LICENSED PRACTICAL NURSE

SUMMARY:

The Licensed Practical Nurse is responsible for providing direct nursing care to patients in private homes, hospitals, clinics, and residential institutions. This position is governed by state and federal laws and institution policy.

TYPICAL FUNCTIONS:

Monitors patient’s condition by checking vital signs, measuring food and liquid intake and output, responding to call lights or patients’ requests for assistance, and making rounds to observe patients.

Provides direct care to patients, including caring for colostomies and tracheotomies, mixing medications and food, inserting feeding tubes, catheterizing patients, and performing other nursing procedures as directed.

Documents and administers medications and treatments, changes in patient’s condition or behavior, responses to care, and daily activities. Administers injections and oral medications as directed by physician. Obtains specimens for laboratory analysis by swabbing or other means.

Instructs patients and their families how to care for patients medical needs, including catheter and colostomy care, bowel program techniques, insulin injection, personal hygiene, and skin care.

Assists doctor in clinic by gathering information on patient’s needs and informing doctor, dressing and undressing patients, assisting with medical procedures, and transcribing doctor’s orders.

Notifies next shift of each day’s events, including patient progress, behavioral problems, and new orders.

Performs other duties as assigned.

SPECIAL JOB DIMENSIONS:

May be required to work rotating shifts or hours other than normal working hours or to be on call. May require lifting and positioning patients, walking, use of restraints, and aggressive behavior management practices.

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES, AND SKILLS:

Knowledge of nursing theory and practices. Ability to provide direct nursing care. Ability to observe and evaluate patient’s condition. Ability to instruct patients in routine medical care. Ability to perform various nursing procedures.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

The formal education equivalent of a diploma or certificate with the prescribed curriculum in a state approved program for the preparation of practical nurses; plus two years of experience providing direct nursing care.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:

Must be licensed as a Licensed Practical Nurse by the State Nursing Board in accordance with ACA 17-87-304.

Additional requirements determined by the agency for recruiting purposes require review and approval by the Arkansas Division of Higher Education.

OTHER JOB RELATED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE MAY BE SUBSTITUTED FOR ALL OR PART OF THESE BASIC REQUIREMENTS, EXCEPT FOR CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS, UPON APPROVAL OF THE QUALIFICATIONS REVIEW COMMITTEE.