LICENSED PRACTICAL NURSE I (General)

DEFINITION

This is entry-level practical nursing work in the care and treatment of patients or residents in a state hospital, institution, or health care facility.

An employee in this class performs elementary practical nursing duties under the close direction of a registered professional nurse. In the more complex nursing care areas, the employee serves as an assistant to a registered professional nurse or higher level licensed practical nurse. Work is reviewed through reports, ward inspections, and observations; however, the employee is expected to perform the more routine duties without detailed instructions.

Any one position may not involve all of the specified duties or knowledges, skills and abilities, nor are the listed examples exhaustive.

EXAMPLES OF WORK

Provides bedside care, including feeding, bathing, bed making, ambulation, and oral hygiene; takes and records temperature, pulse, respiration, blood pressure, etc.

Observes patients to detect deviations from normal conditions; records and reports signs and symptoms which may be indicative of change.

Performs practical nursing duties such as special decubitus care, change of dressings, oxygen and aerosol therapy, catheterizations, bladder irrigations, douches, etc.

Prepares, administers, and charts medications according to physician orders and under the supervision of a registered professional nurse.

Assists a registered professional nurse in preparing nursing assessment summaries, preparing and implementing health care plans, instructing residents and patients in performing personal health care, and performing rehabilitative and preventative nursing care.

Assists with admission process and orientation of patient to the hospital; participates in the planning of nursing care.

Attends and participates in orientation and staff development programs.

Performs related work as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Working knowledge of practical nurse theory, current practices and techniques.

Working knowledge of hygienic ward housekeeping.

Working knowledge of standard practices, rules and regulations relating to licensed practical nursing work.

Working knowledge of anatomy and physiology, nutrition, aseptic technique, and body mechanics.

Ability to maintain a sympathetic attitude toward, and harmonious relationship with patients or residents.

Ability to understand and follow written and oral instructions.

Ability to keep records and make reports.

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION QUALIFICATIONS

(The following entrance requirements are used to admit or reject applicants for merit system examinations, or may be used to evaluate applicants for employment in positions not requiring selection from merit system registers. When applicable, equivalent substitution will be allowed for deficiencies in experience or education.)

Possession of a current license to practice as a practical nurse in Missouri. (Applicants who have just graduated from an accredited school of practical nursing, will be tentatively accepted pending successful completion of the examination for licensure given by the State Board of Nursing.)

(Eff. 11/1/76)