Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

Job Description

The Licensed Practical Nurse is responsible for the performances of basic nursing duties to include execution of physician orders, operation of pill call, operation of sick call, and assisting the physician in examinations and treatments and performs technical/clinical procedures within the scope of his/her license.

Affords assistance in the professional management of the facility medical department, assists in attending sick call with the physician to see inmates/residents, prepares a list of inmates/residents to be examined, prepares examining room and equipment, operates pill call, dispenses medication and documents as required by applicable policies and/or procedures, controls medication, syringes and other medical supplies or equipment and inventory as required by established procedures, performs emergency procedures as needed, keeps equipment and work area clean; utilizes appropriate sanitation methods, documents and reports activities in accordance with established policies and/or procedures including medical file documentation.

Job Responsibilities

• Afford assistance in evaluating the provision of all medical services to prevent the inappropriate use of duplication of those services.
• Maintain absolute security and confidentiality of all medical records.
• Observe and record inmate/resident behavior.
• Inspect the medical unit for items that could be used as contraband by inmates/residents; securely store or safely dispose of supplies and equipment.
• Afford assistance in preparing and maintaining a variety of standard narrative, statistical, summary and/or operational records, reports and logs, using appropriate grammar, to include filing, alphabetizing and labeling; review reports and records produced on the shifts; properly processes all reports and documents in a timely manner.
• Read, comprehend and interpret medical and technical procedures, governmental regulations, legal and non-legal documents, including the processing of such documents as medical instructions and commitment orders.
• Respond (via corporate counsel) to lawsuits; attend court hearings, when necessary; conduct research of charts; review status of inmates/residents with serious health problems for completion of all necessary intervention and treatment.
• Communicate effectively and coherently to administration, staff, inmates/residents, visitors and the general public, particularly in situations requiring tact, diplomacy, understanding, fairness, firmness and good judgment.
• Help evaluate and recommend physical safety requirements necessary to provide a safe working environment for both patients and staff.
• Facilitate, where applicable, NCCHC/ACA/JCAHO accreditation of the medical program by providing the required level of efficiency and approved, appropriate medical services.
• Help prepare and disseminate safety and accident reports as required by policies and procedures; take appropriate action in cases of serious and unusual incidents and emergencies.
• Escort inmates/residents or coordinate the movement of inmates/residents to and from different areas for medical treatment.
• Engage in functions in confined areas to include working rotating shifts and physically checking the doors, windows and other areas to verify they are secure.
• Be aware that verbal abuse may be present with the hostile views and opinions of inmates/residents and others encountered in an antagonistic environment.

Required

• Graduate from an approved school of nursing with a certificate as a Licensed Practical Nurse.
• Must be licensed in the state of employment.
• A valid driver's license is required.