Licensed Practical Nurse

Overview

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.

• Assess the physiological and behavioral health status of the patient.
• Complete initial assessment and develop the plan of care.
• Recognize reports and act upon reports of deviation in diagnostic studies.
• Accurately assess and document vital signs and signs of pain; ensure treatment of pain.
• Communicate and document client s psychosocial status.
• Collaborate with treatment team to include ancillary departments to determine appropriate treatment/discharge plan.
• Assist the client in understanding the nature of addiction and the need for treatment.
• Assist in maintaining a safe and secure environment for staff and patients.
• Complete necessary documentation as required by organization Policies and Procedures.
• Maintain patient confidentiality and accurate records of treatments, immunizations, and laboratory results according to standard medical recordkeeping.
• Follow established policies and procedures for verification of narcotic counts.
• Administer medications according to organization policy; verify the MAR for correct medication and administration times.
• Monitor behavioral changes which may be related to medication administration.
• Provide courteous, high-quality service to patients and their families by responding to requests or making appropriate referrals in a timely manner.
• Work effectively with and through others, including those with no formal authority over.
• Make decisions based on sound understanding and evaluation of relevant information; involve others as appropriate.
• Demonstrate concern for meeting patient needs in a manner that provides satisfaction within available resources.
• Identify problems, involve others in seeking solutions, conduct analyses, search for best solutions; respond quickly to new challenges.
• Communicate well verbally and in writing; create accurate and punctual reports; share information and ideas with others; demonstrate good listening skills.

• 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 a recent graduate may be considered; 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; edit work for spelling and grammar.
• Ability to speak clearly and persuasively; listen and seek clarification; respond well to questions; demonstrate group presentation skills; participate in meetings.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook preferred.
• Critical thinking skills and ability to formulate accurate nursing assessments.
• Competency in performing CLIA waived testing.
• Proficiency in screening/assessing for suicide ideation and aggression.
• Ability to safely administer medications.

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.

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