Licensed Practical Nurse, IV Team

The Department of Nursing at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University is seeking a full-time Licensed Practical Nurse, IV Team.

Distinguishing Characteristics

Licensed Practical Nurses are licensed health care practitioners who provide direct nursing care to individuals in a variety of settings under the direction of a registered nurse, physician, or other licensed health care provider, in accordance with Article 139 of the Education Law. Incumbents perform nursing care tasks and procedures consistent with individual treatment plans; administer medications as prescribed; observe and report individuals’ responses to treatment and changes in health status; attend to individuals’ personal needs, such as activities of daily living and hygiene tasks; and provide emotional support and health teaching to individuals.

Illustrative Duties

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.