Class Definition
GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES: To perform practical nursing duties involving the care and treatment of patients; and to do related work as required.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Works under the close technical direction of a physician, under the close supervision of a registered professional nurse, or under the supervision of a superior administering a physical therapy program; assignments are received in detail; precise instructions relative to methods to be followed are received at the beginning of routine repetitive activities or in connection with new or special assignments.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED: May supervise institution attendants and patient help assigned to assist.
Illustrative Examples of Work Performed
Under close technical direction of a physician, or under close supervision of a registered professional nurse:
To perform practical nursing duties involving the care and treatment of patients.
To make regular rounds of wards, either individually or with a staff physician or registered professional nurse.
To give intramuscular and subcutaneous injections and administer other medicines and treatments in accordance with specific directions from a physician or registered nurse.
To make and apply surgical dressings.
As required, to administer narcotics and keep records thereon under the direction and close supervision of a physician or a registered professional nurse.
To set up and assist in operating special apparatus and equipment.
To take and record temperature, pulse, and respiration.
To maintain bedside charts.
To assist at physical examinations, preparing patients for special examinations and tests as directed.
To assist in the medical or rehabilitation treatment provided by a physical therapy program.
To give patients tub and bed baths, morning and evening care, including personal hygiene.
To instruct patients in the proper use of sputum cups and other personal hygiene for control of tuberculosis or other diseases.
To recognize the imminence of seizures and the signs of impending death and to report to proper officials.
To care for the dead and arrange for prompt delivery to the morgue and keep necessary records.
To serve food to diet and tray patients, feeding weak and helpless patients.
To comb patients’ hair, pass mouth washes and basins, give between-meal nourishment, assist patients in and out of bed, and accompany them to lavatories, clinics, etc.
To keep records and make reports.
To make beds, change linens, and antiseptically clean beds and other personal furniture of patients.
To do related work as required.
Required Qualifications for Appointment
KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS AND CAPACITIES: A working knowledge of the approved practical nursing methods, procedures, and techniques used in the care and treatment of patients; the ability to learn the details of methods, procedures, techniques, and the attitudes required in the care and treatment of patients with a particular type of illness; skill in practical nursing; the ability to understand and follow oral and written directions; the ability to maintain records and prepare reports; and related capacities and abilities.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Education: Such as may have been gained through: graduation from a accredited school of practical nursing or the completion of what would amount to equivalent training in an accredited school of professional nursing.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Must meet practical nursing registration requirements as required by Rhode Island law and regulations and must maintain such requirements as a condition of employment.
Supplemental Information
https://www.e-verify.gov/sites/default/files/everify/posters/IER_RighttoWorkPoster.pdf (Download PDF reader)
https://e-verify.uscis.gov/web/media/resourcesContents/E-Verify_Participation_Poster_ES.pdf (Download PDF reader)