LICENSED PRACTICAL NURSE II - Continuous (UPWARD MOBILITY) - 2355200 1

Job Responsibilities

Under general supervision, independently performs a variety of skilled practical nursing functions (e.g., administers medication and injections, performs restorative care and related patient care work, maintains all appropriate documentation of care and orders) for people with physical illness, or people with mental illness or disabilities in a state hospital, facility, ward, veterans' home or clinic involving either minor supervisory, lead worker, or other than simple and routine practical nursing functions, regardless of work location, patient, type, etc.

1. Serves as a responsible practical nurse; records the administration of medications and treatments; prepares patient nursing notes, reports, charts and records which are descriptive of the patient's condition. Observes, records and reports to physicians and registered nurses the symptoms, reactions and changes in the condition of patients and assists in maintaining required documentation.
   
   
2. Responsible for the operation, on one shift, of a controlled drug station serving multiple wards; may be responsible for the control of the central medical supply area; may serve in the capacity of a ward charge over several direct care staff on one shift of a patient care and treatment unit where the patients' needs do not require the skills of a professional registered nurse.
   
   
3. Prepares and applies special dressings and catheters, and prepares supplies, instruments and other items for sterilization; assists in preparing treatment room for surgery; takes temperatures, pulses, respirations and blood pressures; may perform work requiring special nursing techniques in a small unit where all nursing care must be performed without subordinate help.
   
   
4. Obtains laboratory specimens; administers injections; assists in or provides special treatments and therapies for patients, and with additional training or certification, may assist in setting up I.V.'s and transfusions; provides for the emotional and physical comfort and safety of patients in the activities of daily living, with special attention devoted to items bearing therapeutic significance; talks with, motivates and encourages patients in order to promote the patient's treatment and development, ensures patient rights and dignity are upheld.
   
   
5. Assists in maintaining working and living areas and supplies in good order; performs routine cleaning and organizing of patient units and equipment including: storage areas, beds, closets, bedside tables, furnishings and medical equipment; inventories patients' personal belongings and clothing in accordance with facility policy.
   
   
6. May serves as a member of a nursing care and treatment team; may assist in orientation and in-service training of employees; may provide guidance and/or functional supervision to nursing assistants, Mental Health Technicians, Security Therapy Aides, or other assistive personnel.
   
   
7. Provides direct patient care that conforms to the standards of practice in continuity of care and the regulations that guide the nursing department and/or facility.
   
   
8. Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.
   
   

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Requires extensive knowledge of practical nursing theory and practice.
• Requires ability to apply simple nursing techniques as delegated by physicians or professional nurses.
• Requires ability to provide guidance and leadership to other nursing personnel, and promote effective patient interactions.
• In addition to English verbal and written skills, candidates may be required to translate, speak and write a language other than English at a colloquial skill level to perform the duties of the position. Some positions may require candidates to possess specific effective communication skills such as, but not limited to, Braille, sign language or another form of manual communication.

Education Degree

• Requires one year of practical nursing experience.
• This class is included as an Upward Mobility Program credential title.

Education Major

Requires Illinois license as a practical nurse.