Licensed Practical Nurse

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS: This position exists in a County skilled nursing facility, County hospital, or school district and involves responsibility to provide routine sub-professional primary nursing care of patients in accordance with detailed and well-defined policies, rules and regulations.  In the skilled nursing facility or County hospital, employees assist a Registered Professional Nurse in the care of patients.  In a school district, employees assist either a School Nurse Teacher, Registered Professional Nurse (School) or School Physician in providing care to students and district employees.  The work requires the understanding of and skill in routine nursing practices, but does not require the exercise of professional judgment called for in the position of Registered Professional Nurse.  Supervision may be exercised over the work of Nursing Assistants.  The work is performed under the supervision of either a Registered Professional Nurse or Licensed Physician.  The incumbent does related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES:

When assigned to skilled nursing facility or County hospital, the following applies:

• Assigns and supervises the work of the Nursing Assistants;
• May serve as charge nurse;
• Bathes patients and gives personal hygiene care;
• Writes reports at conclusion of shift and gives oral reports to changing shift;
• Processes records involved in the admission and discharge of patients;
• Takes blood pressure and temperature, notes the rate of pulse and respiration, and observes and records other signs and symptoms as directed;
• Collects specimens and assists in carrying out diagnostic procedures under direct supervision;
• Reassures patients, especially new admissions;
• Explains facility policies and answers questions;
• Inserts and irrigates catheters;
• Prepares medication trays, passes medications and gives injections as ordered by physician, after taking and passing medication course;
• Maintains records and charts of each resident under their care;
• Carries out uncomplicated therapeutic treatments such as giving enemas, and preparing and applying simple dressings;
• Makes rounds and checks critical patients;
• Fosters good relationships with patients and their families;
• Makes beds, cleans patients’ rooms and connecting lavatories, and performs other tasks designed to provide a suitable environment for patients.

 When assigned to a school district, the following applies:

• Provides routine primary sub-professional nursing care to students and district staff;
• Keeps attendance records, health records and related documents on students and employees of the school district;
• Provides emergency first aid treatment to students and staff following accidents or other incidents on school property;
• Completes health insurance forms for district employees;
• Notifies parents and family physician of accidents or other health problems of students;
• Collects excuses and contacts parents in questionable health cases of absences or tardiness;
• Arranges transportation for sick or injured students and employees to their homes, hospital or physician’s office;
• Administers medications as prescribed by a physician;
• Coordinates provision of nursing care activities with those of the school physician;
• Arranges for physicals and maintains health records for district employees;
• Maintains an inventory of health office supplies and equipment.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:

Working knowledge of practical nursing techniques and their relation to medical and surgical practices; working knowledge of health care facility or health office sanitation and hygiene; ability to apply therapeutic treatments as prescribed; ability to understand and accurately carry out detailed oral and written instructions; ability to keep records and make reports; ability to get along well with others; physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Possession of a New York State temporary permit to practice or current valid New York State license as a Licensed Practical Nurse.