Crisis Care Center LPN - PRN

JOB DESCRIPTION
Crisis Care Center Licensed Practical Nurse

The Crisis Care Center is designed to provide crisis stabilization to individuals experiencing a behavioral health and/or substance use crisis and reduce pressure on law enforcement and local emergency departments. Once the crisis has been resolved and the individual has been stabilized, they will be linked with a community mental health provider for on-going services. This position is a direct service provider for the Crisis Care Center. This position is a direct service provider for the Crisis Care Center. The individual hired for this position is responsible for the coordination of medical, nursing and program services for individuals with mental health, substance use, and co-occurring disorders. The individual hired will be responsible for the initial nursing assessment of clients when they present to the Crisis Care Center to assure stabilization. This individual will also interpret medical information and assist or administer medications.

Supervised by: Nurse Manager

Shift 7:00 am - 7:00pm OR 7:00 pm - 7:00am

PRIMARY JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Obtain medical histories and provide medical screening
• Monitors changes in the health status, including but not limited to vital signs, weights, nutritional needs, and other medical condition states
• Administer prescribed medications as directed by Provider and document appropriately/accurately on MAR
• Manage the medication room (i.e. carts, Pyxis etc.)
• Perform chart checks each shift and document all medication errors according to agency policy and notify the Charge/Lead Nurse, Provider and Nurse Manager
• Respond appropriately to crisis situations that may involve physical intervention including the use of seclusion/restraint
• Assists in the coordination and implementation of discharge plans to outside community agencies and providers
• Follow-up on medical concerns by providing direct nursing services to clients
• Monitors with or without observation, withdrawal complications, possible medication side effects and emerging symptoms of mental illness
• Provides health education to groups and/or individuals
• Maintains up to date, well documented medical records in compliance with state and program requirements
• Participates in treatment team meetings as a member of the multidisciplinary team
• Demonstrates competency for Blood Glucose Monitoring, Alcohol Breathalyzer, Urine Drug Screen, Pregnancy Test, and PPD skin tests
• Monitors and documents all ordered labs, screenings, and results such as PPD, Blood Glucose, UA, RPR, Blood Chem, and CBC
• Perform safe phlebotomy practices when collecting blood
• Addresses medication issues with clients when necessary and provides proper education and guidance
• Accurately transcribe all verbal and written orders by the Provider (i.e. NP/MD/PA)
• Perform all administrative duties as required
• Other duties as assigned

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Licensed Practical Nurse with a current Alabama Nursing license
• Two years' experience working with serious mental illness and/or substance use populations preferred
• Familiarity with psychotropic and neuroleptic drugs, their uses as well as potential side effects
• Valid American Red Cross CPR/First Aid certification
• Valid Alabama driver's license

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of the seriously mentally ill and substance use population
• Knowledge of special needs and behavioral characteristics of the seriously mentally ill and/or substance use adult population
• Assessment skills in the areas of physical and mental status
• Familiarity with psychotropic and neuroleptic drugs, their uses, and potential side effects
• Knowledge and ability to properly administer psychotropic/neuroleptic drugs as ordered by the prescriber
• Knowledge of legal and ethical issues relative to confidentiality of client records and the ability to interpret and apply them within the scope of the nursing responsibilities
• Working knowledge of interviewing techniques and principles
• Effective communication skills, written and expressive
• Ability and willingness to document activities and maintain records in the electronic health record
• Trained in or willing to be trained in crisis intervention, specifically Therapeutic Options