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1 Page 1 of 6 Job Title: Licensed Practical Nurse (Open Continuous) Department: Department Of Veterans Affairs Agency: Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration Job Announcement Number: BH-12-OC-LPN SALARY RANGE: $27, to $45, / Per Year OPEN PERIOD: Tuesday, June 12, 2012 to Wednesday, December 12, 2012 SERIES & GRADE: VN POSITION INFORMATION: Multiple Schedules - Multiple Appointment Types PROMOTION POTENTIAL: 06 DUTY LOCATIONS: WHO MAY BE CONSIDERED: JOB SUMMARY: 1 vacancy(s) - Hot Springs, SD United States 1 vacancy(s) - Fort Meade, SD United States 1 vacancy(s) - Rapid City, SD United States Applications will be accepted from all qualified applicants under Title 38 U.S.C. Vacancy Identification Number (VIN): (Include on all documents) RELOCATION EXPENSES ARE NOT AUTHORIZED. To fulfill President Lincoln's promise "To care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan" by serving and honoring the men and women who are America's Veterans. How would you like to become a part of a team providing compassionate care to Veterans? The VA Black Hills Health Care System (VA BHHCS) is located in the beautiful Black Hills of western South Dakota, where we are known for our blue skies, pine forests, rich history, moderate climate and friendly western hospitality. The VA BHHCS provides primary, surgical, behavioral health, community living center (nursing home care), and domiciliary (residential rehabilitation treatment program RRTP) care for Veterans residing in western South Dakota and portions of Nebraska, North Dakota, Wyoming and Montana. Care is delivered through the Fort Meade (near Sturgis) and Hot Springs VA Medical Centers, as well as through a number of community-based outpatient and rural outreach clinics. VA Black Hills is part of VA Midwest Health Care Network (VISN 23). The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) needs employees who possess the energy, compassion, and commitment to serve those who serve our Country. Whatever the job title, every position in VA will give you a chance to make a meaningful and personal contribution to the lives of truly special and deserving people - our Veterans. Working for VA is one of the most emotionally satisfying and professionally rewarding ways to dedicate the best within you to your country's service. If you are transitioning from the military or a Veteran already, we invite you to explore the benefits of continuing your career at the VA. The VA is committed to hiring Veterans. The VA is much more than just another employer. It is an honorable, open and welcoming community of those who care. Gratitude is our motivation and service is our mission. The VA has adopted Core Values and Characteristics that apply universally across the Department. The five Core Values define "who we are," our culture, and how we care for Veterans, their families and other beneficiaries. The Values are Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect and Excellence (" I CARE"). America's Veterans need you! To find out more, go to KEY REQUIREMENTS

2 Page 2 of 6 You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this job. Designated and/or random drug testing may be required. Subject to a background/suitability investigation. You must pass a pre-employment physical DUTIES: This announcement may be used to fill any number of future vacancies for Licensed Practical Nurses at Black Hills Health Care System. By completing the Occupational Questionnaire applicants will indicate their interests in employment to include location, type of appointment, acceptable work schedules and service line. Human Resources will utilize this announcement to refer qualified internal and external applicants for vacancies that routinely occur at Black Hills Health Care System. This is an open-continuous announcement. Referral for consideration is continuous during the open period (6 months). Qualified applicants will be referred every two weeks and as requested for existing vacancies within the Black Hills Health Care System until Wednesday, December 12, After that date, this announcement will be closed and applicants who wish to be considered for future vacancies will need to apply under the next open-continuous announcement. An updated application must be submitted at that time. REFERRAL PRECEDENCE Per the Master Agreement between the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) and the Department of Veterans Affairs, internal applicants will receive first consideration for all vacancies. External applicants will then be referred as appropriate when requested by the selecting official. CONSIDERATION PREFERENCES Applicants must use the Occupational Questionnaire to indicate their preferences for consideration. Applicants who do not complete this portion of the application process will not be eligible for consideration. Duties, Work schedules and units will vary between service lines. Before accepting any offer for a position, applicants are encouraged to make sure they understand the scheduling expectations. Relocation expenses and/or incentives are not authorized. QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED: 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 National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) at the time the program was completed by the applicant. 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. 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 (d), and 7407(d). GRADE DETERMINATIONS: The full performance level for a Licensed practical or vocational nurse is GS-6. GS-4: (a) Six months of qualifying experience as an LPN or LVN; or

3 Page 3 of 6 (b) Graduation from an approved school (which may be waived as provided in paragraph 4 of Section C) 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 (c) Graduation from an approved school of at least 24 months duration. (d) 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: (a) Completion of at least 1 year of qualifying experience at the GS-4 level or equivalent. (b) 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. (c) 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. (d) 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. (e) 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. (f) Recognizes and appropriately responds to breakage/malfunction or loss of equipment, safety hazards, and supply deficiencies, promptly reporting to appropriate personnel for corrective action. (g) 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: (a) Completion of at least one (1)year of additional qualifying experience at the GS-5 level or equivalent, fully meeting all performance requirements for the GS-5 LPN/LVN. (b) Technically proficient in initiating, performing and completing assigned duties in providing care to variable patient populations. (c) 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 registered nurse (RN) or physician (MD/DO) for appropriateness and conformity with established policies/procedures. (d) 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. (e) 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. (f) 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.

4 Page 4 of 6 (g) 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. (h) 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. (i) 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. (j) Actively seeks out educational opportunities to enhance nursing knowledge and skills, sharing new knowledge gained with other staff to improve and advance nursing practice. IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. References : VA Handbook 5005/3, Part II, Appendix G13, Licensed Practical or Vocational Nurse Qualification Standard ( dated April 10, 2003, and OPM Qualification Standards for Practical Nurse series at ( PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: All Licensed practical and vocational nurses, and graduate nurse technicians are required to undergo a pre-employment physical within 90 days prior to appointment. APPLICANTS PLEASE NOTE: Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. You can verify accreditation at the following website: All education claimed by applicants will be verified by the appointing agency. Veteran's Preference: When applying for Federal jobs, eligible veterans should claim preference on the Occupational Questionnaire in the section provided and provide a legible copy of DD-214(s) showing all dates of service as well as character of service (honorable, general, etc.). Additionally, veterans with service-connected disability of 10% or more must also submit a copy of their official statement from the Department of Veterans Affairs, or from a branch of the Armed Forces, certifying their service-connected disability and/or their receipt of compensation for service-connected disability. Veterans with service-connected disability of less than 10%, nonservice-connected disability, and Purple Heart recipients, as-well-as those claiming derived preference for a spouse, widow or widower, or natural mother, should refer to and submit a completed SF 15, "Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference," and required documentation with your application materials. For more information on Veterans' Preference, go to HOW YOU WILL BE EVALUATED: Complete application packages will be reviewed to determine if the basic qualifications for this position have been met. A listing of candidates who meet the basic qualification requirements will be forwarded to the hiring facility where the credentialing and privileging screening process is completed. BENEFITS: Permanent Full-Time and Part-Time employees are eligible for all benefits. Employees appointed on a Term or Temporary Basis greater than 1 year are eligible for certain benefits. Intermittent or PRN appointees are not eligible for benefits.

5 Page 5 of 6 Working for the Department of Veterans Affairs offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes, in part, paid vacation, sick leave, holidays, life insurance, health benefits, and participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System. In addition to traditional "dollars and cents" benefits, we offer a range of benefits to help balance work and life. For more information please visit us at EDUCATION DEBT REDUCTION PROGRAM (EDRP): Licensed Practical Nurses who are newly appointed to Veterans Health Administration in full-time and part-time (but not temporary) positions are eligible to apply for benefits under the Education Debt Reduction Program. This program authorizes the VA to make debt reduction payments to certain authorized employees that have outstanding, qualifying educational loans. This program is subject to availability of funds. [Reference: VHA Directive 1021] OTHER INFORMATION: The Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) and Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) provide eligible displaced Federal competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. To be qualified you must submit appropriate documentation and be found well-qualified for this vacancy. Information about ICTAP and CTAP eligibility is on OPM's Career Transition Resources website at HOW TO APPLY: To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package (See "Required Documents" section below). The complete Application Package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on Wednesday, December 12, To begin the process, click the Apply Online button to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account. Follow the prompts to complete the occupational questionnaire. Please ensure you click the Submit My Answers button at the end of the process. Note: To return to a previously Saved or Incomplete application return to your member account in USAJOBS to see the status of your application, including any messages that may have been sent to you. If you cannot apply online: 1. Click the following link to view and print the occupational questionnaire View Occupational Questionnaire, 2. Print this 1203FX form to provide your response to the occupational questionnaire and 3. Fax the completed 1203FX form along with any supporting documents to (478) Your 1203FX will serve as a cover page for your fax transmission. Keep a copy of your fax receipt in case verification is needed. To fax supporting documents you are unable to upload: 1. Complete this cover page using the following Vacancy ID Fax your documents to (478) REQUIRED DOCUMENTS: THREE (3) REQUIRED DOCUMENTS FOR CURRENT PERMANENT BLACK HILLS HEALTH CARE SYSTEM EMPLOYEES: 1. CV or a Résumé 2. Occupational Questionnaire (We recommend completion online through Application Manager or you may fax OPM Form 1203-FX) 3. VA Form c - Application for Associated Health Occupations (Available at FOUR (4) REQUIRED DOCUMENTS FOR ALL OTHER APPLICANTS: 1. CV or Résumé

6 Page 6 of 6 2. Occupational Questionnaire We recommend completion online through Application Manager or you may fax OPM Form 1203-FX) 3. VA Form c - Application for Associated Health Occupations (Available at 4. Transcripts. Unofficial copies may be used for qualification purposes. Upon selection, applicants will be asked to provide official transcripts. ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTATION Applicants must supply additional documentation if you are: A Veteran - Veterans must provide legible copies of DD214s showing all dates of service as well as character of service (Honorable, General, etc.). Copies of your DD-214 (the Member 4 copy shows the nature of discharge) may be requested by calling or TDD# If you are on terminal leave from active duty, attach a letter from your commander indicating the date of discharge and type of discharge. Disabled veterans and other veterans eligible for 10-point preference must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veterans Preference" with required proof as stated on the form. The Spouse or Mother of a Veteran - Applicants claiming preference based on being the spouse or mother of a disabled or deceased Veteran, must complete an SF 15, Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit. A Displaced Federal Employee (CTAP/ICTAP) - Please make sure you submit your application/resumé, a copy of the agency notice, a copy of your most recent performance rating and a copy of your most recent SF-50 noting current position, grade level, and duty location. Please clearly state in your application package that you are applying as a CTAP or ICTAP eligible. You must also select this option in the online questionnaire (question 22, Transition Plan. ) A Previous or Current Federal Employee - Most recent SF-50B Notification of Personnel Action. This document may be found in your Official Personnel File and is obtainable for former employees from the National Personnel Records Center in St. Louis, MO. Applying as a Schedule A hire You must include documentation to support your claim. You will not be contacted for additional information. AGENCY CONTACT INFO: Maverick H. Dunavan Phone: (605) MAVERICK.DUNAVAN@VA.GOV WHAT TO EXPECT NEXT: Agency Information: VHA Black Hills HCS 113 Comanche Road Fort Meade, SD You will receive notification as to whether or not you were included on the list of referred candidates. If you do not provide an address, your notification will be sent via U.S. Postal Service within 2-4 weeks. Important note: Applicants have the burden of producing all needed information prior to the closing of the announcement Wednesday, December 12, Control Number: Close Print

7 Page 1 of 6 Licensed Practical Nurse (Open Continuous) Vacancy ID: Announcement Number: BH-12-OC-LPN USAJOBS Control Number: Social Security Number Enter your Social Security Number in the space indicated. Providing your Social Security Number is voluntary, however we cannot process your application without it. Vacancy Identification Number Title of Job Licensed Practical Nurse (Open Continuous) 2. Biographic Data 3. Address Please enter your address in the space provided. If you do not provide an address you may not receive a notice of your results. 4. Work Information 5. Employment Availability 6. Citizenship Are you a citizen of the United States? 7. Background Information

8 Page 2 of 6 8. Other Information 9. Languages 10. Lowest Grade Enter the lowest grade (00) you will accept for this position Miscellaneous Information 12. Special Knowledge 13. Test Location 14. Veteran Preference Claim 15. Dates of Active Duty - Military Service 16. Availability Date 17. Service Computation Date 18. Other Date Information 19. Job Preference

9 Page 3 of Occupational Specialties The specialty code(s) for this position is (are): 001 Licensed Practical Nurse 002 Unlicensed - Graduate Nurse Technician 21. Geographic Availability The location code(s) for this position is (are): Fort Meade, SD Hot Springs, SD Rapid City, SD 22. Transition Assistance Plan 23. Job Related Experience 24. Personal Background Information 25. Occupational/Assessment Questions: Your résumé and other required documents must support your answers to the occupational questionnaire. Your responses should be accurate and truthful. Do not under or over rate your experience. Applicants who knowingly falsify information will be removed from consideration. Select the appropriate answer to the following question based on your current level of education and/or experience that demonstrates your ability to perform the duties of this position. 1. Are you a US citizen? A. Yes B. No 2. Are you a graduate of a school of practical or vocational nursing approved by

10 Page 4 of 6 the appropriate State agency and/or accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) at the time the program was completed? TRANSCRIPTS ARE REQUIRED. A. Yes B. No. However, I am presently enrolled in a practical nursing program and will graduate within the next 6 months. C. No 3. Do you possess a 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? A. Yes B. No. However, I just graduated from an accredited nursing program and am waiting to test for licensure. C. No 4. 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). Are you proficient in both spoken and written English? A. Yes B. No This section requires you to identify your preferences for consideration. When identifying your preferences, keep in mind that any areas or schedules not selected will remove you from future consideration. For example, an LPN who would not accept a position in a geriatrics unit should not select Agree in that area. 5. Please consider me for positions in a Geriatrics & Extended Care and Rehabilitation setting including hospice and Community Living Centers. Reminder: By selecting "Agree", you are indicating you wish to be considered for this position type. 6. Please consider me for positions in the Operating Room or Surgery Departments.

11 Page 5 of 6 7. Please consider me for positions in a Medical Surgical setting. 8. Please consider me for positions in a Clinical or Ambulatory Care setting. 9. Please consider me for positions in a Specialty Care setting. This may include Podiatry, Dermatology and Opthalmology. 10. Please consider me for positions in a Mental Health setting. This may be outpatient or in-patient treatment, to include a locked ward. 11. Please consider me for positions in a Dialysis unit. 12. Please consider me for positions in a non-typical LPN setting such as an administrative role or in a call center. 13. I would like to be considered for Full-Time Employment (80 scheduled hours per bi-weekly pay period). 14. I would like to be considered for Part-Time Employment (Less than 80- scheduled hours per bi-weekly pay period). 15. I would like to be considered for Intermittent or PRN Employment (No Scheduled Tour / Work as Requested).

12 Page 6 of INSTRUCTIONS: Applicants may be appointed on a Temporary or Permanent basis. Permanent positions have no expiration date. Temporary positions have a Not-To-Exceed (NTE) date. Please select the answer below that best describes your preferences. A. I wish to be considered for both Temporary and Permanent positions. B. I wish to be considered only for Temporary positions. C. I wish to be considered only for Permanent positions. 17. REMINDER 1: If you are not employed by the Black Hills Health Care System you are required to submit transcripts to this office. Copies of transcripts may be used for initial qualification purposes. If selected, official transcripts must be submitted. Official copies should be sent unopened and sealed to: VA Black Hills Health Care System Attention HRM - Maverick Dunavan 113 Comanche Rd Fort Meade, SD Applicants who fail to supply the required transcripts will not be found qualified. A. I acknowledge this requirement. 18. REMINDER 2: You are required to submit VA Form C (Application for Associated Health Occupations). The form may be found at Remember to answer all questions and sign the document in both sections (pages 3 and 4). Any "yes" responses to items 28 through 37 require detailed explanation on a separate document. Applicants who fail to complete this document will not be found qualified. A. I acknowledge this requirement.