Licensed Practical Nurse

JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE : Licensed Practical Nurse

JOB CODE : NS090016 EEO Job Class : 3

CENSUS CODE : 3500 Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses EEO Job Group : 5A Technicians - LPN

FLSA STATUS : Non-Exempt

REPORTS TO : Clinically Staff RN, Charge Nurse, DON; Administratively H.S.A.

SUPERVISES : None

DATE CREATED : February 2013

LAST REVISED : June 2019

JOB SUMMARY :

The Licensed Practical Nurse is responsible for assisting in the delivery of patient care through the nursing process of assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation.

Under the supervision of the RN(s), directs and guides patient teaching and activities that commensurate with his / her education and demonstrated competencies.

EDUCATION, TRAINING, EXPERIENCE AND LICENSING :

Education :

Graduate from an accredited school of nursing.

Experience :

Prefer a minimum of one (1) year clinic experience

Licenses / Certifications :

• Have and maintain current licensure as a Licensed Practical / Licensed Vocational Nurse within the state of employment.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain CPR certification.

Compliance :

KEY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES :

• Under supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN), assists in the assessment of the physical, psychological and social dimensions of patients in the Health Care Unit and, as necessary, in the housing units.
• Assists in planning an individual treatment program by using available resources in planning care, and consults with RNs and other staff as appropriate while applying knowledge and resources in planning care and patient teaching.
• Implements individualized treatment programs as directed by the Health Care Practitioner.
• Count controlled substances, syringes, needles and sharps at the beginning of each shift with another staff member and sign count logs.
• Implements clinical and technical aspects of care in accordance with established policies, procedures and protocols. Intervenes with proper safety techniques, procedures and standard precautions.
• Responds to a code or health emergency within standard guidelines.
• Implements medical plan through administering medications in accordance with Health Care Practitioner’s orders and protocols : Administers medications according to proper techniques and procedures including IV therapy (when certified) and all other approved routes of administration.

Uses pharmacy knowledge and available resources to include drug reaction and overdose in administration of medications.

Implements medical plans through obtaining diagnostic tests in accordance with Health Care Practitioner’s orders and protocols : Obtains body fluid specimens and performs EKG’s using proper techniques and procedures.

Communicates information to ancillary departments using established referral process.

• Assists the Health Care Practitioner in medical or minor surgical procedures as necessary and / or requested to meet individual needs of patients.
• Implement nutrition and therapeutic diet plan through proper techniques and procedures as ordered by Health Care Practitioner.
• Documents nursing encounters using the SOAP form of charting as required by policy and procedure.·
• Communicates information to nursing staff, physician, health care unit supervisory personnel and other staff as necessary.
• Attends mandatory staff meetings and training.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES :

• Must be able to obtain and maintain security clearance.
• Must be able to apply principles of critical thinking to a variety of practical and emergent situations and accurately follow standardized procedures that may call for deviations.
• Must be able to apply sound judgment beyond a specific set of instructions and apply knowledge to different factual situations.
• Must be alert at all times; pay close attention to details.
• Must be able to work under stress on a regular or continuous basis.
• Post orders, if applicable, per site contract.
• Respects dignity and confidentiality of patients.

LEADERSHIP ABILITIES :

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND CONDITIONS :

Works in a clean well-lit environment with fluctuating temperatures. Requires substantial periods of work utilizing a computer, monitor, keyboard, and mouse.

• Requires lifting and carrying equipment and supplies weighing up to 35 pounds; requires pushing and pulling equipment and supplies weighing up to 75 pounds;
• requires walking and standing; requires sitting; requires the ability to negotiate stairs; requires the ability to lift patients in and out of bed, wheelchair, and / or stretcher;

requires the ability to reach or bend frequently; requires visual acuity and manual dexterity to operate equipment. Potential for exposure to blood and / or body substances and hazardous materials requiring observance of Standard Precautions and safe handling practices.

WORK ENVIRONMENT / TRAVEL :

This job primarily operates independently in a facility. This job is performed in a correctional facility, client site or counseling center including minimum, medium or maximum security levels.

Employees are exposed to some level of risk and / or harm by inmates including exposure to blood borne pathogens. Employee is expected to work in accordance with all security rules and regulations to minimize the risk of danger and / or harm to themselves or other employees.

This position may require travel depending on specific needs.

STATEMENT OF NON-INCLUSIVITY :

This job description is not to be construed as a complete listing of the duties and responsibilities that may be given to any employee.

The duties and responsibilities outlined in this position may be added to or changed when deemed appropriate and necessary by the person who is managerially responsible for this position.

Employee signature below constitutes employee's understanding of the requirements, essential functions, and duties of the position.

Employee also agrees to communicate with their reporting manager for clarification of or if they have any questions relative to this job description.