Practical Nurse

Note:

Long-term care experience preferred. Definition

Under direction of a Registered Professional Nurse in a health care facility, performs the duties required to care for clients; carries out medical orders prescribed by a licensed physician that require an understanding of elementary nursing, but not the professional service outlined in the definition of professional nursing; does related work as required.

Note: The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed.

Possession of a valid registration as a Licensed Practical Nurse in New Jersey. Persons who possess the registration by waiver must have satisfactorily completed an approved refresher program.

Appointee will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.

• Assists in the physical examination of clients; takes and records temperature, pulse, respiration, and blood
  pressure, and collects specimens for laboratory analyses.
• Examines client's eyes, ears, teeth, and bodies regularly to determine whether proper hygiene is carried out by
• Administers first aid to clients in instances of sudden illness or accident until Registered Nurse or a physician
  arrives.
• Charts client care and treatment measures on the appropriate forms.
• Administers treatments under physician's orders.
• Assists with the set up of equipment used for oxygen therapy.
• Assists a Registered Professional Nurse in preoperative and post-operative care and specialized psychiatric treatment and treatments associated with developmentally disabled clients.
• Assists in the use of Foley catheters, colostomy irrigations and douches, tube feedings, and application of
  binders and bandages.
• Assists clients with braces and prosthetic devices.
• Performs prescribed isolation techniques.
• Dispenses medication as indicated; measures and administers liquid medication by mouth provided that no
  calculations or fractional doses are required; administers pills, capsules, and powders by mouth.
• Prepares and administers medication, including insulin, by subcutaneous hypodermic and intramuscular
  injections.
• Applies external medications to clients such as salves, ointments, and powders as specifically directed by a
  superior.
• Evaluates, on a continuing basis, the therapeutic value or the side effects of medications on clients.
• Accurately records individual dosages of medication administered.
• Observes clients closely for reaction to drugs, treatment, any other unusual conditions such as physical and/or emotional problems, and reports adverse reactions or problems to immediate supervisor.
• When instructed, administers prescribed medications orally and observes clients to ensure that they take their medication.
• Accounts for narcotics, barbiturates, and other accountable drugs before and after each shift.
• Counsels clients concerning their medications by utilizing medication fact sheets.
• May perform routine assigned nursing procedures, such as bathing, dressing and feeding clients; making bedsand helps clients into and out of bed.
• Obtains client temperature, blood pressure, pulse, respiration, height and weight, and records results on client chart.
• Reports changes in temperature, pulse, respiration, and other client conditions to a Registered Professional Nurse or a physician.
• Collects urine, sputum, and other specimens from clients and labels containers to forward for laboratory analysis.
• Gathers information for the preparation of inventory records, such as amounts of drugs, medical and other supplies.
• Positions clients according to prescribed practices and the nursing care plan, and assists clients with simple exercises.
• Notifies the physician or supervisor as to any new condition of the client requiring medical attention.
• Requisition s, maintains, and accounts for medical supplies, tools, and equipment which must be kept ready for use within the treatment room of a resident living unit.
• Acts as a liaison between nonprofessional resident care personnel and medical and professional nursing staff regarding medication changes and clients symptoms or behavior changes.
• May instruct nonprofessional resident care personnel on their medically related job duties and follows up on their performance periodically.
• Assists with the admission, discharge, and transfer of clients.
• Interprets visitation rules and regulations to other staff, residents, members of clients' families, and visitors.
• Maintains accurate medical records within the scope of practice for a LPN.
• Contributes as a member of the health care team in the determination of treatment goals and participates and involves client in goal planning sessions.
• May teach client education classes in areas of physical health care, good grooming and hygiene, and personal…