Class Description
Valid as of: July 1, 2023
This class series uses three levels in the Health Care Services Occupational Group and describes work in the field of nursing or medicine. Positions in this series provide treatment according to standards of nursing care or apply the principles, theories, and practices of medical science and provide practical nursing services in the nursing care of patients in state health care facilities. By statutes CRS 12-38-101 et. seq., a license is required in this class series.
Licensed practical nurses (LPN) provide direct nursing care services to patients. Duties include, but are not limited to, providing for patient comfort and safety, observing patient conditions and documenting response to medication and treatment, providing preventative and clinical practical nursing services, administering authorized medications and treatment, and participating in planning and implementing patient care plans. Licensed practical nurses provide care for patients with acute, chronic, and preventative physical and mental health care problems. Some licensed practical nurses work in security settings where the positions follow policies and procedures to ensure the safety of themselves and others.
LICENSED PRACTICAL NURSE I
Concept of Class
This class describes the entry level licensed practical nurse. Positions operate under supervision in performing basic medical tasks and problem solving. Positions provide attention to patients and assess their wellbeing as part of a larger medical team. Positions follow established work procedures and operate within standard guidelines and alternatives and carry out established work processes and operations by applying and following procedures, techniques, rules and regulations.
Factors
Allocation must be based on meeting all of the three factors as described below.
Decision Making -- The decisions regularly made are at the defined level, as described here. They work within defined limits prescribed by the operation, choices involve selecting alternatives that affect the manner and speed with which tasks are carried out. For example, within the limits of processes and procedures, practices and established options, positions determine the speed, methods, and timing to efficiently complete assignments. These choices do not affect the standards or results of the operation itself because there is typically only one correct way to carry out the operation. These alternatives include independent choice of such things as priority and personal preference for organizing and processing the work, proper tools or equipment, speed, and appropriate steps in the operation to apply. As an example, positions prioritize work, develop their own organization and tracking methods, and choose the steps to accurately process an action for a patient. By nature, the data needed to make decisions can be numerous, but are clear and understandable so logic is needed to apply the prescribed alternative. Positions can be taught what to do to carry out assignments and any deviation in the manner in which the work is performed does not change the end result of the operation.
Complexity -- The nature of, and need for, analysis and judgment is prescribed, as described here. Positions apply established, standard guidelines that cover work situations and alternatives. Action taken is based on learned, specific guidelines that permit little deviation or change as the task is repeated. Any alternatives to choose from are clearly right or wrong at each step.
Line/Staff Authority -- The direct field of influence the work of a position has on the organization is as an individual contributor. The individual contributor may explain work processes and train others. The individual contributor may serve as a resource or guide by advising others on how to use processes within a system or as a member of a collaborative problem-solving team.
LICENSED PRACTICAL NURSE II
Concept of Class
This class describes the operational licensed practical nurse. While the type of duties is similar to those performed at the lower level, the complexity of the job is different. The systems, operations, and processes are still established and defined but allow more flexibility and latitude in adapting practical approaches or routines to various situations. Not all circumstances are covered by established guidelines so positions must improvise solutions and alternatives. This class includes responsibility for training lower level licensed practical nurses.
Factors
Allocation must be based on meeting all of the three factors as described below.
Decision Making -- The decisions regularly made are at the defined level, as described here. Within limits prescribed by the operation, choices involve selecting alternatives that affect the manner and speed with which tasks are carried out. For example, within the limits of processes and procedures, practices and established options, positions determine the speed, methods, and timing to efficiently complete assignments. These choices do not affect the standards or results of the operation itself because there is typically only one correct way to carry out the operation. These alternatives include independent choice of such things as priority and personal preference for organizing and processing the work, proper tools or equipment, speed, and appropriate steps in the operation to apply. As an example, positions prioritize work, develop their own organization and tracking methods, and choose the steps to accurately process an action for a patient. By nature, the data needed to make decisions can be numerous but are clear and understandable so logic is needed to apply the prescribed alternative. Positions can be taught what to do to carry out assignments and any deviation in the manner in which the work is performed does not change the end result of the operation.
Complexity -- The nature of, and need for, analysis and judgment is patterned, as described here. Positions study patient information to determine what it means and how it fits together in order to get practical solutions in the form of patient care plans. Guidelines in the form of procedures, charts and forms, schedules, and verbal and written instructions exist for most situations. Judgment is needed in locating and selecting the most appropriate of these guidelines, which may change for varying patient circumstances as the task is repeated. For example, a position studies patient information and selects guidelines for implementing authorized care. This selection and interpretation of guidelines involves choosing from alternatives where all are correct but one is better than another depending on the given circumstances of the situation.
Line/Staff Authority -- The direct field of influence the work of a position has on the organization is as an individual contributor. The individual contributor may explain work processes and train others. The individual contributor may serve as a resource or guide by advising others on how to use processes within a system or as a member of a collaborative problem-solving team. This level may include positions performing leadership elements that do not fully meet the criteria for the next level in this factor.
LICENSED PRACTICAL NURSE III
Concept of Class
This class describes the operational licensed practical nurse. Although positions follow established work processes, they have the authority to determine the procedures required to accomplish the work. Positions use judgment on an ongoing basis to select the most appropriate guidelines and adapt them to develop work procedures that accomplish tasks. Some positions in this class function as a work leader. The work leader positions are responsible for implementing procedures, directing workflow, resolving nursing and general care issues, and leading staff on a shift.
Factors
Allocation must be based on meeting all of the three factors as described below.
Decision Making -- The decisions regularly made are at the operational level, as described here. Within limits set by the specific process, choices involve deciding what operation is required to carry out the process. This includes determining how the operation will be completed. By nature, data needed to make decisions are numerous and variable so reasoning is needed to develop the practical course of action within the established process. Choices are within a range of specified, acceptable standards, alternatives, and technical practices.
Complexity -- The nature of, and need for, analysis and judgment is patterned, as described here. Positions study patient information to determine what it means and how it fits together in order to get practical solutions in the form of patient care plans. Guidelines in the form of procedures, charts and forms, schedules, and verbal and written instructions exist for most situations. Judgment is needed in locating and selecting the most appropriate of these guidelines, which may change for varying patient circumstances as the task is repeated. For example, a position studies patient information and selects guidelines for implementing authorized care. This selection and interpretation of guidelines involves choosing from alternatives where all are correct but one is better than another depending on the given circumstances of the situation.
Line/Staff Authority -- The direct field of influence the work of a position has on the organization is as an individual contributor or work leader.
Individual Contributor - may explain work processes and train others. The individual contributor may serve as a resource or guide by advising others on how to use processes within a system or as a member of a collaborative problem-solving team.
OR
Work Leader - The direct field of influence the work of a position has on the organization is as a work leader. The work leader is partially accountable for the work product of two or more full-time equivalent positions, including timeliness, correctness, and soundness. At least one of the subordinate positions must be in the same series or at a comparable conceptual level. Typical elements of direct control over other positions by a work leader include assigning tasks, monitoring progress and work flow, checking the product, scheduling work, and establishing work standards. The work leader provides input into supervisory decisions made at higher levels, including signing leave requests and approving work hours.
Entrance Requirements
Minimum entry requirements and general knowledge, skills, and abilities for classes in this series are contained in the class job profile.
For purposes of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the essential functions of specific positions are identified in the position description questionnaires and job analyses.
History of Changes Made to Class Description
The following is a summary of changes made to this class description.
- July 1, 2023
07/01/2023 Added additional levels to the series and brought back into the classified
system and out of the Healthcare Technician Series.- September 1, 1993
Effective 9/1/93 (KAS). Job Evaluation System Revision project. Published as proposed
4/26/93. Revised 7/1/86. Minimum requirements revised.- July 1, 1982
Created 7/1/82. UCHSC LPN class created.
Summary of Factor Ratings
| Class Level | Decision Making | Complexity | Line/Staff Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Licensed Practical Nurse I | Defined | Prescribed | Individual Contributor |
| Licensed Practical Nurse II | Defined | Patterned | Individual Contributor |
| Licensed Practical Nurse III | Operational | Patterned | Individual Contributor or Work Leader |
Minimum Qualifications
Valid as of: December 1, 2023
This document includes the following levels:
| Class Title | Class Code |
|---|---|
| Licensed Practical Nurse I | C6T1XX |
| Licensed Practical Nurse II | C6T2XX |
| Licensed Practical Nurse III | C6T3XX |
LICENSED PRACTICAL NURSE I (C6T1XX)
Education/Licensure/Certification/Experience:
Current, valid licensure as a Licensed Practicing Nurse from the Colorado Board of Nursing or any state participating in the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC)
**Complete Board approved IV certification course including supervised clinical; OR document completion of such from another state Maintains evidence (both LPN and employer) of original documentation and demonstration of IV knowledge/judgment/skill
Follows written IV policies and procedures approved by medical staff, nursing and agency administration
**Advanced Educational Preparation for LPNs in Colorado is limited to IV certification
No Substitutions
LICENSED PRACTICAL NURSE II (C6T2XX)
Education/Licensure/Certification/Experience:
Current, valid licensure as a Registered Nurse from the Colorado Board of Nursing or any state participating in the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC)
**Complete Board approved IV certification course including supervised clinical; OR document completion of such from another state Maintains evidence (both LPN and employer) of original documentation and demonstration of IV knowledge/judgment/skill
Follows written IV policies and procedures approved by medical staff, nursing and agency administration
**Advanced Educational Preparation for LPNs in Colorado is limited to IV certification
Two years of professional experience in an occupational field related to the work assigned to the position
Substitutions
Appropriate education will substitute for up to two years of the required experience on a year-for-year basis
LICENSED PRACTICAL NURSE III (C6T3XX)
Education/Licensure/Certification/Experience:
Current, valid licensure as a LPN from the Colorado Board of Nursing or any state participating in the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC)
**Complete Board approved IV certification course including supervised clinical; OR document completion of such from another state Maintains evidence (both LPN and employer) of original documentation and demonstration of IV knowledge/judgment/skill
Follows written IV policies and procedures approved by medical staff, nursing and agency administration
**Advanced Educational Preparation for LPNs in Colorado is limited to IV certification.
Three years of professional experience in an occupational field related to the work assigned to the position
Substitutions
Appropriate education will substitute for up to two years of the required experience on a year-for-year basis
History of Changes Made to Minimum Qualification
The following is a summary of changes made to this minimum qualification.
- Nov. 7, 2023 (Whole Document)
New format (updating to adhere to accessibility standards)