Jurisdiction: Cortland County

Jurisdictional Class: Non-Competitive

Adopted: 10/20/05

Amended: 6/19/09

REGISTERED PROFESSIONAL NURSE

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:

The work involves responsibility for performing a variety of professional nursing tasks involved in patient care and community health protection. The work is performed under the general supervision of a higher level clinical position with leeway allowed in the exercise of independent judgment in carrying out the details of the work. Does related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES: (Illustrative only)

Visits patients in the home and assesses patient nursing care needs and develops nursing care plans;

Provides skilled nursing care and prescribed treatments, including administration of prescribed medications to patients;

Identifies physical and emotional illness of patients through observation and analysis of records;

Coordinates plans for patient care with nutritionists, social workers, physical therapists, nurse practitioners, physicians and other professional health care workers;

Develops plan of care for licensed practical nurses and paraprofessionals and supervises their work in carrying out the assigned tasks;

Instructs patient and family members in regard to patient's diet, proper use prescribed medications, health habits, including birth control methods, and of the carrying out of treatment at home and rehabilitation measures;

Assesses barriers to accessing health care and refers, as appropriate, for community services;

Sets up and staffs prevention and immunization health clinics, including taking patient history, conducting screening physicals involving taking blood pressure, pulse, respiration and weight, drawing blood and administering tests and vaccines for various diseases;

Collaborates with other health care providers to ensure that clients receive proper medical care;

Counsels and guides individuals and families in the prevention of illness and the attainment of maximum health;

Provides pregnancy testing with options counseling and makes referrals as indicated;

Provides HIV counseling services;

Provides birth control method checks, including assessment of appropriateness to continue method;

Prepares and maintains a variety of nursing care records and reports;

Attends in-service training to keep abreast of latest nursing techniques and procedures;

Provides palliative care to terminally ill patients and their families.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:

Good knowledge of modern public health nursing and clinical practices;

REGISTERED PROFESSIONAL NURSE Page 2

Good knowledge of auxiliary and support services available to provide for the total health care of patients;

Good knowledge of diet and personal living habits which promote good health;

Skill in the application of modern nursing techniques and medical equipment used in providing nursing care;

Ability to develop and implement a nursing care plan;

Ability to communicate effectively with other staff and patients and their families;

Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions;

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with others;

Ability to participate in assigned projects and lay-out work for others;

Ability to organize and maintain accurate records and files;

Ability to understand and empathize with the needs and concerns of others;

Good powers of observation;

Physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Licensure and current registration as a Registered Professional Nurse in New York State.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Possession of a valid New York State driver's license appropriate to the vehicles operated.

OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Classification: Category 1