LPN RT - Licensed Practical Nurse - Pediatric Respiratory Department - Full Time - Nights

Position Title

LPN RT - Licensed Practical Nurse - Pediatric Respiratory Department - Full Time - Nights Department: Respiratory Care

Job Description

Under general supervision, the Licensed Practical Nurse – Respiratory Support (LPN‑RT Role) provides nursing care with an enhanced focus on respiratory‑related nursing tasks for patients with stable and predictable conditions. This role functions collaboratively with Registered Nurses (RNs) and Respiratory Therapists (RTs) to support safe, timely respiratory care delivery while maintaining clear professional scope boundaries. The LPN‑RT Role does not replace the Respiratory Therapist role and does not perform tasks requiring Respiratory Care Practitioner licensure. Essential Responsibilities Responsibilities listed are core to the position. Inability to perform these responsibilities, with or without reasonable accommodation, may result in disqualification. Core Nursing Responsibilities Assist with nursing assessment through data collection, observation, and obtaining vital signs. Provide care in accordance with an established nursing plan of care. Observe patient condition and promptly report significant changes to the RN and/or RT. Administer medications via approved routes per policy and provider order. Prepare patients for routine examinations and assist providers as needed. Accurately document care and patient response in the electronic medical record Respiratory‑Related Nursing Responsibilities (Within LPN Scope) Performed only after competency validation and under RN/RT oversight, in alignment with OU Health policies and procedures. Oxygen Therapy Support Verify oxygen delivery devices (nasal cannula, simple mask, humidification). Monitor ordered oxygen flow rates (no independent titration unless explicitly permitted). Assess tolerance and report respiratory concerns. Aerosolized Medication Support Prepare and administer nebulized medications per medication administration policy. Set up and maintain nebulizer equipment. Monitor patient response and escalate changes. Airway and Suctioning Support Perform oral, nasal, deep, and tracheostomy suctioning (open/closed systems). Assist with routine tracheostomy care. Suction and clean tracheostomy sites per policy. Equipment and Safety Support Ensure respiratory equipment is clean, available, and functioning. Prepare supplies for RT and nursing interventions. Identify and report equipment malfunction. Monitoring and Escalation Perform focused respiratory observations within nursing scope. Recognize and immediately escalate signs of respiratory deterioration to RN/RT. Patient and Family Education Reinforce education provided by RN or RT regarding respiratory therapies and equipment Explicit Scope Limitations The LPN‑RT Role may not: Perform independent respiratory assessments or diagnostics. Initiate, titrate, or manage mechanical ventilation. Independently alter oxygen delivery modalities without order or policy support. Develop or modify respiratory plans of care. Evaluate effectiveness of RT treatment plans. Perform any task requiring Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP/RRT) licensure. General Responsibilities Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Education Requirements HS Diploma or GED required. Completion of an approved Practical Nursing program (NCLEX‑PN eligible). Experience Requirements No experience required Licensure/Certification/Registration Requirements Current Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) license issued by the Oklahoma State Board of Nursing or multistate eNLC. Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification (AHA) Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) issued by the American Heart Association (AHA) required within 3 months if working at Children's or Edmond. Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ALS) issued by the American Heart Association (AHA) required within 3 months of hire. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Knowledge of nursing principles and respiratory‑related nursing tasks. Knowledge of patient care relates to the pulmonary and cardiac system, age of the patient and the ability to interpret the appropriate information to identify patient’s needs. Ability to recognize early signs of respiratory compromise. Ability to interpret the appropriate information to identify patient’s needs. Strong communication, interpersonal and escalation skills. Ability to work collaboratively in an interdisciplinary care model. Accurate, timely clinical documentation Basic computer skills Current OU Health Employees - Please click HERE to login. OU Health is an equal opportunity employer. We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including PTO, 401(k), medical and dental plans, and many more. We know that a total benefits and compensation package, designed to meet your specific needs both inside and outside of the work environment, create peace of mind for you and your family. OU Health is the state’s only comprehensive academic health system of hospitals, clinics and centers of excellence. With 11,000 employees and more than 1,300 physicians and advanced practice providers, OU Health is home to Oklahoma’s largest doctor network with a complete range of specialty care. OU Health serves Oklahoma and the region with the state’s only freestanding children’s hospital, the only National Cancer Institute-Designated OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center, Oklahoma’s flagship hospital, which serves as the state’s only Level 1 trauma center and Edmond Medical Center in the heart of the Edmond Community. Becker’s Hospital Review named University of Oklahoma Medical Center one of the 100 Great Hospitals in America for 2020. OU Health’s oncology program at OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center was named Oklahoma’s top facility for cancer care by U.S. News & World Report in its 2020-21 rankings. OU Health also was ranked by U.S. News & World Report as high performing in these specialties: Colon Surgery, COPD and Congestive Heart Failure. OU Health’s mission is to lead healthcare in patient care, education and research. Experts in prevention, treatment and cures, our team works to improve lives through innovation in medical care, education and research, while investing in the people, technologies and facilities that will enable us to achieve our goals. We are seeking individuals who have a passion and talent for caring for others. By joining our team, you will provide quality health care to our community through the work you do every day. We provide clinical and non-clinical opportunities to further your career and we invite you to explore our available positions. Equal employment opportunities are provided to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or protected veteran status in accordance with applicable federal laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. Reasonable accommodations are made to the known physical and mental limitations of qualified individuals with disabilities.