Licensed Practical Nurse

Job title: Licensed Practical Nurse Reports to: Director of Nursing FLSA: Full Time Pay Rate: $30.00 to $46.00 an hour DOE and Credentials Position Overview Serenity Mesa Recovery Center is an adolescent treatment program located in Albuquerque, NM. We provide triage/medical detox, 90-day inpatient treatment, and housing, under the ownership and direction of Healing Addiction in our Community (HAC), a New Mexico non‑profit corporation. Clients begin their recovery journey in our 3‑14‑day Crisis Triage, Unit and then, depending on need and bed availability, transition to our 90‑day inpatient program followed by housing services for those who qualify. The job is to develop and maintain a positive, healthy relationship with the staff and clients, provide treatment and care to clients while they are detoxing/stabilizing, provide ongoing medical care to clients after they enter our 90‑day program, and ensure that clients at Serenity Mesa have their medical needs addressed during their stay and to establish continued care post‑discharge. The position’s primary responsibility is to ensure the safety and security of the patients, residents, staff, and Serenity Mesa property by following the established policies and procedures. Job Responsibilities Practice Within Scope: Demonstrate knowledge of and adhere to the scope of practice for a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) as defined by the New Mexico Board of Nursing. Maintain a safe environment for all patients by following safety protocols and infection control standards. Promptly identify and report any patient safety concerns, incidents, or changes in condition to the appropriate clinical personnel or supervisor. Actively participate in efforts to reduce risk and promote a culture of safety. Ability to administer prescribed medication and medical treatments and following standard nursing procedures. Ability to assess and monitor physical and/or mental conditions of patients/clients. Ability to maintain effective communication with patients, families, and members of the health care staff. Ability to provide documentation, prepare reports and maintain patient/client records, including computer skills necessary for documentation. Conduct and document thorough nursing assessments in the EMR system, including intake assessments, vital signs, head‑to‑toe assessments, and hourly rounding, as ordered by the provider or per facility protocol. Ensure all documentation is accurate, timely, and compliant with clinical and regulatory standards. Clinical Assessment & Response: Respond promptly and appropriately to acute changes in a patient’s condition, utilizing sound clinical judgment, critical thinking, and decision‑making skills. Withdrawal Monitoring: Monitor patients experiencing acute withdrawal and identify early signs of medical or behavioral deterioration. Able to perform and accurately document clinical assessment tools, including but not limited to CIWA, BAWS, COWS, AIMS, and the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS). Reports symptoms, progress, and any changes in the patient’s condition to the physician, clinical supervisor, DON and/or charge nurse, ensuring that appropriate action is taken in a timely manner. Medication Protocols: Safely and accurately apply withdrawal‑related medication protocols in accordance with provider orders and facility policy. Works with the CPSW and clinical therapists to ensure that discharge planning and instructions are completed throughout the patient’s treatment and are clear and complete. Plan and provide basic group activities as indicated by patients ordered activity level. Ability to work as a team member and possess strong management, communication, organizational and interpersonal skills. Ability to work under stressful conditions and be flexible in relation to departmental needs. Adhere to all state and federal privacy regulations, including HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2, and to policies and agreements regarding confidentiality, privacy, and security. Understand and follow all policies and procedures of the Organization. Initiates change to improve patient care; discusses changes with DON, Charge nurse and/or doctor when appropriate. Ability to participate in defining, interpreting, and implementing standards, policies, and procedures which affect the delivery of nursing care services. Other LPN duties as required. Required Skills / Abilities Demonstrates the ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team, with strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills. Maintains flexibility and professionalism while working under pressure or in stressful situations; adapts to changing departmental needs and priorities. Knowledge of CARF and NM DOH/HCA standards within the Department. Must be reliable and consistent with attendance and punctuality to work. On‑Call Availability: Participate in the on‑call rotation by covering a minimum of three (3) on‑call days within each monthly schedule. Patient Transport: Facilitate or accompany the transport of patients to urgent care or medical appointments when clinically appropriate and EMS transport is not required. Ensure patient safety, complete all necessary documentation, and communicate relevant clinical information to providers and support staff as needed. Demonstrates proficiency in verbal and written communication skills. Ability to understand and abide by the Drug Free Workplace Policies. Ability to complete the Harassment and Discrimination training. Knowledge of Corporate Integrity and Compliance Program. Strong computer literacy with Microsoft applications (Teams, Outlook, Word, Excel) and current technology. Knowledge of standard evidence‑based approaches. Represent the Organization in a professional manner. Education and Experience Valid LPN license, in good standing, in the state of New Mexico. Preferred experience in the field of chemical dependency/substance abuse/psychiatric setting or human services field is preferred. Preferred experience working with youth and young adults. Complete and be within the requirements of Background and Drug screening results. Complete training or certifications in CPR, HIPAA, HIV/AIDS, Verbal De‑Escalation, Harassment/Discrimination, Incident Reporting, Infection/STD Risks, HEP B/C, and Abuse, Neglect, Trauma, and Exploitation, Understanding SUD, and any other trainings required by the State CARF and Supervisor. Essential Physical Abilities Stand and sit for extended periods of time; push, pull and reach; occasionally bend, stand, stoop and stretch. For overnight shifts, ability to stay awake during all hours of the night while on shift. Have full range of body motion. Have the hand‑eye coordination and manual dexterity needed to operate a keyboard, photocopier, telephone, calculator and medical equipment. Have normal range of hearing and eyesight to record, prepare and communicate appropriate reports; specific vision requirements: close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to focus. Occasionally lift and carry up to 10 pounds (This weight requirement may be adjusted based on something that the person would normally be expected to do). Note: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job. Work Environment The work of this position is performed in an environmentally controlled residential facility. The position requires the ability to work under pressure and with a diverse population, including staff, physicians, clients, patients, insurance companies and other members of the public on a regular basis. The position may occasionally cause exposure to communicable diseases, bodily fluids, and other conditions common to a residential environment. This Organization is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer of minorities, females, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or any other protected criteria, the consideration of which is made impermissible by applicable law. NOTE: This job description is not intended to be all‑inclusive. Employees may perform other related duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the organization. #J-18808-Ljbffr