LICENSED PRACTICAL NURSE II (General)

DEFINITION

This is advanced 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 a variety of advanced practical nursing duties under the general direction of a registered professional nurse. Work may include the supervision of sub-professional personnel in the less complex nursing care areas. In the more complex 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.

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, gavage, 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 a variety of nursing duties including special decubitus care, tracheal care, oral and nasal tracheal suctioning, change of dressings, oxygen and aerosol therapy, catheterizations, bladder irrigations and instillation, douches, etc.

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

Prepares nursing assessment summaries and health care plans; implements health care plans; instructs residents and patients in performing personal health care; performs rehabilitative and preventative nursing care.

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

Assists in the management and supervision of a ward; reviews work records of subordinates and gives them instructions relative to patient care and hygienic ward management.

Performs related work as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

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

Considerable knowledge of hygienic ward housekeeping and the elementary principles of ward management.

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

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

Some knowledge of the general principles of supervision.

Ability to perform a variety of advanced practical nursing duties.

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.)

One year of professionally supervised experience as a Licensed Practical Nurse in a hospital, institution or health care facility.

NECESSARY SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS

Possession of a current license to practice as a practical nurse in Missouri.

(Eff. 11/1/76)