Practical Nurse (Mental Health)

Licensed Practical Nurse

Under the direct supervision of the RN, MD, DO, NP or PA the Practical Nurse is held accountable for delivering direct patient care to adult through geriatric aged patients. He/she recognizes the age-related needs and demonstrates knowledge and care appropriate to that age group. He/she considers the cognitive, physical, emotional, and chronological maturation needs of the patients, demonstrates competence, and correctly provides appropriate care for that age group or groups. The incumbent will collaborate with an interdisciplinary team to ensure safety, stabilization, and therapeutic interventions in a structured setting.

Duties include but are not limited to:

• Collects data and collaborates in the assessment of the health status of a patient.
• Implements aspects of the plan of care as delegated.
• Participates in the evaluation of patient responses to interventions.
• Participates in health teaching and counseling to promote, attain, and maintain the optimum health level of patients, as delegated.
• Recognizes, reports and record promptly all changes in physical condition and behavior of patients.
• Completes routine documentation of results of care and treatment according to policy, guidelines, instructions, (e.g. flow sheets) utilizing the electronic record and information network.
• Differentiates between emergent and non-emergent conditions. Reports promptly and accurately records critical/emergency situations.
• Demonstrates knowledge and ability to provide a full range of practical nursing care to patients with a variety of physical and /or behavioral problems.
• Demonstrates a broad working knowledge of practical nursing procedures under the general supervision of an RN or MD/DO.
• Technically efficient in initiating, performing, and completing assigned duties in providing care to variable patient populations.
• Knowledge and ability to appropriately carry out assigned patient care based on the patients' conditions.
• Observes, identifies and responds to the patient's needs for care, including medication, equipment assisted care and patient/family education.
• Knowledge and skill in performing support duties for complex, diagnostic tests and /or specialized practices or procedures.
• Delivers direct nursing care to patients/residents.
• Monitors patient status and side effects or complications from medications as prescribed.
• Maintains accurate documentation and comply with regulatory and program standards.
• Responds to medical and provides psychiatric crises intervention, ensuring safety and stabilization.
• Educates patients and families on treatment plans, medications, and coping strategies.
• Assumes other related duties.

Inpatient Units - Part of being an employee with the Bedford VA includes taking care of all of the veterans across the hospital. All inpatient units include Mental Health, Acute Psychiatric, Long Term Psychiatric, Residential, Long Term Care, Short Term Care, Hospice, Rehabilitation, and Dementia. All staff are required and may have to float to support the needs of the inpatient units.