PRN Nursing - LPN/RN Overnight Shift

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

Location: Mandeville, Louisiana

Facility: The Ness Center PPW

Shift: Night 7pm-7am

Position Summary:

The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) provides direct nursing care and medication management to patients in the Pregnant and Parenting Women (PPW) program under the direction of Medical Staff. The LPN monitors patient health status, administers medications, supports interdisciplinary treatment planning, and collaborates closely with ADL Specialists and other team members to maintain a safe, trauma-informed therapeutic environment. This role also includes assisting with patient supervision, milieu support, and the safety and care of infants and children as needed, requiring strong clinical judgment, communication, and a flexible, team-oriented approach to care.

Essential Functions:

Medication Administration and Nursing Care

• Administer medications as ordered by Medical Staff in accordance with established medication administration policies and procedures
• Obtain vital signs per medication regulations and monitor patients for therapeutic response and adverse reactions
• Report medication variations or errors immediately per policy
• Assist the RN in providing medical care, procedures, and treatments within scope of practice

Shift Communication and Team Collaboration

• Attend beginning of shift change report and communicate effectively with interdisciplinary team members regarding patient care, medications, clinical updates, and safety concerns
• Participate in weekly interdisciplinary treatment team meetings and provide clinical input regarding patient response to medications and observed changes in condition or behavior

Controlled Substances and Medication Security

• Complete end of shift narcotic counts and document discrepancies
• Perform controlled drug counts as indicated by PYXIS and per policy
• Retrieve controlled medications for passes or discharge and ensure medications are secured on the unit
• Account for all controlled substances at discharge and upon return from passes, completing required documentation

Orders, Documentation, and Charting

• Receive, document, and transcribe Medical Staff orders, including telephone orders with read back and confirmation
• Transcribe medication orders to the MAR and forward orders to pharmacy as required
• Transcribe non medication orders according to protocol, completing required forms and notifications
• Accurately document all medications, including PRN medications, on the MAR
• Document PRN indications, assessments, and outcomes in the Multidisciplinary Progress Note and communicate results to the RN Charge Nurse prior to end of shift

Patient Assessments and Safety Monitoring

• Perform body audits as directed by the RN Charge Nurse, including at admission, following off grounds visits, and prior to discharge
• Observe patients for changes in condition, behavior, or functioning and report concerns promptly

Diagnostic Testing and Appointments

• Assist with requisitioning, documenting, and follow up of laboratory work, EKGs, and other diagnostic testing as ordered
• Assist in scheduling and ensuring patient attendance at off grounds appointments, on site medical clinic visits, and other authorized outings

Treatment Planning and Patient Education

• Participate in the treatment planning process, initiating and maintaining plans of care related to medications
• Review treatment plans regularly and update interventions as required
• Educate patients regarding prescribed medications and obtain informed consent using required forms, including addendums for new or changed psychotropic medications

Unit Safety and Equipment Monitoring

• Check, clean, and document emergency carts, controlled drug storage areas, sharps containers, glucometer logs, and refrigerator temperatures per policy

Groups and Therapeutic Support

• Facilitate Nursing Education Groups and document participation and outcomes for all patients, including those who did not attend

Program Support and Team Assistance

• Assist coworkers, including Mental Health Technicians, as needed to support patient care and unit operations
• Relieve MHTs for breaks and assist with patient observation and milieu management, particularly during high acuity situations
• Assist with supervision and care of infants and children in the PPW program as needed, supporting safety and a nurturing, developmentally appropriate environment

Administrative and Other Duties

• Perform additional duties as assigned, including answering phones, scanning and filing orders, completing nursing documentation and forms, chart checks, and clerical support tasks

Minimum Qualifications:

Education: Graduate of an accredited school or college of nursing.

Experience: At least one (1) year of experience as a Licensed Practical Nurse; psychiatric or behavioral health experience preferred.

Licensure/Certification: Currently licensed as a Licensed Practical Nurse in the State of Louisiana. American Heart Association BLS (AHA BLS) certification required. Candidates without current AHA BLS will be required to attend company-provided classes during the week of orientation.

Competency: Position and age-related competencies as required.

HIPAA: Authorized to access and document within the medical record for assigned patients only. Responsible for maintaining patient confidentiality and adhering to all HIPAA regulations.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to remain calm and composed in stressful or crisis situations while maintaining professionalism and sound judgment
• Strong team-first attitude and understanding that effective patient care requires collaboration
• Ability to interact effectively with the clinical team and other staff
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and time-management skills
• Empathy for patients and their families, flexibility, and professionalism in all interactions
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries with patients
• Telephone etiquette and customer service skills for both phone and face-to-face contacts
• Ability to maintain confidential information
• Basic knowledge of treatment procedures and interventions common to acute psychiatric care and non-violent crisis intervention
• Basic knowledge of abnormal psychology
• Familiarity with psychopharmacology and the use of psychotropic medications

Equal Opportunity:

The Ness Center is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status.