Job Information

LOCATION OF (1) POSITION(S) TO BE FILLED: DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH & SUBSTANCE ABUSE SERVICES, WESTERN MENTAL HEALTH INSTITUTE DIVISION, HARDEMAN COUNTY

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience: Currently licensed as a practical nurse and experience equivalent to one year of licensed practical nursing.

Other Requirements

Necessary Special Qualifications: Currently licensed as a practical nurse with the State of Tennessee or holds a privilege to practice in the State of Tennessee under the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). A valid motor vehicle operator license may be required.

Positions within the Division of Rehabilitation Services of the Department of Human Services will be required to:

1. Complete a criminal history disclosure form in a manner approved by the appointing authority;
2. Agree to release all records involving their criminal history to the appointing authority;
3. Supply a fingerprint sample prescribed by the TBI based criminal history records check;
4. Submit to a review of their status on the Department of Health's vulnerable persons registry.

Job Overview

Summary: Under general supervision, is responsible for licensed practical nursing duties of average difficulty; and performs related work as required.

Distinguishing Features: This is the working level class in the Licensed Practical Nurse job series. An employee in this class is responsible for providing licensed practical nursing health care support in a hospital, clinic, institution, or in the home. An employee in this class may be assigned to work days, evenings, nights, and/or weekends. This class differs from Licensed Practical Nurse 1 in that the latter performs licensed practical nursing duties as directed by the immediate supervisor. This class differs from Licensed Practical Nurse 3 in that the latter is responsible for leading the work of technical nursing staff.

Work Activities

Assisting and Caring for Others:

• Performs BLS (Basic Life Support), CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation), and other emergency responses.
• Provides health care support as directed by the immediate supervisor.
• Follows a prescribed health care plan or protocol.
• Takes the patient's vital signs.
• Identifies patient's allergies.
• Administers medication.
• Monitors side effects of medication.
• Observes effectiveness of medications.
• Feeds the patient.
• Bathes the patient.
• Prepares the patient for laboratory tests.
• Obtains required lab specimens per protocol.
• Prepares specimens for transport to an outside laboratory.
• Performs other procedures per protocol.

Provide Consultation and Advice to Others:

• Educates patients/caregivers how to maintain optimal health status.
• Demonstrates self-care such as dressing changes, self-examinations, activities of daily living (e.g., hygiene), and use of adaptive equipment/devices.
• Ensures the patient understands self-care instructions.

Documenting/Recording Information:

• Documents assessments, care and education provided to the patient.
• Lists vital signs and procedures performed in the patient's medical record.
• Documents orders followed and medical interventions.
• Documents completed tests and the results.
• Documents administration and effectiveness of drugs, documents utilization of controlled drugs.
• Completes medical and administrative forms (e.g. electronic or paper).

Monitoring and Controlling Resources:

• Maintains an adequate, current, and secure inventory of health care supplies.
• Reports discrepancies in the inventory.

Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material:

• Ensures that medical equipment and designated work areas are kept clean and serviceable.
• Reports any maintenance problems or repairs made on equipment.

Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships:

• Fosters team work to ensure total care of patient/client and outside entities.

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates:

• Discusses the patients comprehensive health plan with other staff to identify the patients/clients needs.

Communicating with Persons Outside Organization:

• Communicates with internal and external entities.

Coaching and Developing Others:

• Provides education to employees and others.

Competencies (KSA'S)

Knowledge:

• Knowledge of principles of nursing, nursing practices, techniques, and applicable laws
• Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders
• Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities
• Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services

Skills:

• The skill to understand written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents
• The skill to listen to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times
• The skill to talk to others to convey information effectively
• The skill to adjust actions in relation to others' actions
• The skill to be aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do
• The skill to actively look for ways to help people
• The skill to manage one's own time

Abilities:

• The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong
• The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas
• The ability to communicate (verbal and written) information and ideas
• The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you
• The ability to apply general rules to specific problems

Competencies:

• Learning on the fly
• Problem solving
• Priority setting
• Timely decision making
• Standing alone
• Action oriented
• Drive for results
• Organizational agility
• Written Communication
• Compassion
• Ethics and Values
• Integrity and trust
• Patience
• Peer relationships
• Understanding others

Tools and Equipment Used

• Electronic devices
• Various medical equipment and devices

TN Driver Standards

State of Tennessee positions that may involve driving responsibilities require candidates to meet the following minimum driver qualifications:

• A valid driver's license
• For the past five years, the candidate's driver record must not have record of the following violations: driving under the influence (DUI), reckless driving, license suspension for moving violations, more than 4 moving violations.

Please include your Driver's License Information under the Licenses and Certifications section of your application.

**Agencies may allow an exception based on other factors.