Job Title: Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

Position Level: LPN

Job Classification: Technician

FLSA Status: Non-exempt

Starting Salary: Competitive

SUMMARY:

The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) provides direct nursing care to inmates in a correctional facility, ensuring the health and well-being of offenders by delivering routine and emergency medical services. The LPN is responsible for completing intake assessments, administering medications, providing wound care, assisting with medical procedures, and collaborating with healthcare providers to maintain the highest level of care. The LPN practices within the guidelines of the Louisiana Practical Nurses Act and complies with facility policies and security protocols.

REPORTING: Registered Nurse (RN) Supervisor

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following:

Inmate Intake and Documentation:

• Complete intake questionnaires, obtain vital signs, and document all information in the inmate’s medical record, medication administration record, and jail management system.

Triage and Medical Response:

• Triage inmate requests for medical services promptly, ensuring timely and appropriate care.
• Respond to medical emergencies within the facility, providing immediate care as needed.

Pre-Op and Post-Op Care:

• Provide care to pre-op and post-op patients, including managing intravenous infusions, administering antibiotics, and monitoring recovery equipment such as Hoyer lifts, braces, casts, and splints.

Medication Administration and Management:

• Administer medications as directed by facility or outside physicians, document appropriately, and maintain inventory of medications, narcotics, and medical supplies.
• Perform blood glucose checks and administer insulin according to physician orders.

Diagnostic Testing and Procedures:

• Perform minor diagnostic testing procedures, including lab draws, urine dipsticks, pregnancy tests, blood glucose tests, and other necessary tests.

Wound Care and Treatment:

Provide quality wound care as ordered by jail or outside physicians, ensuring proper documentation and follow-up care.

Health Education and Support:

• Educate inmates on health topics and provide necessary information for managing chronic conditions or following treatment plans.
• Assist inmates in the proper use of durable medical equipment, ensuring they understand how to use it safely and effectively.

Collaboration and Care Coordination:

• Work closely with mental health clinicians, physicians, and other medical staff to ensure comprehensive care for offenders.
• Report observations and patient information to a Registered Nurse or Physician.
• Obtain and coordinate medical records from external providers to ensure continuity of care.

Medical Assistance and Special Needs Care:

• Assist healthcare providers during medical treatments and procedures.
• Provide care for special needs inmates, ensuring that their unique healthcare requirements are met.

Inventory and Narcotics Management:

• Maintain accurate counts and inventory of narcotics, sharps, stock medication, insulin supplies, emergency kits, and other medical equipment.

Confidentiality and Legal Compliance:

• Maintain the security and confidentiality of all medical records, ensuring compliance with Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and CPSO policies.
• Practice within the legal boundaries of the Louisiana Practical Nurses Act and comply with facility nursing and administrative policies.

This list is not intended to be all-inclusive, and the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office (CPSO) reserves the right to assign additional functions and responsibilities as necessary. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The LPN works within a secure correctional facility, providing routine and emergency medical care to inmates. The position involves frequent contact and interaction with inmates, medical staff, correctional personnel, and visitors. The role requires strict adherence to security and safety protocols and the ability to work in a potentially stressful environment.

SUPERVISES OTHERS: No

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

• Graduate of an approved vocational nursing program.
• Current licensure to practice as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in the State of Louisiana.
• Intravenous (IV) Certified.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) Certified.
• Minimum of one (1) year of hands-on experience through supervised clinical practice during nursing education.

QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The following are the minimum qualifications required for this position.

• Strong interpersonal skills to communicate effectively with physicians, coworkers, inmates, and visitors.
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
• Strong documentation and record-keeping skills, with the ability to manage medical records and inmate health information.
• Must pass a Criminal Background Check, Physical Examination, and Drug Urinalysis testing.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

The following are the core knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required to successfully perform this job.

• Knowledge of nursing practices and standards, particularly in a correctional or institutional setting.
• Proficient in administering medications, performing wound care, and conducting routine medical assessments.
• Ability to respond effectively to emergencies and provide triage services.
• Familiarity with medical equipment, diagnostic tools, and medical record systems.
• Ability to collaborate with other healthcare professionals and maintain a team-oriented approach to inmate care.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The physical activities listed below are representative of a typical workday:

• Prolonged periods of standing and walking during the course of medical rounds and patient care.
• Ability to lift and transport patients and medical equipment as necessary.
• Possible exposure to contagious entities, requiring adherence to infection control protocols.

DISCLAIMERS:

• LPNs do not have to attend the regional training academy following employment.
• LPNs do not have to be certified in any Security or Firearms training.