Licensed Practical Nurse - Adolescents

• Great benefits such as: Health, Dental, Vision, Life, & Disability Insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Paid Personal Leave and Paid Holidays
• 403b Retirement Plan (matches one to one of employee contribution for the first 3%, then a 50% match on the next 6% of employee contribution)

Essential Job Functions

• Provides quality nursing care to clients; properly administers medication injections; performs initial and ongoing health assessments; documents results; takes vital signs on clients; ensures protection from blood borne pathogens by adhering to safety and environmental infection control policies and procedures.
• Provides emergency care; responds to accidents, choking; administers CPR or first aid as needed; makes preliminary diagnosis of illnesses and documents all actions.
• Administers medications and provides medication education in accordance with physician orders, agency policy, and licensing requirements.
• Maintains accountability, security, and proper storage of medications using the Pyxis medication dispensing system and secured medication carts.
• Performs medication counts, reconciliations, audits, and discrepancy reporting under supervision of an RN.
• Monitors medication compliance and ensures safe handling and administration of all controlled substances.
• Initiates care appropriate to program client needs.
• Communicates with doctors, psychiatrists, pharmacists regarding client needs; arranges medical appointments; advises of unusual laboratory results, medication refills, returns, or other medication changes; follows all instructions given by doctors; attends treatment team meetings; provides input into development of client case plans.
• Collects UA samples using Universal Precautions and in accordance with SMA polity and procedure.
• Conducts nursing assessments, admission screenings, health histories, and ongoing health monitoring supervised by an RN.
• Monitors youth for withdrawal symptoms, adverse medication reactions, suicidal ideation, self-harm risk, and other medical or behavioral concerns.
• Reports significant clinical findings promptly to appropriate medical and supervisory staff.
• Initiates crisis intervention as required to maintain a safe environment.
• Records client information in SMA's EMR in a timely manner and in accordance with SMA policy and procedure.
• Supports implementation of trauma-informed, client-centered interventions that promote emotional regulation and positive behavioral outcomes.
• Serves as a role model while reinforcing behavioral expectations and therapeutic boundaries.
• Assists Behavioral Health Technicians (BHTs) with client supervision, unit operations, and behavior management support.
• Monitors client behavior and reports safety, health, or behavioral concerns promptly.
• Performs related work as required by supervisor.

Qualification Requirements

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Minimum Education and/or Experience

Completion of a program in practical nursing and licensure as a practical nurse; experience working in a clinical psychiatric setting and/or with chemically dependent individuals preferred. Current BLS Certification or CPR Certification as required by program. Additional education and/or experience may be required as per specific program guidelines.

Knowledge/Skills and Abilities

• Must be knowledgeable and demonstrate competency in current principles and practice related to health care of clients specific to the LPN's program population.
• Must have knowledge of the basic principles, methods, practices, and procedures of providing nursing care including administering medications.
• Must have knowledge of psychiatric medications as well as general therapeutic drugs and narcotics for the clients being served in the LPN's program.
• Knowledge of principles, methods, practices, and procedures for administering first aid and CPR.
• Ability to quickly and accurately assess situations and use sound judgment in applying medical or emergency intervention techniques.
• Ability to maintain an effective working relationship with clients, family members, other employees, professionals, and the general public.
• Ability to handle verbally and/or physically abusive and aggressive clients and utilize aggression control techniques to ensure the safety and well being of the client, family members, other clients, and employees in the clinic.
• Ability to communicate effectively with emotionally disturbed and mentally ill or disabled clients.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

Necessary Special Requirements

Possession of a valid Florida driver's license, acceptable driving record, and proof of personal automobile insurance if required to drive an SMA vehicle and/or use a personal vehicle for SMA business. Complete State of Florida mandatory background screening prior to start of employment. Complete SMA required training during the first six (6) months of employment and updated if required. Current BLS Certification or CPR Certification as required by program.

Physical Requirements

Mobility and ability to bend and reach during an 8-12 hour day. Able to lift minimum 10 pounds. Visual and auditory acuity sufficient to evaluate, intervene, treat, and record client health care needs. Fine motor skills for legible and accurate charting, daily correspondence and presentation, either manually or orally. Work endurance ability to work 8-12 hour shifts with a meal break, as possible. Routine 8-12 hour shifts. Hours and days off may vary. Extra hours may be required. Work assignment locations may vary.