Licensed Practical Nurse, Health Services Technician (Portland)

State of Oregon • Portland, OR

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Health Services Technician provides clinical, emergency care, and treatment to inmates in a correctional institution performing nursing functions under the supervision and written direction of a Registered Nurse (RN). This role involves providing wound care, recognizing disease processes, administering medications, using routine medical equipment, providing first aid and CPR, performing phlebotomy, assessing emergencies, developing treatment plans, delegating non-nursing duties, preparing documentation, monitoring patient conditions, developing teaching programs on medical issues, understanding patient rights and confidentiality, performing EKGs, responding to combative patients, communicating with patients, using proper body mechanics for patient care, and potentially performing mandatory double shifts. The position is located at Columbia River Correctional Institution in Portland, Oregon, and is represented by American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME).

Requirements

• Two (2) years of experience in the care and treatment of physically ill or injured patients, including training and/or experience in pharmacy and medical laboratory techniques and procedures.
• Oregon Licensed Practical Nurse certification
• A valid First Aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Card
• A valid driver's license.
• Must pass a Criminal Justice Information Systems (CJIS) fingerprint-based background check and maintain CJIS eligibility.
• Ability to work independently with little or no supervision.
• Ability to respond tactfully with patients who are combative or hostile.
• Ability to communicate with patients regarding patient's condition and medical procedures.
• Ability to work effectively with a variety of professional and paraprofessional staff.
• Ability to use proper body mechanics to safely lift and maneuver patients and various medical equipment.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in a correctional institution setting.
• Experience with EKG.
• Experience with phlebotomy.

Responsibilities

• Providing wound care including post-operative dressings and maintaining aseptic conditions
• Recognizing signs and symptoms as they relate to the disease process
• Conducting nursing procedures including treatments
• Administration of medications, identification of adverse side effects, and appropriate notification of RN or physician
• Using routine equipment such as stethoscopes, blood pressure cuffs, and oxygen
• Providing first aid and CPR
• Phlebotomy
• Assessing the severity of an emergency using triage format
• Developing a treatment plan for a life-threatening emergency and implementing independently
• Delegating non-nursing duties to unlicensed staff and providing direction to unlicensed staff
• Preparing accurate written documentation, records of nursing care given, and patient progress notes
• Monitoring patient's condition including vital signs, intravenous fluids, and medication needs
• Develop and execute a teaching program on medical issues for inmates, residents, or nonmedical personnel
• Understand and apply statutes and regulations regarding patient rights and confidentiality
• Assist with writing Nursing Policy and Procedures
• Do an EKG and take appropriate referral action
• Respond tactfully with patients who are combative or hostile
• Communicate with patients regarding patient's condition and medical procedures
• Work effectively with a variety of professional and paraprofessional staff
• Use proper body mechanics to safely lift and maneuver patients and various medical equipment.

Benefits

• Family health, vision, and dental insurance
• Vacation, sick leave, and 11 paid holidays
• 21 days paid military leave for national guard and reserve components
• Optional short- and long-term disability
• Term life insurance
• Fully paid retirement program
• Oregon Saving Growth Plan
• Flexible spending accounts for health and childcare
• May be eligible for Police & Fire (P&F) benefits through Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), as defined by statute.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed