Licensed Practical Nurse

Positions in this job family are assigned responsibilities for performing technical direct and indirect nursing care in a clinic, hospital, institution, or home setting for individuals under the supervision or direction of a registered nurse, licensed physician, or dentist. This includes taking temperatures, pulse, respiration, and blood pressure, and various other technical nursing tasks in providing health care to patients and others.

Typical Functions

• Performs nursing procedures or specialized functions in accordance with knowledge, skills, and licensure.

• Participates in the evaluation of responses to interventions.

• Teaches basic nursing skills and related principles. Delegates nursing care tasks such as taking temperature, pulse, respiration, and blood pressure, giving enemas, douches, and sitz baths, collecting specimens, and measuring intake and output.

• Assists in assessing, reporting, and recording health status of patients, families, and groups in a variety of settings.

• Participates in developing and implementing appropriate aspects of a plan of care.

• Administers medications as ordered.

• Reports appropriate patient information to supervisor or appropriate health team member.

• Serves as Charge Nurse on a unit, supervising staff performing medication administration and patient care.

• Performs other related duties as assigned consistent with the responsibilities of the position and agency operations.

Level Descriptor

This is the specialist level of the job family where employees are assigned responsibility for performing the more complex nursing tasks and may serve as lead worker. This includes tasks involving the assignment and review of work, providing required training, and ensuring that the quality of care meets established standards. Responsibilities will also include providing guidance and training to others in completing the more complex nursing tasks and activities.

Education and Experience

Education and Experience requirements at this level consist of possession of a valid permanent Oklahoma license as a licensed practical nurse as approved by the Oklahoma Board of Nursing; or Licensed Practical Nurse License recognized by the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC).

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Competencies

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities required at this level include knowledge of nursing techniques, procedures, practices, and theory; of medical terminology; and of infection control measures. Ability is required to exercise sound judgment; to follow detailed oral or written instructions; to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others; to provide nursing care to patients or clients; and to monitor and direct the work of others.

Candidates must possess sufficient proficiency in the English language to perform the essential functions of the position.

Special Requirements

Positions within the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services shall have a current certification as a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) or be working toward CADC certification on all levels. ## Upon appointment, incumbents designated by the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services shall complete certification in one of the following required Departmental sponsored trainings in case management: Certified Behavioral Health Case Manager – Adult; Certified Behavioral Health Case Manager – Child, Adolescent and Family; or Certified Behavioral Health Case Manager – Dual Certification.

Some agencies may have determined positions in this job family to be safety sensitive as defined by 63 O.S. § 427.8.