Licensed Practical Nurse II - Cermak

Cook County Government•Chicago, CA

13h•Onsite

About The Position

The Licensed Practical Nurse delivers care to patients and detainees of all ages or to those assigned to a unit or division, under the direction and supervision of a Registered Nurse. Care is provided to help patients achieve an optimum level of health and to support the nursing practice process and the Department of Patient Care Services’ nursing practice standards. The nurse demonstrates a cooperative attitude in support of health services and the department’s mission, follows department policies and safety plans, administers medication to a large number of detainees, observes for health problems, and intervenes or reports concerns to a physician or Registered Nurse. The role is based at Cermak Health Services, Department of Corrections, in Patient Care Services, Division 8 RTU. The scheduled shift is 11:00 PM to 7:00 AM. The pay rate is $28.393 per hour.

Requirements

Graduate from an accredited school of Practical Nursing.
Hold a current Practical Nurse license in Illinois, or be able to obtain the license at least two weeks before starting employment.
Hold a current Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) card and provide documentation at the interview.
Provide proof of successful completion of Practical Nurse medication-administration (Pharmacology) coursework in accordance with IDFPR standards; documentation must be provided at the interview.
Thorough knowledge of nursing supplies, equipment, and medications administered.
Knowledge of basic nursing care, including taking temperature, blood pressure, and respiration rate.
Knowledge of psychiatric disorders and strong knowledge of psychotropic drugs, their side effects, uses, and dosages.
Skill using nursing equipment, such as a thermometer and wound-dressing supplies.
Competence in blood drawing and point-of-care testing.
Skill in accurately taking vital signs and recognizing variances.
Ability to understand instructions and communicate effectively with patients and hospital staff.
Ability to maintain accurate records and function appropriately as a team leader.
Ability to collect pertinent data based on patient complaints and formulate a diagnosis using the nursing process.
Ability to provide safe, accurate, and clinically competent direct care to detainees.
Ability to teach techniques or provide information according to an established program.
Ability to communicate information to patients and other health care disciplines.
Meet all required qualifications at the time of application filing.
If applicable, foreign degrees must be credentialed by an approved U.S. credential evaluation service belonging to NACES or AICE, with original credentialing documents presented at interview.
Employment offers are contingent on satisfactory professional and employment references, health care and criminal background checks, appropriate licensure and certifications, and successful completion of a physical and pre-employment drug screen.

Nice To Haves

At least one year of recent, full-time paid clinical experience in an acute care health facility or ambulatory care facility is preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide and document nursing care for assigned patients, including treatments, dressings, tier rounds, responses to health requests, medication administration, Foley catheter insertion, emergency care, and other treatments specified by policy.
Contribute to the nursing process through patient observation and documentation, implementation of a plan of care, and patient education in consultation with a Registered Nurse.
Notify the Charge Nurse, Nurse Coordinator, Supervisor, and physician in a timely manner about changes in patient condition.
Assist patients with health education, health-related behavioral changes, obtaining a health history, and access to health care.
Follow department policies, procedures, standards, and safety plans; review new policies and procedures and seek clarification using the policy and procedure book.
Maintain a professional appearance and conduct in attitude, dress, communication, and grooming; read and initial communications and provide appropriate shift-to-shift reports.
Attend 12 hours of in-service training annually and pursue professional growth through educational offerings.
Maintain CPR and licensure and comply with mandatory certification programs, including fire safety and infection control.
Assist with supervision of nonprofessional patient care providers and orientation of new personnel.
Respond appropriately to emergencies and initiate basic life support when required.
Make rounds on tiers and patient units; observe patients for potential health care needs, intervene, communicate appropriately, and document observations and interventions according to policy.
Take and record vital signs and EKGs, and practice Universal Precautions.
Administer medication according to nursing policy and provide wound care irrigation.
Help maintain a clean and safe environment by changing examination paper between visits, maintaining equipment, and ensuring examination rooms are clean and suitable for patient services.
Implement safe and therapeutic care; inspect emergency equipment and supplies according to policy.
Communicate effectively with the health care team, physicians, peers, nurses, educators, social workers, correctional officers, patients, and the public.
Participate in Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) and process management to meet regulatory agency standards.
Maintain patient confidentiality, demonstrate ethical practice, and comply with standards of practice and applicable policies and procedures.
Maintain the crash cart, cardiopulmonary equipment, and jump bag, and notify the CMT office if the jump bag seal is missing.
Follow existing security policies and procedures, including CCDOC and DCSI requirements.
Perform other duties as assigned.