Licensed Practical Nurse - Medication Assisted Opioid Treatment Program

Licensed Practical Nurse - Medication Assisted Opioid Treatment Program

Richmond Behavioral Health is seeking Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) to join our Medication Assisted Opioid Treatment Program. The selected individual will perform intermediate human support work in the care and treatment of patients, managing, preparing and monitoring medications, administering observed dosed medication, injections, obtaining lab specimens, preparing and maintaining records and files, and related work as apparent or assigned. Work is performed under the limited supervision of the assigned supervisor.

Essential Functions:

• Assesses and evaluates clients; obtains and reviews pertinent medical data; collects vital signs and specimens; monitors and documents patients response to treatment.
• In collaboration with the Pharmacist, manages, sorts and prepares medications for distribution to patients; evaluates, reviews and monitors medication compliance.
• Participates in diversion control efforts, such as patient call-backs and medication counts; documents results in patient record and reports concerns to Registered Nurse and case manager assigned to patient.
• Administers and observes ingestion of oral medication, injections, immunizations, and medications with training and supervision; assist the physician as needed.
• Delivers medication and to patients in residential treatment and observes dosing.
• Assists Registered Nurse with triage and crisis intervention as needed. Provides crisis intervention services as necessary.
• Draws venous blood, finger stick, urine and other routine laboratory work; obtains and processes specimens; sends to the laboratory for analysis.
• Consults with prescriber, lead nurse, case manager, team members and pharmacies on new orders, changes, pre-authorizations and lab results; reviews and verifies discharge orders.
• Prepares and maintains patient charts, logs and records, and utilizes electronic health records and other software to document dosing and other medical and pharmacy concerns.
• Assists the Registered Nurse in preparing supply orders, tracks and stocks supplies and medications.
• Participates in training in the use of naloxone to reverse opioid overdose.
• Attends meetings, seminars and training as required.

Position Requirements - Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Thorough knowledge of practical nursing techniques and the care and treatment of all types of clients; considerable knowledge of sanitation, personal hygiene, basic health and safety practices; skills in preparing and administering medications and general knowledge of proper dosage, effects and contradictions, especially methadone and other medications used in the treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD); skill in the operation of general and specialized equipment used in the area of assignment; ability to make astute observations of patient's conditions and to report changes accurately; ability to understand, interpret, and relate oral and written instruction; ability to solve problems within scope of responsibility; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, medical personnel, other employees and the general public.
• Knowledge of addiction and the symptoms of drug and alcohol use, especially opioids, and impact of methadone as a medication to treat OUD. Ability to utilize Electronic Health Records (EHR) and other software to track patient progress and document dosing. Excellent oral and written communication skills, and ability to relate to individuals from diverse backgrounds. Ability to work as a team member with a variety of medical and behavioral health professionals.

Education and Experience:

• Graduation from a State accredited program of practical nurse education and moderate experience as a practical nurse in a behavioral health setting.

Special Requirements:

• Possession of a current license as a Practical Nurse issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia Board of Nursing.
• CPR certification.
• Valid driver's license in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Full-Time/Part-Time - Full-Time

Starting Salary Range - $28.64 +DOQ

EOE Statement - Richmond Behavioral Health Authority provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.