Job Community Crisis Stabilization LPN

Overview

Advocates is seeking enthusiastic, driven LPNs to offer medical support, care coordination and rehabilitation options to those in crisis.

$33/hour

$5,000 Sign-on Bonus! (available to external candidates only)

The Licensed Practical Nurse is responsible for the provision of direct care and nursing care to meet identified individuals' health maintenance needs. This includes, but is not limited to, assessment, medication management, education and coordination of care. The LPN works as part of a multi-disciplinary team to support people at the program around all domains of living and to support the achievement of goals identified by individuals in Respite.

This is a six-bed unit, therefore there are never more than six clients at a time. The day typically starts with rounding, morning assessment and medication pass. Throughout the day the LPN may be responsible for admitting and discharging clients from the physical health perspective which would include transferring medications, ensuring people have follow up with medical providers, VNA services/HHA services in place etc. Throughout the day clients at the program should be monitored, educated, and supported. Education should be provided via an individual and group basis. For example, maybe the LPN notices many people on the unit are struggling with sleep, so they offer a group education session on sleep hygiene. Maybe someone is admitted that has DM and the nurse provides some one-on-one education about when and how to check their blood sugar and make nutrition decisions. General health encouragement and education is of great benefit to the clients, for example maybe the LPN provides education around good nutrition choices and then the program makes that meal suggestion that night. There are set tasks and goals that need to be achieved daily, and there is wonderful room for the LPN to be creative in how they would like to provide health education and support!

Minimum Education Required

High School Diploma/GED

Responsibilities

• Assists with rehabilitation of residents and health maintenance in accordance with the Individual Action Plan.
• Upholds in all areas of work the philosophy of the Advocates Way and the Intentional Care Standards while serving people at the program.
• Contributes to assessment, individual risk management/safety planning, discharge planning, and care coordination.
• Assists the Nurse Manager and individuals staying at the program with administration of medications and therapeutic treatments according to site policies and procedures as well as the person's abilities.
• Assists with the education of residents and staff in areas such as medication management, checking pulse, temperature, blood pressure and blood glucose levels.
• Implements interventions and documents progress according to program policies and procedures.
• Reports changes in resident's status or unusual activity/occurrence to the Nurse Manager or Clinician On-Call in a timely and appropriate manner.
• Maintains documentation/record keeping in accordance with agency and program guidelines.
• Advocates for residents and coordinate with other healthcare providers.
• Utilizes a person centered rehabilitation and recovery perspective to modify the approach to each individual person.
• Ensures an environment that promotes safety, recovery, and treatment.
• Attends and actively participates in supervision, staff, team, and family meetings.
• Attends trainings as assigned; maintains necessary certifications (CPR, First Aid, SOLVE, MAP).
• Ensures that individuals we support are treated with dignity and respect in accordance with Advocates' Human Rights Policy.
• Performs all duties in accordance with the agency's policies and procedures.

Qualifications

• Graduate of an approved nursing school with current licensure in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as a Licensed Practical Nurse and 1 year experience, experience with people with diagnosed mental health issues who live in the community preferred.
• Must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing and ability to use good judgment.
• Must have basic computer knowledge.
• High energy level, superior interpersonal skills and ability to function in a team atmosphere.
• Must hold a valid drivers' license, access to an operational and insured vehicle and be willing to use it to transport individuals.
• Demonstrated understanding of and competence in serving culturally diverse populations.

Advocates is committed to cultivating a diverse and welcoming community where everyone feels respected and valued. Advocates fosters a culture of inclusion that celebrates and promotes diversity along multiple dimensions, including race, ethnicity, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, partnered status, age, national origin, socioeconomic status, religion, ability, culture, and experience.