Licensed Practical Nurse

Practical Nurse

Under the direction of a registered nurse, physician, or other licensed health care provider, performs nursing care tasks and procedures consistent with individual treatment plans and scope of practice, to maintain health, prevent and cure illness and injury, and alleviate suffering using practical knowledge of health processes and facility procedures.

• Assists registered nurses, physicians, or other licensed health care providers in the identification of individuals' needs and participates in the development of plans to address goals.

• Administers medications and nursing procedures to individuals as prescribed.

• Obtains and records individuals' temperatures, blood pressures, pulse rates, and other vital signs using standard instruments and procedures.

• Observes, monitors, and records individuals' symptoms and conditions to obtain and provide information for diagnosis and treatment; identifies responses to medication or changes in health status; and reports such to a registered nurse, physician, or other licensed health care provider.

• Prepares individuals for or assists with examinations and treatments.

• Maintains charts and other records of individuals' conditions and/or administered treatments.

• Attends to individuals' personal needs, including activities of daily living and hygiene tasks, such as bathing, dressing, feeding, and grooming.

• Talks to individuals, listens to their concerns and responses, and encourages them to cooperate and participate in treatment and rehabilitation activities.

• Educates and counsels individuals and/or families regarding their health, medications, treatment goals and procedures, and behavioral interactions as appropriate.

• May perform housekeeping tasks, such as changing linens, and assist other staff in cleaning activities to ensure a safe, clean, and therapeutic environment for individuals.

• Monitors supply inventories and completes requisition forms to ensure adequate supply levels.

• May observe and supervise the activities of unlicensed direct care staff, including the administration of medication, to ensure compliance with applicable requirements and reports observations to higher-level staff.

Minimum Qualifications:

Either A: A license and current registration to practice as a practical nurse in New York State; OR B: A limited permit to practice as a practical nurse in New York State; OR C: An application on file for a limited permit to practice as a practical nurse in New York State. (You must be approved immediately following graduation from an approved school of practical nursing in New York State to qualify under this option.) Note: If you are appointed with either qualification "B" or "C," you must obtain your license within one year of the date your limited permit was issued, or steps will be taken to remove you from the position. All candidates must also possess a valid Driver's license. Upon appointment you must submit proof of a valid license to operate a motor vehicle in New York State. If you fail to maintain your license to operate a motor vehicle in New York State, appropriate measures may be pursued to remove you from this position.