LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse)

Description DUTY DESCRIPTION: At the direction of a professional nurse, provides nursing care consisting of assessments, developing plans of care and monitoring resident's physical condition. Performs related duties as assigned to include the primary task of inmate medication delivery. The position is located at the Ada County Sheriff's Office, Medical Services Department.

PRIMARY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
·Provides general health care to residents in the Ada County Jail;
·Administers treatments and medicines prescribed and supervised by the Medical Authority for patients;
·Assists RN, Nurse Practitioner or Physician at sick call in performing examinations, taking histories; follows up on all orders given;
·Maintains treatment records, making note of all medications given, doctor visits and related activities;
·Monitors, stores and controls medications and medical supplies according to established procedures;
·Schedules hospital/clinic appointments when ordered;
·Observes the physical condition and behavior of residents to insure maximum health care is offered;
·Follows procedures to contain the spread of contagious diseases and promote infection control;
·Prepares for sick call by assessing the resident if necessary, pulls charts or makes new charts, and lists those who need to be seen by the RN, Nurse Practitioner, or Physician;
·Charts medication renewal orders for the RN, Nurse Practitioner or Physician to sign;
·Provides educational sessions to clients and staff on medically related issues;
·Arranges temporary releases for medical follow up;
·Maintains current inventory of supplies for medical staff needs and emergency kits for security staff needs; and
·Performs related work and other duties as assigned.

Requirements GENERAL INFORMATION: The LPN is supervised by the Medical Services Manager who sets the overall objectives. The employee and manager develop the deadlines, projects and general work to be done. The LPN is responsible for planning and carrying out the assignment; resolving most of the conflicts, which arise; and coordinating the work with others. The employee keeps the manager informed of progress and potentially controversial matters. Completed work is reviewed from an overall standpoint in terms of feasibility, compatibility with other work, and effectiveness in meeting expected results.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Any combination of education, training, and/or experience, which demonstrates competence in each of the following:

Successful completion of an accredited LPN program. One year of LPN experience in a public/community health setting such as a detention center, diagnostic center or mental hospital, accredited hospital, or equivalent experience in the community or public health.

Knowledge of: nursing principles, procedures and practices; nursing equipment and supplies; laws regulating narcotics, medications and patients' rights of consent.

Ability to: exercise tact, diplomacy and patience; observe and understand physical conditions and behavior; make accurate assessment of patients' condition; exercise judgment; initiate prescribed treatment; communicate orally to groups and have good writing skills; and maintain confidential materials and medical records.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS: Maintain a current LPN license to practice in the State of Idaho. Adherence to Nursing Code of Ethics. This position requires shift work.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
·Work is performed in a health services facility at the Ada County Jail;
· Incumbent is required to work a flexible schedule, which may include work on some weekends, evenings, nights, and/or holidays;
·May be required to lift up to 20 lbs.;
·Requires sufficient personal mobility and physical reflexes, which permits the employee to function in a medical office environment to accomplish tasks.

Preference in appointment will be given to eligible veterans.

***Due to the Sheriff Office's attempt to create a relatively smoke-free environment for those employees who choose not to smoke because of their growing concern for their health and welfare, applications from those who have not smoked will be considered for employment. Applicants must have not smoked tobacco products for at least eleven (11) months prior to applying.