Licensed Practical Nurse LPN

POSITION OVERVIEW :

The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) plans, directs, and coordinates medically approved programs for patients in a Recovery Centers of America SUD / Behavioral Health facility. The LPN may assess a patient's condition, make recommendations, and may assist the Registered Nurse with individual patients and / or groups of patients to meet their physiological, psychological, safety, and general health needs.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES :

Assess the physiological and behavioral health status of the patient. Completes initial assessment and develops the plan of care. Recognizes reports and acts upon reports of deviation in diagnostic studies. Accurately assesses and documents vital signs and signs of pain and ensures treatment of pain. Communicates and documents client's psychosocial status. Collaborates with treatment team to include ancillary departments to determine appropriate treatment / discharge plan. Assists the client in understanding the nature of the disease of addiction and the need for treatment. Assists in maintaining a safe and secure environment for staff and patients. Completes necessary documentation as required by organization Policies and Procedures. Maintains patient confidentiality. Maintains accurate records and documentation of patient treatments, immunizations, and laboratory results according to standard medical recordkeeping. Follows established policies and procedures for verification of narcotic counts. Administers medications according to organization policy. Verifies the MAR for correct medication and administration times. Monitors behavioral changes which may be related to medication administration. Provides courteous, high-quality service to patients and their loved ones by responding to requests for service or making appropriate referrals in a timely manner. Works effectively with and through others including those whom there is no formal authority over. Makes good decisions based on sound understanding and evaluation of relevant information; gathers information and involves others as appropriate. Demonstrates concern for meeting patient needs in a manner that provides satisfaction for the patient within the resources that can be made available. Identifies problems, involves others in seeking solutions, conducts appropriate analyses, searches for best solutions; responds quickly to new challenges. Communicates well both verbally and in writing, creates accurate and punctual reports, shares information and ideas with others, has good listening skills.

STATE SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES (if applicable) :

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required :

State Practical Nursing license required. Current BLS certification preferred (or must complete during orientation period) One year of experience in a behavioral hospital is desirable, but incumbent may be a recent graduate; phlebotomy skills preferred. Knowledge of health care, detoxification process, addiction, co-occurring disorders, and DSM Criteria preferred. Ability to read and interpret written information; write clearly and informatively; edits work for spelling and grammar. Ability to speak clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; listens and gets clarification responds well to questions; demonstrates group presentation skills; and participates in meetings. Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook preferred. Critical thinking skills and ability to formulate accurate nursing assessment. Competency in performing CLIA waived testing. Proficiency in screening / assessing for suicide ideation and aggression. Ability to safely administer medications.

WORK ENVIRONMENT : This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, and filing cabinets. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS : While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and / or move objects up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus. Ability to administer at least 2 consecutive minutes of quality CPR.

TRAVEL : Travel is primarily local during the business day, although some out-of-the-area and overnight travel may be expected.