LICENSED PRACTICAL NURSE III (General)

DEFINITION

This is responsible practical nursing work involving supervisory responsibilities for the care and treatment of physically ill patients, or independent work of comparable responsibilities in a state hospital, institution, or health care facility.

An employee in this class performs a variety of difficult and responsible practical nursing work, on wards or units for the acutely ill, where the most intensive care of patients is required. Work may include "ward charge" assignments with supervisory responsibilities over a number of subordinates, in units or wards requiring close supervision and/or involving special nursing skills. Work of this class may be distinguished from Licensed Practical Nurse II by the delegation of supervisory responsibility in the more complex nursing care areas and/or by the performance of difficult and varied nursing procedures on units for the acutely ill. Supervision is provided by a registered professional nurse who reviews work through reports, ward inspections, and observations; however, the employee is expected to perform the more difficult and complex 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 skilled bedside nursing care to assigned patients requiring intensive care on medical and surgical wards; observes patients to detect deviations from normal conditions and reports to the appropriate person the condition of patients; keeps medication and clinical charts and records.

Acts as the "ward charge" in a ward or similar unit for the physically ill where close supervision and/or special nursing skills are required; assists and instructs personnel in the therapeutic care of patients and hygienic ward management; makes work assignments; evaluates work performed; prepares records and reports.

Supervises and participates in dressing room procedures; orders and maintains dressing supplies; prepares and applies sterile dressings as prescribed; assists the physician in cases requiring medical attention; sets up for minor surgical procedures.

Assists a physician in the performance of a variety of procedures such as paracentesis, biopsies, venous cut-downs, bronchoscopy, proctoscopies, etc.

Assists in the Intensive Care Unit, performing advanced procedures, such as operating EKG and EEG equipment, observes cardiac monitors and the functioning of pacemakers, caring for tracheosotomy patients, suctioning of patients with bronchial-trachael problems, checking on water-seal drainage for post-operative chest patients, etc.

Assists a registered professional nurse in the performance of advanced nursing assignments, such as naso-trachael suctioning, central venous pressure monitoring, cardio-pulmonary resuscitation procedures, etc.

Administers, under professional supervision, medications, including narcotics, either orally or by subcutaneous or intramuscular injection.

Supervises subordinate nursing staff in the performance of their duties and participates in the continued in-service training and practical instruction of ward or unit personnel.

Reviews and approves requisitions for supplies and repairs.

Performs related work as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

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

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

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

Working knowledge of the general principles of supervision.

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

Ability to function as a ward charge in situations requiring a high level of practical nursing skill.

Ability to establish harmonious working relationships with subordinates and other employees.

Ability to observe patients and detect deviations from normal conditions with speed and accuracy.

Ability to follow oral and written instructions in exact detail.

Ability to keep records and make accurate 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.)

Two years 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)