Under general supervision, the Licensed Practical Nurse – Respiratory Services 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 - Respiratory Services 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 - Respiratory Services 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