Licensed Practical Nurse

Job Description:

Licensed Practical Nurse

Description

The Practical Nurse position serves as a member of the Missouri - 1 Disaster Medical Assistance Team (MO-1 DMAT). This position performs duties and patient care procedures directly related to the level of experience and education of a Registered Nurse. This position reports directly to a Supervisory Nurse when deployed. Administratively, this position reports to the Supervisory Nurse Specialist (Chief Nurse).

Job Description:

• Selects the most appropriate guidelines based on the patient’s condition, patient’s treatment plan, medical history, and general conditions existing in the disaster area.
• Observes and records patient condition, including pertinent medical history, focused physical examinations, and vital signs; and identifies potentially life-threatening conditions such as severe bleeding, shock, and/or possible fractures and takes appropriate first aid measures.
• Responds to emergency situations such as cardiopulmonary arrest and recognizes the need for emergency measures and calls for professional assistance.
• Performs or assists in performing a range of treatment procedures including application and changing of dressing; initiating and monitoring intravenous fluids; inserts urethral catheters and nasogastric tubes. Sets up and operates any special equipment needed with these procedures.
• Prepares and administers medications as ordered (oral, topical, subcutaneous, and intramuscular).
• Supervises and assists in patient transport, if necessary.
• Provides for emotional support, physical comfort and safety of patients.
• Participates in patient care planning as a member of the nursing team.
• Provides standardized therapeutic patient care and interaction techniques for the purpose of establishing effective relationships with patients and interacting with members of the treatment team.
• Observes expected results of nursing care for the purpose of reporting and exchanging information with the treatment team.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Must possess a valid and unrestricted practical nursing license to practice in the State of Missouri.
• One year of specialized experience directly related to the MO-1 DMAT position. Qualifying experience includes nursing care work in a hospital, outpatient clinic, nursing home, or other supervised medical, nursing, or patient care facility that provided a practical knowledge of human body structure and sterile techniques and procedures, performing such duties as:
• Providing pre and post-operative patient care
• Observing, recording, and reporting changes in behavior of mentally ill patients Providing reassurance and encouragement to mentally ill patients
• Assisting surgeons and registered nurses in operating room activities, including passing instruments, maintaining sterile conditions, and draping and positioning patients
• Setting up and operating special medical equipment and apparatus
• Completion of NIMS courses: ICS-100, ICS-200, ICS-700 and ICS-800.
• Degree or diploma from a practical/vocational nursing program approved by the legally designated State accrediting agency at the time the program was completed by the applicant.
• Must have a valid CPR, ACLS, ATL and PALS or e equivalent.

Knowledge, Skill & Abilities:

• Knowledge of the NIMS Incident Command System.
• Knowledge of other disaster response organizations and their missions, i.e., FEMA, Red Cross, Non-Governmental Organizations, etc. for the purpose of exchanging disaster-related information.
• Knowledge of the Federal Response Plan and the Missouri Emergency Operations Plan.
• Ability to provide leadership and supervision of staff
• Ability to effectively manage people
• Ability to develop strategic plans to meet established goals
• Skill in critical thinking processes.
• Experience in oral and written communication to prepare reports, develop policies, procedures, present proposals, and provide advice, guidance and assistance.
• Ability in dealing with people and organizations in a diplomatic manner.
• Ability to perform a moderately difficult range of nursing care requiring licensure as a practical nurse or vocational nurse and sufficient experience to serve as a response member the nursing team.
• Experience in using terminology for describing patient reactions, patient care and medication for the purpose of instructing patients.

Physical Requirements:

• Occasional heavy lifting/moving patients and objects up to 80 lbs.
• Long periods of standing/walking on uneven surfaces
• Considerable bending, stooping, reaching, etc.
• Long periods of work without rest.
• Working in a variety of climatic conditions and extreme weather
• Ability to move safely over uneven terrain or in confined spaces
• Ability to respond quickly to sounds
• Ability to see and respond to dangerous situations
• Ability to wear personal protective gear correctly for extended periods of time.
• Ability to work in an austere environment

If you have questions about this position please contact: DPS.HumanResources@dps.mo.gov

Lack of post-secondary education will not be used as the sole basis denying consideration to any applicant.

The State of Missouri is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Salary:

$21-$32 per Hour