them to reach their maximum level of independence; and most importantly, to help them develop positive attitudes, self-esteem and a renewed sense of self-worth. The BRC utilizes and interdisciplinary approaches a dynamic array of programs, activities, and services in a safe homelike environment that is conducive to learning and health promotion. Respond to Veteran calls for assistance and address patient needs in a timely manner. Ensure proper identification of Veteran per policy before administering care. Willingly assist co-workers without being asked and work well as a team member. Actively participate in change of shift by communicating all pertain Veteran information to Team Leader, Charge Nurse or receiving shift. Assist registered nurse with admission, transfer, and discharge of residents. Completing duties as assigned and under the supervision of the registered nurse. Give bed bath, tub and shower baths, shampoo hair, trim nails and assist residents with grooming. He/she will consistently promote Veteran independence, rehabilitation, and restorative nursing as the Veteran plan of care dictates. Give morning and evening care. Provide and assist in oral hygiene and denture care. Change linen of occupied and unoccupied beds. Assist Veterans with bedpans and urinals. Feed Veterans and assist those who need help with eating. Change Veterans' position, maintain body alignment and take measures to prevent skin breakdown and/or deformity. Apply and observe comfort and safety devices as directed by the registered nurse. Practice safety precautions according to written procedure in performance of duties when working with Veterans and Veteran's personal care devices, medication administration and unit equipment. Perform duties in a safe manner to prevent Veteran/employee accident/injury. Safely operate equipment such as specialized beds, prosthetic devices, and suction machines. Utilize proper body mechanics, mechanical lifting devices and transfer aids when lifting and moving Veterans to prevent injury to self and others. Assist in maintaining a clean and orderly unit environment; keep supplies and equipment clean and in proper places, observe infection control guidelines, etc. He/she is expected to take personal accountability in reducing Veteran's risk of trips and falls by taking quick and immediate action to correct any environmental safety concerns. Utilize principles of infection control, cleanliness and hand washing to assure a safe, clean environment to prevent cross infections. Understand and utilize principles of Universal Precautions and type of isolation for protection of Veterans and/or self. Report faulty equipment or safety hazards. Be knowledgeable and correctly utilizes the RACE procedure during fire drills and emergency situations. Verbalizes the steps within the RACE procedure and his/her responsibility. Verbalize role of unit/staff in a disaster including recognition of disaster alarms/notification per policy. Also recognizing alternate power sources and mechanism to use on the event of utility system failure. Be knowledgeable regarding location of MSDS for all hazardous chemicals used within the assigned area and take appropriate action as needed to mitigate situation. Document medications administered, care and treatments provided and Veteran's response to therapy in the clinical record. Document on flow sheets, Reports of Contact, and Incident Reports as appropriate. Recognize and report acute changes in Veteran conditions to the registered nurse (R.N.) and documents observations appropriately. Maintain rapport with Veterans, families, volunteers, visitors, and co­workers. Accurately document measurements such as vital signs, weights, and finger sticks for glucose monitoring, intake and output. Provide input into the formulation of the nursing care plan. Provide for Veterans' physical and psychosocial needs. Provide emotional support to Veterans and families. Assist with diagnostic procedures such as physical exams, using sterile technique as appropriate, if applicable to assigned unit. Collect and label specimens for laboratory study such as urine, sputum, and stool. Administer oxygen and inhalation therapy as ordered. Accurately obtain and document measurements and pulse oximetry to include documentation of oxygen flow rate/room air and route. Work in area with service dogs Work Schedule: Various, may include 8- and 12-hour shifts, days, nights, weekends, and holidays. Schedule will ultimately be determined by supervisor and facility needs Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized.

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. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Must pass pre-employment physical evaluation. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.