GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF CLASS

The LICENSED PRACTICAL NURSE, as a member of a health care team, provides direct care services to patients in treatment facilities such as hospitals, institutions, or clinics to insure their physical, emotional, and mental well-being.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

This is a single classification and not currently part of a series of classes.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Administration of Medication and Treatments. Typical tasks: verifies physician's orders by reviewing documentation; dispenses prescribed topical, oral, or injectable medications or immunizations; provides treatment using sterile techniques, such as dressing changes, catheterization, tracheotomy, and ileostomy care; observes isolation procedures for patients with infectious or communicable diseases; administers oxygen or suction therapy; performs a variety of tests to determine effects of treatment being performed; provides first aid or emergency treatment as required.
2. Direct Patient Care. Typical tasks: as a member of a health care team, conducts patient interviews for assessment of treatment needs; participates in developing, implementing, and evaluating patient care plans; monitors vital signs such as temperature, blood pressure, and pulse, and equipment such as intravenous apparatus, heart, and respiration monitors; observes and records food and liquid intake and output and reactions to medications; observes signs, symptoms, behavioral changes, and progress; collects and records information regarding patient's physical and psychological condition; summarizes and presents information to the treatment team; bathes, grooms, and feeds patients; ambulates or positions bedridden patients; changes diapers and bedding; provides emotional support and explains medical procedures to patients and their families; provides assistance to physicians during examinations and treatment of patients; may assign work and give instruction to paraprofessional unit staff towards meeting patient's health care needs.
3. Documentation and Records Management. Typical tasks: charts and documents all medications, treatment, vital signs, progress, behavioral changes, and vital statistics (such as height and weight) on patients' charts or medical sheets for permanent records; files medical records.
4. Miscellaneous. Typical tasks: schedules doctor or dental appointments, hearing tests, and a variety of tests and screenings for physical and mental capacity; coordinates ancillary referrals such as laboratory work, therapy, and social services; cleans and sterilizes equipment and instruments; cleans examination and infirmary areas; orders supplies; calls for substitute child care workers, teachers, cooks, and other needed back-up staff.

RELATIONSHIPS WITH OTHERS

Employees in this class are in regular in-person contact with patients to administer medications and provide care and with patients' families to provide support and to exchange medical information relevant to patients. They are in regular in person and telephone contact with physicians to clarify chart orders and report changes in patients' condition and with support personnel to request test results, order supplies, move patients, and request special diets.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Employees in this class receive general supervision from a nursing supervisor who reviews work through review of charting and documentation on patient medical sheets, direct observation, and feedback from patients, patients' families, and physicians. Work performed by employees in this class is governed by: Federal and State laws pertaining to illness, communicable diseases, handling of drugs, and reporting of child abuse; Oregon Board of Nursing policies and procedures; patient care plans and physicians' orders; policies and procedures of the agency; and practices of the nursing profession.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Positions in this class are generally found in hospitals, clinics, or other health care facilities. They require the willingness to work in the environment associated with the position's location and purpose. In addition, they require the willingness to maintain a sympathetic and understanding attitude towards mentally ill, mentally retarded, handicapped, and physically ill patients. Some positions require the willingness to work overtime, on-call, and/or rotating schedules.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Possess a valid Oregon Practical Nurse License at the time of appointment.

NOTE: At the time of recruitment, the agency may require training or experience in a specialized area of nursing.