Licensed Practical Nurse LPN PRN Nights

At Oceans Behavioral Hospital Alexandria, healing is our focus. We are passionate about helping adults and seniors manage the challenges associated with anxiety, depression and other mental health issues. Utilizing proven, innovative and progressive therapies, our qualified professionals strive to promote long-term wellness through a range of inpatient and outpatient psychiatric counseling and treatment options. The Licensed Practical Nurse’s primary role is to provide nursing care for patients who are experiencing common, well‑defined health problems. The LPN functions as a member of the multidisciplinary health‑care team, and utilizes the nursing process in the implementation of patient care. Those services are performed under the supervision of a registered nurse but utilize all nursing skills to make safe, appropriate and independent decisions within the scope of the LPN nursing practice. All duties are performed in accordance with Joint Commission, federal and state regulations, Oceans’ Mission, policies and procedures and performance‑improvement standards. Essential Functions Delivers quality nursing care to an assigned group of patients by collecting data and identifying deviations from normal; assists with reassessing patients according to assignments, needs, unit protocol and/or hospital policy under the direction of the registered nurse. Accurately and thoroughly documents all findings in the patient record and identifies expected outcomes based on assessment data; effectively communicates pertinent assessment findings with other health‑care members. Implements nursing care interventions identified in the individualized multidisciplinary treatment plan using accepted standards of practice in collaboration with other health‑care providers; performs nursing procedures/treatments as prescribed by physician/LIP. Conducts specified bedside laboratory tests, wound care, and provides assistance with ADLs. Promotes the patient’s ability to cope, adapt and/or solve situations related to illness and/or stressors. Provides supportive, age‑appropriate communication and culturally accepted interventions and documents special needs. Provides safe delivery of medications in accordance with facility policies and physician orders; administers medications utilizing established safety procedures and standards. Ensures patients are effectively assessed prior to and after medication administration. Accurately communicates and documents medication doses prescribed, and provides patient education on medication administered. Follows up on patient‑care responsibilities; communicates incomplete assignments and patient needs with other disciplines to assure continuity of care; transcribes orders accurately and performs chart audits according to facility guidelines. Utilizes nursing knowledge to successfully meet the needs of the facility, patient population and staff members. Utilizes nursing resources to enhance evidence‑based practice. Guides, educates, and provides leadership as a preceptor to new staff. Performs other duties and projects as assigned. Requirements Education / Experience Current, valid, and active license to practice as a Licensed Vocational/Practical Nurse in the state of employment. Valid compact licenses are also acceptable if applicable. High School Diploma or GED is required. One year of inpatient hospital experience strongly preferred. Qualifications / Skills Must be able to work in high stress and assess potential for patient escalation. Must communicate effectively both orally and in writing, achieve positive results with internal and external customers, be highly organized, and have sensitivity to serve culturally diverse and special‑needs populations such as chronically mentally ill, geriatric, children with developmental disorders, as well as possess basic knowledge of normal physical and emotional development. Exhibits critical‑thinking abilities and applies them for continuous improvement of patient care. Demonstrates self‑confidence and the ability to think conceptually in leading and directing others. Must successfully complete CPR certification and an Oceans‑approved behavioral health de‑escalation program. Work Environment Subject to many interruptions. Occasional pressure due to multiple calls and inquiries. The position is high‑paced and stressful; requires mental and physical coping ability to the atmosphere. The person may experience disagreeable odors, sights and/or unpredictable patient behavior. Work requires spending approximately 90 % of the time inside a building that offers protection from weather conditions but not necessarily from temperature changes. #J-18808-Ljbffr