The Practical Nurse position serves as a member of the Missouri - 1 Disaster Medical Assistance Team (MO-1 DMAT). This position performs duties and patient care procedures directly related to the level of experience and education of a Registered Nurse. This position reports directly to a Supervisory Nurse when deployed. Administratively, this position reports to the Supervisory Nurse Specialist (Chief Nurse).
Job Description: - Selects the most appropriate guidelines based on the patient’s condition, patient’s treatment plan, medical history, and general conditions existing in the disaster area.
- Observes and records patient condition, including pertinent medical history, focused physical examinations, and vital signs; and identifies potentially life-threatening conditions such as severe bleeding, shock, and/or possible fractures and takes appropriate first aid measures.
- Responds to emergency situations such as cardiopulmonary arrest and recognizes the need for emergency measures and calls for professional assistance.
- Performs or assists in performing a range of treatment procedures including application and changing of dressing; initiating and monitoring intravenous fluids; inserts urethral catheters and nasogastric tubes. Sets up and operates any special equipment needed with these procedures.
- Prepares and administers medications as ordered (oral, topical, subcutaneous, and intramuscular).
- Supervises and assists in patient transport, if necessary.
- Provides for emotional support, physical comfort and safety of patients.
- Participates in patient care planning as a member of the nursing team.
- Provides standardized therapeutic patient care and interaction techniques for the purpose of establishing effective relationships with patients and interacting with members of the treatment team.
- Observes expected results of nursing care for the purpose of reporting and exchanging information with the treatment team.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
Qualifications: - Must possess a valid and unrestricted practical nursing license to practice in the State of Missouri.
- One year of specialized experience directly related to the MO-1 DMAT position. Qualifying experience includes nursing care work in a hospital, outpatient clinic, nursing home, or other supervised medical, nursing, or patient care facility that provided a practical knowledge of human body structure and sterile techniques and procedures, performing such duties as:
- Providing pre and post-operative patient care
- Observing, recording, and reporting changes in behavior of mentally ill patients Providing reassurance and encouragement to mentally ill patients
- Assisting surgeons and registered nurses in operating room activities, including passing instruments, maintaining sterile conditions, and draping and positioning patients
- Setting up and operating special medical equipment and apparatus
- Completion of NIMS courses: ICS-100, ICS-200, ICS-700 and ICS-800.
- Degree or diploma from a practical/vocational nursing program approved by the legally designated State accrediting agency at the time the program was completed by the applicant.
- Must have a valid CPR, ACLS, ATL and PALS or e equivalent.
Knowledge, Skill & Abilities: - Knowledge of the NIMS Incident Command System.
- Knowledge of other disaster response organizations and their missions, i.e., FEMA, Red Cross, Non-Governmental Organizations, etc. for the purpose of exchanging disaster-related information.
- Knowledge of the Federal Response Plan and the Missouri Emergency Operations Plan.
- Ability to provide leadership and supervision of staff
- Ability to effectively manage people
- Ability to develop strategic plans to meet established goals
- Skill in critical thinking processes.
- Experience in oral and written communication to prepare reports, develop policies, procedures, present proposals, and provide advice, guidance and assistance.
- Ability in dealing with people and organizations in a diplomatic manner.
- Ability to perform a moderately difficult range of nursing care requiring licensure as a practical nurse or vocational nurse and sufficient experience to serve as a response member the nursing team.
- Experience in using terminology for describing patient reactions, patient care and medication for the purpose of instructing patients.
Physical Requirements: - Occasional heavy lifting/moving patients and objects up to 80 lbs.
- Long periods of standing/walking on uneven surfaces
- Considerable bending, stooping, reaching, etc.
- Long periods of work without rest.
- Working in a variety of climatic conditions and extreme weather
- Ability to move safely over uneven terrain or in confined spaces
- Ability to respond quickly to sounds
- Ability to see and respond to dangerous situations
- Ability to wear personal protective gear correctly for extended periods of time.
- Ability to work in an austere environment
If you have questions about this position please contact: DPS.HumanResources@dps.mo.gov
Lack of post-secondary education will not be used as the sole basis denying consideration to any applicant.The State of Missouri is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to developing and maintaining a talented workforce.