Special Ed School LPN-School year only

Position Description

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Under direction, assists nurse practitioners and nurses in providing nursing care and education to clients at clinic site or school settings as part of a comprehensive public health program. Carries out programs and provides services to protect and preserve the health of the population through application of public health principles.

Scope of Responsibility:

Incumbents are required to follow a prescribed plan of care established by physician, nurse practitioner, public health nurses and/or nursing supervisors. Complies with the current ND Practice Acts and scope of practice. While the work may be performed independently, duties are prescribed and deviations from established procedures require the approval of a supervisor.

Primary Responsibilities

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Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Communicates courteously and professionally and maintains working relationships with others in carrying out job functions.
  

+ Frequently interacts with others in the work unit, the public, vendors or across departments to exchange detailed and/or technical information;

Interaction with the public, vendors/ community partners or across departments occasionally includes negotiations involving convincing the other party to do something to achieve a basic work-related objective.

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• Responds to Public Health Emergencies.
  

+ Has a working knowledge of the National Incident Management System for emergency preparedness and has completed the courses required for their job;

+ Fulfills roles within the Department’s Emergency Operations Plan as determined by Emergency Preparedness and Management staff;

During an actual emergency, is accessible 24/7 with an established family contingency plan in place.

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• Performs all job duties in compliance with safety guidelines and with an ongoing awareness of safety practices.
  

+ Knows and follows department and city rules as well as sound work and safety practices in order to accomplish the job objectives and avoid injury or loss;

+ Wears proper protective equipment when policy requires or conditions indicate a need exists and utilizes proper body mechanics and ergonomics while performing work;

When potentially unsafe conditions are observed makes efforts to avoid or correct them if they are controllable and draws them to the attention of the responsible supervisor or safety representative in a timely manner.

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• Under direction provides nursing care for clients.
  

+ Contributes to assessment of clients by obtaining and recording standard required information;

+ Identifies risk status and informs nurse practitioner, nurse or physician of problems observed or stated by client;

Administers immunization treatments, and other diagnostic, therapeutic procedures, and pregnancy testing, and rapid HIV testing.

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Under direction provides culturally sensitive health care instruction/health education within the community, clinic, and school settings.

Considers client/family culture, language, education and socio-economic factors in applying the best communication approach and appropriate resources such as interpreters, brochures, etc.

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Administers patient medications as ordered by medical provider.

Instructs clients on proper and safe use of medications.

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Completes and maintains necessary records, maintaining confidentiality and complying with regulations regarding client confidentiality of nursing activities.

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Monitors supply inventory and notifies supervisor of items which need replacement.

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Is a mandated reporter for abuse and neglect issues.

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• Performs other duties and activities as assigned.
  

Special Assignment - School Licensed Practical Nurse:

Assignments in addition to previously listed (1-10) essential duties and responsibilities:

Under direction performs practical nursing and attendant care functions in public schools with nursing contracts for service. Works with students with special physical health needs that are considered in a high-risk classification.

• Monitors and administers individual health plans for students who need procedures and care during the school day (i.e. feeding tubes, catheters, etc.).
  
• Communicates students� health needs to appropriate school personnel to facilitate understanding of and adjustments to changes and limitations.
  
• Makes appropriate referrals for students to other health care or community resources.
  
• Serves as a resource to school staff and parents providing information and answering questions on health-related topics.
  
• Monitors individual student medical supplies and contacts parents for replenishment.
  
• Maintains confidential health records for students at each school following both HIPPA and FERPA guidelines.
  

Minimum Qualifications

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Associate’s degree in practical nursing and one or more years of previous nursing experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above. A valid State of North Dakota practical nursing and state issued driver's license or evidence of equivalent mobility are also required.

Knowledge, skills and abilities:

• Knowledge of standard medical procedures and practices;
  
• Knowledge of community resources;
  
• Knowledge of medications and their proper usage;
  
• Knowledge of the nursing process;
  
• Skill in general nursing procedures;
  
• Skill in collection of subjective and objective data for nursing assessment;
  
• Skill in written English sufficient to read manuals, instructions, and complete documentation, etc.;
  
• Skill in communication, interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisor, clients, the general public, etc. sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction;
  
• Ability to communicate across cultures, socio-economic, and cognitive levels;
  
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
  

Physical Demands

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Physical Demands & Working Conditions:

Work is performed in a variety of settings such as clinics, schools and correctional facility. Activities are varied including client care and similar work with moderate physical demands, as well as computer and telephone use, reading, and other work of a light nature.

Activities include stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, digital dexterity, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing/listening, seeing/observing, repetitive motions.

Medium Work: Physical demands are normally those associated with medium work: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or 10 pounds of force frequently or constantly.

The job may require dealing with individuals who are emotionally charged. There is regular exposure to potential hazards such as body fluids, contagious diseases and environmental hazards.

Some requirements in this job description may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees. All requirements are subject to modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.

Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills, and experience required. To perform this job successfully, the worker must possess the abilities and aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently.

This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at will" employment relationship. The City Administrator retains the discretion to add duties or change the duties of this position at any time.