Practicle Nurse (GS-0620-06) - Ft Irwin, CA

**A recruitment or relocation incentive may be authorized.

**Salary negotiation may be available for those candidates who are new to Federal service.

Fort Irwin is located in the high desert of the Mojave, 40 miles north of Barstow, CA and the home of the National Training Center (NTC).  The NTC is the Army’s premier training site and trains over 50,000 troops a year in preparation for deployments worldwide.  We support the NTC’s mission to “Train the Force”.  Our organization has the mission to provide world-class healthcare to the 12,000 Soldiers and Family Members of the NTC, Fort Irwin and Yuma Proving Grounds (Yuma, AZ), as well as to support the rotational training units. Weed Army Community Hospital (WACH) is a small community hospital supported by over 400 military and civilian staff members with an inpatient capacity of 20 beds including both Mother/Baby and Medical/Surgical Wards.

Working for the Department of Defense comes with an abundance of benefits and perks to include competitive compensation packages, paid-time off, medical benefits, student loan repayments, and retirement package with Thrift Savings Plan to include matching employer contributions. For more information, please visit the following link: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/benefits/

1.  Obtains information from patient and/or family to identify major complaints, symptoms, or reason for seeking health care. Takes all vital signs (blood pressure, temperature, pulse, respirations, pain level, height, weight, measurement of head circumference, and length); performs a behavioral health screening. Documents patients' chief complaints and other pertinent information in the health record. Participates in promoting patient compliance with health activities in accordance with RESPECT-Mil. Coordinates and facilitates care coordination, communicates relevant information according to the medical plan of care and nursing assessment, and documents accordingly in the health record.

2.  Provides individualized nursing care to patients of all ages based upon the physician’s medical care plan, the nursing assessment, and the physical, mental, and emotional needs of the patient. Assists the physician with various examinations and diagnostic procedures. Sets up and maintains a sterile field; understands the proper positioning of patients required for various procedures. Administers oxygen, IV fluid and prescribed oral, rectal, subcutaneous, and intramuscular medications. Performs inhalation treatments, fingerstick glucose, urine dipsticks, visual acuity, phlebotomy, dressing changes, and surgical instrument cleaning and packaging after use. Educates patients and family members on childcare and school requirements for children on medications. Assures accurate care and handling of specimens. Performs routine procedures, such as EKGs, eye, throat, nasal and/or wound cultures, dressing changes, ear irrigation, and application of bandages. Recognizes adverse signs and symptoms immediately and calls for assistance and if the situation warrants it, performs CPR immediately. Sets up, operates, and monitors specialized equipment, such as cardiac monitor, defibrillator, etc. 

3.  Screens and reviews immunization records IAW AR 40-562 and unit Standard Operating Procedures to select required immunizations, correct dosages, and routes of administration. Transcribes information to medical records and official school forms. Documents administration on documents and forms in AHLTA or manually. Administrative duties include inputting data into the computer and retrieving information such as laboratory and diagnostic procedure results. Uses automated health care system to complete the workload accountability documents through the Ambulatory Data System (ADS forms) on same day service and MEDPROS entry. Documents administration utilizing IAW Ambulatory Quality Assurance criteria. 

4.  Administers oral, intradermal, subcutaneous, intramuscular immunizations to all age groups IAW established protocols. Maintains accountability for actions and control of vaccines. Documents interventions and patients’ response to care. Communicates relevant information to healthcare team. Recognizes signs and symptoms of untoward effects of immunization and/or allergen extracts. Maintains certification in Basic Cardiac Life Support and demonstrates ability to initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation in the event of an anaphylactic reaction and/or cardiopulmonary arrest.   

5.  Performs teaching to patients and/or family regarding self-care procedures and documents teaching. Instructs parents/guardians regarding normal verses adverse reactions to immunizations and treatment for normal reactions of discomfort. Reviews laboratory results and brings abnormal results to attention of physician. Per physician’s instruction, telephones patient regarding follow-up required and documents in records. Performs patient education for special needs such as medication administration, inhaler and spacer use, self-dressing changes, ostomy care, fingerstick and glucose meter use, drawing up and injection of insulin and glucagon, and asthma home monitoring with peak flow meters and nebulizer use. Educates patients and family members on childcare and school requirements for children on medications. Completes necessary paperwork for school (sick slips, asthma care plan, etc.), for provider signature. Teaches patients early warning signs for early detection of diseases.    

6.  Performs both administrative and logistical tasks as a member of the healthcare team by maintaining the environment and resources to deliver healthcare. Reviews expiration dates for medications, vaccines, and supplies; and initiates the reorder. Coordinates with designated clinic administrative staff for maintenance of adequate vaccines and supply levels. Assists with checking patients into the system, completion of records and other clerical duties in the absence of the medical receptionist. Reviews laboratory results and brings abnormal results to the attention of the physician and per physician’s instructions, telephones patients regarding any follow-up care. Uses automated systems (i.e. Armed Forces Health Longitudinal Technology Application (AHLTA), Medical Operational Data System (MODS) and the Medical Protection system (MEDPROS). Reviews chart for coding compliance and ensures all procedures are documented to obtain accurate capture of workload. Attends mandatory training as directed by supervisor or command. Documents adverse medication reactions in the VAERS or local system. Participates in and coordinates performance improvement activities as required.  

Performs other duties as assigned.

Conditions of Employment

• Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.
• A Personnel Security Investigation is required.
• This position has specific initial background investigation and periodic re-verification requirements since its duties require interaction with children and youth under the age of eighteen (18) years of age on a recurring basis.
• Selectees will be required to sign a statement (Condition of Employment) consenting to seasonal influenza vaccinations or must provide a recognized exemption.
• This position is a Testing Designated Position subject to pre-employment screening and random drug testing. Selectees will be required to consent to participation in random drug urinalysis testing.
• A pre-placement medical examination is required.
• Immunization screening is required. Hepatitis B immunization is required for all positions with direct patient contact. Applicants may be required to show proof of other immunizations depending on the type of position.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification through the American Red Cross or American Heart Association. Advanced certification (e.g., ALS) does not supersede BLS.
• Applicants must be able to fulfill non-privileged professional credential requirements.