Licensed Practical Nurse

Licensed Practical Nurse

The Licensed Practical Nurse works under the direction of a qualified professional nurse. Participates in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of nursing care, within the objectives, standards, and policies of the department and within the parameters of the licensing board. Communicates and works collaboratively with members of the multidisciplinary team, i.e., medical staff, administration, clinicians, dietitians, and milieu personnel. Takes reasonable care and precautions to ensure high patient safety standards and a therapeutic environment exist.

Essential Functions:

• Provides direct and individualized nursing care to an assigned group of patients under the supervision of a registered professional nurse, while always maintaining the assurance of patient safety and following unit and hospital policies and procedures. Complies with all company safety policies and practices.
• Assists in relevant health and psychiatric teaching for patient and family. Serves as a role model for patients and peers.
• Shares responsibility for the planning, implementation, and evaluation of nursing care plans and nursing care.
• Effectively communicates with the medical staff, receives verbal/written orders, and takes care to minimize abbreviation or other errors. Participates in team conferences, sharing knowledge, information, and ideas among team members.
• Prepares, administers, controls and accurately records medications in accordance with the policy regarding the administration of medications by a licensed practical nurse, with thorough documentation regarding administration effect and/or adverse effects.
• Observes, documents, and communicates with/reports to the R.N. in Charge any clinical, physical, unit or personnel, or other issues which could alter patient care. Reports status changes and concerns to registered nurses and doctors. Communicates with all departments as needed to ensure that total quality patient care is delivered.
• Consults, follows, and documents with sufficient detail nursing care according to facility policy and procedures. Records patient symptoms, responses, and progress concisely, accurately, and completely.
• Safely and accurately performs vital signs, electrocardiograms, phlebotomy/labs, and diabetic/glucose monitoring. Interprets results and takes appropriate nursing action.
• Provides coverage in emergency services as needed.

Education/Experience/Skill Requirements:

• Graduation from an approved Licensed Practical Nursing Program.
• One or more years' nursing experience within clinical area of service provided by facility preferred.
• Knowledge of and experience with psychotropic medications and medication administration procedures.
• Ability to apply nursing standards and practice within an acute psychiatric setting

Licenses/Designations/Certifications:

• Valid current vocational/practical nursing license from the state or from a nurse compact state, where applicable.
• CPR and de-escalation and restraint certification required (training available upon hire and offered by facility).
• First aid may be required based on state or facility requirements.

Work Location:

This position is onsite at the facility and is not a remote position.

Supervisory Requirements:

This position is an Individual Contributor