LICENSED PRACTICAL NURSE 2

This position is located at High Desert State Prison (HDSP) in Indian Springs NV. The Licensed Practical Nurse 2 (LPN2) at a correctional facility plays a critical role in delivering direct nursing care to incarcerated individuals within a secure and highly regulated environment. Under the supervision of Registered Nurses and Physicians, the LPN 2 is responsible for administering prescribed medications and treatments, conducting routine health assessments, and monitoring the physical and mental health status of inmates. This role requires carful adherence to nursing protocols, state regulations, and correctional policies to ensure both the safety of patients and staff. The LPN 2 assists with intake screenings, sick calls, and emergency medical situations, providing timely and appropriate nursing interventions. In addition to hands on care, the LPN 2 maintains accurate and confidential medical records, educates inmates about health management, and supports chronic disease monitoring. This position demands strong clinical skills, sound judgement, and the ability to communicate effectively within a multidisciplinary team to promote inmate health and facility safety.

Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) provide general or psychiatric practical nursing care in accordance with the authorized scope of practice specified in the Nurse Practice Act, under the direction of a Registered Nurse, Mid-Level Practitioner, or physician.

Current license to practice as a Licensed Practical Nurse in the State of Nevada and two years of experience as a Licensed Practical Nurse, one year of which was providing nursing care to inmates in a correctional setting, individuals with mental illness and/or developmental disabilities, or patients in a hospital or skilled nursing facility (e.g., convalescent or nursing home).

Contribute to the assessment of patient health status by collecting, reporting and recording objective and subjective data; observe condition or change in condition; note signs and symptoms of deviation from normal health; participate in developing written care plans.

Assist in carrying out therapeutic procedures which provide for the emotional and physical comfort of patients; maintain safety, health and well-being of individuals in the therapeutic environment and as allowed in the practice setting; assist in physically restraining patients who are a threat to themselves or others and may be hostile and combative; follow facility procedures regarding techniques and duration of confinement; notify appropriate personnel of action taken and document as required. 

Administer medications as prescribed by a physician or designee, ensuring route of administration; count controlled medications to ensure security; monitor patient for medication side effects and/or allergic reaction; observe patient to determine if medication is effective for prescribed treatment and document; if necessary, notify appropriate personnel of action taken.

Document nurse progress notes in medical charts including patient health status, changes in condition and medication administered; review charts for changes in orders and transcribe; prepare written reports, records and summaries; assist with quality improvement activities such as auditing charts and compiling statistics; ensure applicable regulatory standards are met including documentation of the care delivery process.

Provide emergency medical treatment such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and first aid required to stabilize the patient’s condition and prevent more serious complications pursuant to established policy; complete accident and incident reports as required.

Prepare and maintain medical treatment rooms, ensuring supplies are available and ready for use; order and stock medical and related supplies as needed.   

Provide prescribed education to patients and their families related to good health habits and answer questions regarding prescribed treatment; provide health related education and training to staff as assigned.

Assist patients with activities of daily living and encourage them to perform activities without help as appropriate; supervise and/or participate in therapeutic interventions; serve as a positive role model at all times.

May delegate to auxiliary personnel direct care duties consistent with their licensure, certification and competency and as allowed in the practice setting.

May schedule and transport patients to outside doctor or dental appointments as allowed in the practice setting; coordinate and/or participate in clinics as allowed in the practice setting; receive prior approval for billing purposes as needed; conduct screening tests; give immunization injections; create and maintain associated records.

Incumbents perform the full range of duties outlined above, providing nursing care to inmates in a correctional setting to individuals with mental illness and/or developmental disabilities, or patients in a 24-hour inpatient skilled nursing facility (e.g., convalescent or nursing home). Incumbents maintain the safety, health, and well-being of patients in the practice setting using the least restrictive interventions appropriate for patients who may be hostile and combative

Perform related duties as assigned.

This class specification lists the major knowledge, skills and abilities of the job and is not all inclusive. Incumbent(s) will be expected to have knowledge, skills and abilities from a previous level.

Working knowledge of: theory and practice of practical nursing as applied to patients in a mental health, developmental disabilities, correctional setting, or skilled nursing facility; nursing principles and therapeutic interventions utilized in nursing care of individuals with chronic or acute conditions or mental illness and/or developmental disabilities; commonly prescribed medications used to treat chronic and/or acute conditions; quality assurance compliance activities including applicable regulatory standards; routine laboratory tests and diagnostic procedures; operation and use of standard medical equipment; theory and practices of practical nursing and com­mon nursing techniques; methods and techniques used in the personal care of patients; operation and use of standard medical equipment; documentation process; commonly prescribed medications and possible side effects; quality assurance compliance activities including applicable regulatory standards. 

Ability to: recognize and respond appropriately to hostile and combative behavior; provide health education to patients; provide emergency medical treatment as required; recognize and report changes in condition; identify and report possible medication side effects and interactions; delegate 
appropriate assignments to subordinate staff.

Recruiter Contact Information: Susan Ashley – q.ashley@admin.nv.gov

Salary : $56,564 - $83,186