LPN Respiratory Services - Licensed Practical Nurse - Pediatric Respiratory - Full Time - Nights

OU Health is seeking a Licensed Practical Nurse for Respiratory Services to provide specialized nursing care to pediatric patients with stable and predictable respiratory conditions. This full-time night shift position is based in the Respiratory Care Department and functions collaboratively with Registered Nurses and Respiratory Therapists to support safe, timely respiratory care delivery while maintaining clear professional scope boundaries.

Clinical Setting

This role supports pediatric patients requiring respiratory care services. The position does not replace the Respiratory Therapist role and does not perform tasks requiring Respiratory Care Practitioner licensure.

Responsibilities

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

The following responsibilities are 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; 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

Scope Limitations

This role may not perform the following:

• 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
• Any task requiring Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP/RRT) licensure

Required Qualifications

Education

• High school diploma or GED
• Completion of an approved Practical Nursing program (NCLEX-PN eligible)

Licenses and Certifications

• Current Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) license issued by the Oklahoma State Board of Nursing or multistate eNLC
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification from the American Heart Association (AHA)
• Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification from the American Heart Association (AHA) required within 3 months if working at Children's or Edmond
• Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification from 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 related to the pulmonary and cardiac system, age of the patient, and ability to interpret appropriate information to identify patient needs
• Ability to recognize early signs of respiratory compromise
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and escalation skills
• Ability to work collaboratively in an interdisciplinary care model
• Accurate, timely clinical documentation
• Basic computer skills

Schedule

• Full-time, night shift position