Class Specification: LICENSED VOCATIONAL NURSE I

ITEM NUMBER: 5104

APPROVAL DATE: 04/25/1973

DEFINITION:
Performs vocational nursing duties in a hospital inpatient care unit.

CLASSIFICATION STANDARDS:
Positions allocable to this class provide specified direct care to assigned adult or pediatric inpatients in a medical, surgical, obstetrical, psychiatric, admitting or rehabilitation ward, or intensive care, or other specialized impatient care unit. LVN I's apply such techniques of vocational nursing as giving treatments including those which involve the administration of medications and the use of specialized equipment, and either provide bedside care or assign such tasks to nursing attendants and LVN I's and ensure that these tasks are carried out. Incumbents in these positions apply definitive criteria contained in nursing policies and procedures when making medication, treatment and nursing care decisions, and are continually in a position to interpret manifest indications of patient's condition and report such indications when they fall outside preestablished limits. LVN I's normally work under the supervision of a registered nurse or physician and administer care or procedures for the patient ordered by the physician or contained in a nursing care plan; but they are expected to contribute to the development of the nursing care plan with information and recommendations.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES:
Administers medications by injection, orally, and other pre-determined methods with the exception of research drugs as determined by the Medical Department.

Checks prescribed dosages against specified limits.

Observes and reports adverse reaction to medication.

Recognizes the need for emergency care; initiates life saving action in emergencies and alerts the nurse-in-charge or physician.

Sets up, operates and monitors electronic and/or mechanical equipment such as croupettes, oxygen therapy and suctioning equipment.

Monitors the functioning of intravenous apparatus and cardioscopes. Provides bedside care such as maintaining personal hygiene, providing comfort and safety, performing urgent housekeeping tasks to maintain a clean and safe environment and taking measures to prevent pressure sores and other infirmities endemic to bedridden patients.

Measures and records vital signs; records bed care procedures, treatments, indications and nourishment provided and output.

Observes and reports on progress of patients. Obtains and provides information on patients at change of shift briefings with nursing personnel and in contacts with doctors.

Reports on significant incidents involving nursing personnel, patients and others.

Gives eye and ear irrigations and instillations.

Cleans, debrides, medicates and applies dressings to wounds, using sterile technique.

Observes patients for manifest signs of anxiety stress or indications of change in emotional state or behavior, makes chart notations and informs a registered nurse of problem conditions.

Provides emotional support to the patient, displaying empathy and interest in the patient's progress, being aware of and encouraging patient's special aptitudes for the patient's rehabilitation.

Interacts in prescribed fashion with psychiatric patients on a one-to-one basis on the ward or while participating in activities off the ward by encouraging socialization and motivating and reassuring patients in a psychiatric setting.

Follows the orders of the therapist in structuring discussions to elicit appropriate patient responses and participates in group therapy sessions led by a professional staff member by interacting with patients in ways designed to develop trust and clarification of problems.

Teaches isolation technique to patients and visitors.

Prevents spread of infection by using correct sterile technique.

Lays out appropriate instruments and supplies and assists the physician in performing medical and surgical procedures.

In some specialized jobs performs one of the following assignments:

Monitors the operation of specialized equipment set up by a physician or nurse-in-charge such as renal dialysis machines, regulating venous and dialysate pressure from verbal instructions, monitoring gauges and alerting the nurse-in-charge when readings and observations of the patient indicate an abnormal condition. May perform specialized procedures such as peritoneal dialysis, adding prescribed medication in the dialysate solution, introducing and draining the solution in accordance with precise procedures.

In a labor and delivery unit, prepares the expectant mother for delivery by shaving and disinfecting the abdominal area. Monitors vital signs and contractions, contacting the physician when these come within a specified range. Sets up and strips down the delivery room before and after delivery, wiping all equipment and mopping the floor with disinfectant. Serves as circulating nurse during normal deliveries, observing for breaks in aseptic technique and assisting the physician outside the sterile field.

May perform duties of Nursing Attendants as an incident to work described above.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

LICENSE:
License to practice as a Vocational Nurse in California.

PHYSICAL CLASS:
3 - Moderate.