licensed practical nurse (3051-2)

SCOPE OF WORK:

Individuals assigned to positions in this series are responsible for performing nursing services requiring basic knowledge of biological science and technical skills for the purpose of maintaining health and preventing illness. Duties are performed under the direction of a registered nurse, advanced practice registered nurse, or a licensed physician.

DUTIES PERFORMED AT ALL LEVELS:

• Contribute to the nursing process by assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of patient health.
• Administer prescribed medication and treatments.
• Observe and record nursing care of individuals experiencing changes in their health processes.
• Teach, monitor, and evaluate health practices of patients.

NOTE: The duties listed are not intended to be all-inclusive. Duties assigned any individual employee are at the discretion of the appointing authority.

licensed practical nurse i (3051)

Grade 7

LEVEL DEFINITION:

Licensed Practical Nurses at this level may provide direct medical services to patients per facility policy and within the standards of the North Dakota Board of Nursing. This includes medication distribution, observation, assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of patient health to provide ongoing optimum patient nursing care.

Additional duties performed at this level:

• None.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Requires current licensure as a Licensed Practical Nurse by the North Dakota Board of Nursing. Licensure is a condition of employment and the employing agency will verify and document licensure upon appointment.

CLASS EVALUATION:

Technical Knowledge

• Requires knowledge of processes, procedures, or methods.
• Requires considerable specialized knowledge, skill, and ability.
• Requires an associate degree or specific technical training in the occupation.
• Requires work experience in duties similar in type and complexity to those performed at this level.

Management Breadth

• The requirement to manage others is limited in scope and/or duration.

Interpersonal Skills

• Requires a high degree of written and/or verbal communication skills in dealing with other employees, clients, or the general public.

Guidelines

• Specific guidelines are provided.
• Guidelines are worded in general terms.
• Requires some interpretation because of varying circumstances.

Mental Challenge

• Specific duties are clearly defined.
• A variety of unrelated procedures are provided for performing duties.
• Choosing the appropriate work procedure from available choices is necessary.

Independence of Action

• Instructions are given in general terms.
• Duties include completing a variety of recurring activities independently.
• Supervisor reviews work as necessary assuring work progress, accuracy, and task completion.

Control of Budget Dollars

• None.

Effect on Decisions

• Indirect effect - Activities provide analysis, recommendation, or advice used by others in making decisions.

Hazardous Working Condition

• Work includes exposure to hazardous conditions resulting in a risk of serious physical injury requiring medical attention and some lost time from work.
• Exposure occurs on a seasonal, periodic, or similar intermittent basis.

licensed practical nurse ii (3052)

Grade 8

LEVEL DEFINITION:

Licensed Practical Nurses at this level may take an active leadership role and responsibility for ward management by supervising other licensed practical nurses and aide staff when no registered nurse is available.

additional duties performed at this level:

• Provide specialized nursing care when such service is authorized by the Board of Nursing through its rules and regulations and delegated by a registered nurse, advanced practice registered nurse, or medical doctor to a licensed practical nurse who has had additional preparation or experience
• Actively assist in staff management and supervision as delegated.
• Initiate and implement formal patient education groups.
• Act as a patient advocate to assist with issues and conflict resolution.
• Accept extra duties such as committee, project, and coordinator roles.

minimum qualifications:

Requires current licensure as a Licensed Practical Nurse by the North Dakota Board of Nursing and two years of work experience as a Licensed Practical Nurse.

class evaluation:

(Those Factors Rated Differently from Previous Level)

Guidelines

• General guidelines exist.
• Requires judgement in selecting appropriate guidelines.
• Interpretation of guidelines is required as tasks may vary when repeated.

Independence of Action

• Instructions are given in general terms.
• Duties include deciding methods and details to complete tasks.
• Duties include utilizing established policies and practices in strategy development and problem solving.

Eff Date: 2/78
Rev: 11/83 – Revised as part of nursing series review
Rev: 6/90 – Changed minimum qualifications
Rev: 5/99 – Rewritten in current format and added hazard factor
Rev: 5/04 – Revised minimum qualifications of the second level