POSITION DUTIES: INTRODUCTION This is a licensed vocational nurse position located at the U.S. Navy Bureau of Medicine & Surgery (BUMED) and Department of Navy. The incumbent of this position can be assigned to hospital or any clinic within the Military Treatment Facility (MTF). This position functions under the direct supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN) or Physician and provides basic nursing care for the sick, injured, convalescent and disabled in a variety of health care settings including clinics, emergency departments, etc. Patient complexity ranges from emergency injuries and illnesses to non-urgent care requiring knowledge of a full range of nursing care for the neonate, infant, toddler and young child, adolescent, adult and geriatric patient. MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES The following represents duties and responsibilities: 90-95% 1. Clinical Duties: Participates in patient care planning and assists with all treatments and nursing procedures associated with patient care as directed, indicated, and/or prescribed. Recognizes the need and institutes emergency measures when indicated by calling the nurse. Performs basic nursing services under the direction of a licensed physician or a registered nurse, such as: Assembles equipment and assists physicians and paramedical personnel with physical examinations, minor surgical and diagnostic procedures. Prepares patient for examination, explaining medical procedures and treatments and keeps all necessary equipment clean and ready for use. Answers telephone courteously giving information regarding clinic policies and procedures. Assigns routine and acute care appointments and directs patient to appropriate medical units for emergency care. Screens calls for physicians and documents information given on a telephone consultation form. Takes and delivers accurate messages from patients to appropriate medical staff. Registers patient visits and assists with directing check-in procedures ensuring a smooth patient flow. Within the scope of practice of a licensed practical nurse, provides directed basic nursing services for patients of all ages. Recognizes normal and abnormal patient conditions. Collects data and provides information to the RN or physician in charge so that they can assess and determine acutely and seriously ill patients in order to ensure patient is directed to the appropriate practitioner for definitive care in a timely manner. Initiates appropriate measures in emergency or life threatening situations. Collects, documents and trends physiological patient data to include temperature, pulse, respiration, blood pressure, intake and output, as well as advanced and emergent clinical procedures such as central venous pressure, arterial blood gases, electrocardiograms, pulmonary artery pressures, wedge pressures, cardiac outputs and intracranial pressure. Recognizes deviations from normal values, understands implications of variances and reports findings. Reviews immunization records to identify missing shots and keep patients current. Administers immunizations in accordance with guidance 2. Diagnostic Procedures and Equipment Operation Applies and operates equipment, such as arterial pressure monitors, cardiac monitoring systems, pacemaker equipment, defibrillators, infusion pumps, hypothermia machines, ventilators, 16-lead EKG machine, fluid and blood warmer, warming blankets and transport monitors. Assists physicians during diagnostic, therapeutic and/or minor surgical procedures by preparing necessary supplies and equipment; drapes, positions, stabilizes the patient and hands instruments and supplies to the physician during the procedure. Remove sutures from surgical wounds and change dressings. Inserts urinary catheters and nasal gastric tubes. Observes patients during and following procedures for adverse reactions bringing any irregularities to the attention of the Physician or RN in charge. 3. Documentation and Patient Education: Documents all procedures and observations in the patient's medical record. Encourages patients in sound health practices taking into account age, illness, physical limitations culture and socioeconomic status. Instructs patients regarding use of canes and crutches, dressing changes, medication use, and cast care. Teaches patients early warning signs for early detection of diseases. Performs other duties as assigned.