LICENSED PRACTICAL NURSE L1130

Definition: This is practical nurse work in the care and treatment of individuals with a mental or physical injury or illness and/or developmental disability in a county setting.

An employee in this class implements nursing care plans by performing a variety of practical nursing and health care duties including preparing, administering and recording medications and treatments prescribed by the physician and observing and reporting changes in the physical and emotional behavior of individuals with a mental or physical injury or illness and/or developmental disability. Work also includes taking and recording vital signs, collecting specimens and preparing and maintaining progress notes and other administrative reports as required. Work also involves participation in carrying out the total treatment program to include habilitation and rehabilitation programs as established by the treatment team and include daily living and leisure time activities. Work is performed in accordance with established laws, rules, and regulations, and appropriate practical nursing procedures. Nursing duties are performed under the direction of a Licensed Practical Nurse Supervisor, Registered Nurse or a Physician who reviews the work in progress, through reports and by ward or living area inspections and observations.

Examples of Work: Participates in practical nursing and other health care duties for individuals who have a mental or physical injury or illness and/or developmental disability in order to assure that their emotional and physical needs are met.

Prepares and administers medications ordered by the physician under the direction of a Registered Nurse or Physician such as oral medications, subcutaneous and intramuscular injections in order to carry out the individual treatment programs, and may administer intravenous medications upon completion of appropriate training.

Prepares and administers treatments ordered by the physician under the direction of a Registered Nurse or Physician such as enemas, special dressings, soaks and treatments involving the application of ointments and lotions, hot water bottles and ice packs in order to meet the physical needs of the individual.

Transcribes and puts physicians' orders into effect in accordance with policy and procedure to assure that medications and/or treatments are administered as ordered.

Records the administration of medications and/or treatments; notes and records indicative signs and symptoms of the individuals’ physical and mental condition in order to maintain accurate records.

Observes individuals for behavioral changes, responses to medication, side effects of medication, objective and subjective signs of physical illness, injury and/or developmental disability and reports findings to the supervisor.

Prepares and maintains progress notes and summary reports on the individual in order to summarize the care given and to insure complete and accurate records.

Participates as a member of the Interdisciplinary Treatment Team by providing input for the assessment of the nursing needs of each individual and assisting in the implementation of the Individual Treatment Plan in order to normalize the individual and help them reach their highest level of potential and independence.

Assists the professional Registered Nurse or Physician during minor operations in clinics; prepares supplies, instruments and other items for sterilization; prepares the individual for minor surgery, as appropriate; assists in the preparation of operating rooms for surgery and serves as an assistant to a circulating nurse.

Schedules appointments for individuals such as chest x-rays, laboratory studies and EKGs; prepares individuals for tests and x-rays, physical therapy, etc., for the purpose of providing optimal health care; escorts individuals to and from clinics, x-rays and other places.

Takes and records temperature, pulse, respiration rate and blood pressure for the purpose of monitoring the day-to-day health care of the individual.

Collects urine, sputum and stool specimens as ordered; records and sends to the laboratory for diagnostic purposes.

Guides and encourages individuals to participate in habilitation and rehabilitation programs.

Positions and/or lifts individuals with assistance, as required to assist with activities of daily living such as bathing, toileting and grooming and physical treatment activities.

Participates in housekeeping duties on the ward or living area to provide a comfortable, orderly, clean and safe environment.

Performs related work as required.

Required Knowledges, Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge of practical nursing theory and practice, and of materials used and practical nursing procedures involved in ward and living areas.

Knowledge of physical illnesses, injuries and/or developmental disabilities, their obvious symptoms and appropriate medical terminology, abbreviations and symbols.

Knowledge of the average dose of medication prescribed, calibration of dosage, side effects and expected action of all drugs to insure that the individual receives correct dosage of medication.

Ability to prepare ward, living area and individual care and treatment reports and to maintain appropriate records.

Ability to maintain a therapeutic attitude toward individuals with a mental or physical injury or illness and/or developmental disability and to maintain effective working relationships with professional and nonprofessional staff and the general public.

Ability to administer prescribed prescriptions and treatment and to observe, record and report symptoms, vital signs and reactions to medical services provided.

Ability to implement nursing care and treatment plans for each individual.

Ability to exert the force required to participate in physically moving non-ambulatory individuals as required.

Necessary Special Requirement: Possession of a current Pennsylvania license as a Licensed Practical Nurse issued by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing; or possession of a non-renewable temporary practice permit issued by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing.

Condition of Employment: Employes possessing non-renewable temporary practice permits must obtain licensure as a Licensed Practical Nurse within the one (1) year defined by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing.

Date Established or Last Revised

Class Specification - 1998

Evaluation Guide - 1978

Commonwealth Equivalent PSG ST06