LICENSED PRACTICAL NURSE - MENTAL HEALTH (ENTRY / FULL PERFORMANCE) - HAWAII STATE HOSPITAL, OAHU

Duties Summary

This position works in a hospital or clinic which provides care and treatment to patients who are mentally ill. The primary purpose of this position is to perform practical nursing care and related technical work in the care, treatment and rehabilitation of mentally ill individuals.

The position may work on rotating shifts. The Entry Level Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) is provided specific and detailed instructions; provided close guidance in performing tasks; receive close and frequent review of work performed; and performs other duties as assigned.

The Full Performance Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) is provided general instructions, and specific instructions or immediate supervision in cases requiring advanced and/or specialized treatment and procedures; performs work independently, receive specific guidance only in new, unusual or emergency situations; receives periodic work performance reviews to periodically ensure that acceptable practices are followed; and performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

• Legal Authorization To Work: The State of Hawaii requires all persons seeking employment with the government of the State shall be citizens, nationals, or permanent resident aliens of the United States, or eligible under federal law for unrestricted employment in the United States.
• Prerequisite Qualifications Required For The Entry Level: Knowledge of the nursing process; body structure and function; principles of asepsis; universal precautions; infection control; principles of administering medications; patient preparation for prescribed treatments and procedures; data-gathering techniques; interpersonal communication skills; alternative methods of communication for patients with special needs; environmental and patient safety; patient rights; individualization of care, including religious, cultural and developmental influences; patient age groups and the developmental process characteristic of these age groups; team participation in care planning and evaluations; therapeutic and life-saving procedures; specialized equipment; maintenance of optimal body functioning and prevention of complications; principles of body mechanics and assistive devices; comfort measures; obvious signs of emotional and mental health problems; chemical dependency; adaptive and maladaptive behavior; sensory deprivation and overload; abusive and self destructive behavior; concepts of wellness; reproduction and human sexuality; birthing and parenting; and growth and development, including dying and death.
• Prerequisite Qualifications Required For The Full Performance Level: In addition to the qualifications required at the entry level, knowledge of practical nursing principles and practice; patient age groups and the developmental process characteristics of these age groups.
• Experience: None (0) for the Entry Level and for the Full Performance Level, one (1) year of progressively responsible work experience as a licensed practical nurse which involved the performance of a variety of personal care, nursing care and related technical work in the care and treatment of patients.
• Licenses: All applicants must possess a current State of Hawaii license to practice as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN).

Physical Requirements

• Sensory: Read typewritten and/or handwritten orders and notes in patient charts; measure medications, distinguish colors ; observe changes in a patient's skin, color and condition; hear through a stethoscope to measure a patient's blood pressure and listen for heart and lung sounds.
• Cordination and Dexterity: Pour/measure medications; change dressings; and administer medications/immunizations subcutaneously and intramuscularly.
• Strength and Stamina: Lift, transfer, reposition, move patients, and subdue uncontrolled patients.
• Mobility: Move freely throughout the work setting and respond to emergency situations quickly.

Other Information

• The State of Hawai'i complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities.
• To qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program, the individual must have made 120 qualifying payments while employed by a qualifying employer.
• For more information about the PSLF Program, please click: here.