Licensed Practical Nurse Ii - Cermak

Job Description

Location:

Cermak Health Services - (Dept of Corrections), 2800 S California Ave, Chicago, IL 60608.

Department:
Patient Care Services – RTU 5

Shift: 3:00 PM – 11:00 PM

Pay Range: $25.55 Hourly

Licensed Practical Nurse delivers care to patients and detainees of all ages assigned to the unit or division under the direction of a Registered Nurse. Responsibilities include medication administration, patient assessment, documentation, and supporting the overall nursing practice standards of the Department of Patient Care Services.

• Provides and documents nursing care for assigned patients, including treatments, dressings, tier rounds, health requests, medication administration, insertion of Foley catheters, and emergency care as directed by policy.
• Utilizes the nursing process: observes and documents patient status, implements plans of care, educates patients, and notifies the Charge Nurse, Nurse Coordinator, Supervisor, or physician of changes in condition.
• Reviews new policies and procedures, clarifies policies as needed, and completes additional assignments when requested.
• Maintains a professional appearance, attitude, dress, communication, and grooming.
• Attends 12 hours of in‑services annually and participates in educational offerings for professional growth.
• Maintains CPR certification and other mandatory certifications (fire, safety, infection control, etc.).
• Assists with supervision of non‑professional patient care providers and orientation of new personnel.
• Responds to emergency situations and initiates basic life support as required.
• Makes rounds on tiers and units, observes patients for healthcare needs, intervenes, and communicates appropriately.
• Documents patient observations and interventions following policy standards.
• Ensures personal safety and cooperates with Correctional Officers.
• Administers medication according to nursing policy.
• Maintains a clean, safe environment for patients and staff, changing exam paper between visits and ensuring proper equipment sanitation.
• Implements safe and therapeutic care and inspects emergency equipment and supplies.
• Communicates effectively with the health care team, physicians, peers, nurses, educators, social workers, correctional officers, patients, and the public.
• Reads and initials communications, providing accurate shift‑to‑shift reports.
• Records vital signs and performs EKG assessments.
• Practices Universal Precautions.
• Participates in Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI).
• Supports Health Services Mission goals and philosophy.
• Maintains patient confidentiality and applies ethical practice standards.
• Complies with all nursing standards, policies, and procedures.
• Administers wound care irrigation and collects/transports lab specimens.
• Maintains crash cart, cardiopulmonary equipment, and jump bag, notifying CMT office of missing seals.
• Complies with security policies (CCDOC, DCSI) and participates in regulatory agency standards (National Commission on Correctional Healthcare, JCAHO, OSHA, HIPAA, and Corporate Compliance).
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Graduate of an accredited Practical Nursing school and current Practical Nurse license in Illinois, or ability to obtain license within two weeks of starting, required.
• Current CPR certification, documentation required at interview.
• Proof of completion of medication administration coursework as required by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, documentation required at interview.

• Minimum of one year of recent full‑time clinical experience in an acute or ambulatory care facility.

• Comprehensive knowledge of nursing equipment, medications, and supplies.
• Proficiency in basic nursing assessments: temperature, blood pressure, respiration.
• Understanding of psychiatric disorders and psychotropic medication.
• Skill in nursing equipment use and blood drawing.
• Accurate vital sign assessment and recognition of variances.
• Effective communication with patients and staff.
• Accurate record‑keeping and team‑leadership capabilities.
• Data collection and nursing process diagnosis…