LPN

Licensed Practical Nurse

The Licensed Practical Nurse provides nursing care to patients in the Centers programs under the supervision and assignment of the Registered Nurse.

Reports To: RN/ Nurse Supervisor/ Nurse Manager.

Qualifications:

• Graduate from an accredited school of Practical Nursing
• Current status as a licensed practical nurse in the State of Michigan
• Two years of experience in nursing, with one additional year of experience in psychiatric nursing (preferred)

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Administers medication
• Provides patient education related to medication, and observes and reports signs and symptoms of side effects or adverse drug reaction to the supervising Nurse
• Identifies medical problems and reports to the supervising Nurse
• Provides general nursing care to patients who present with medical problems requiring nursing interventions such as dressing changes, etc.
• Assists with procedures and physical exams; teaches patients about infection control and general health maintenance
• Identifies alterations in sensory perceptual images, recognizing the differences between illusions, delusions, and hallucinations; is consistently aware of safety issues regarding these patients and takes action, when indicated, to prevent patient harm; communicates these issues to the supervising Nurse
• Identifies alterations in mood, recognizing potential for self-harm or other high-risk behaviors; communicates these issues to the supervising Nurse
• Provides care to patients in a manner that considers safety, patients rights, comfort and the therapeutic environment
• Performs patient checks every 30 minutes, as ordered by physician, and more often if required
• Assists with admission, discharge and transfer of patients in a timely manner and completes necessary documentation
• Observes patient behavior and reports this information to the supervising Nurse observation following the policy of AIR charting
• Assists in applying protective devices under the direct supervision of the supervising Nurse and completes proper documentation
• LPNs must have completed Non-Violent Crisis Intervention training and otherwise re-review training materials on a yearly basis
• Utilizes the Individualized Treatment Plan and any specific treatment plans in determining interventions with patients; keeps treatment plans updated; reviews treatment plan with patient
• Remains in patient areas whenever possible to assist patients and visitors
• Notifies the supervising Nurse prior to leaving unit and otherwise adjusts lunch and break times (if any) to meet Center needs
• Sets limits in a therapeutic and consistent manner on a patients behavior with the assistance of the supervising Nurse within program guidelines and age-specific guidelines
• Assists patients with activities of daily living, encouraging independent behavior with appropriate interventions on a daily basis
• Assists patients during mealtimes, observes intake, reports to the supervising Nurse and follows program guidelines regarding nutritional habits
• Identifies verbal and non-verbal cues for potential aggressive behavior and applies de-escalation techniques to situation
• Intervenes to decrease the panic of disturbed patients under the direction of the supervising Nurse
• Uses the necessary intervention to de-escalate situations involving disturbed patients
• Serves as a role model for patients and other staff by appearance, manner, attitude and tone
• Participates in staff development programs; Keeps supervising Nurse apprised of any difficulties or necessary changes required in program or staff development