Licensed Practical Nurse II

About the role

The Metro Boston Mental Health Units (MBMHU) at the Lemuel Shattuck Hospital are seeking a motivated, compassionate, skilled caregiver to join a dynamic nursing team as a Licensed Practical Nurse II.

Responsibilities

• Provides nursing care to adult psychiatric patients by assessing their health and mental health status, recording related data (including entering patient information into the Meditech Medical record), administering treatment and medications.
• Evaluates patients' responses to treatment, and in conjunction with other team members, adjusts their care to ensure the daily needs, dignity and human rights of the patients are met.
• Administers medications and treatments accurately and safely following nursing procedures to ensure optimal therapeutic value.
• Assists with the coordination and implementation of patients' individual treatment plans, as determined by a multidisciplinary team, by conferring with appropriate mental health professionals in the hospital to ensure that treatment plans are carried out as intended.
• Assists patients in preparing for transfer or discharge to a less restrictive setting by providing health and mental health teaching to maximize the rehabilitation potential of each patient.
• Mandatory training practices in Massachive, including MANDT and SWAP training, prevention, trauma-informed care, de-escalation and restraint/seclusion only when necessary to provide a safe environment.
• Performs related duties such as responding to health and safety issues and initiating appropriate action, communicating with appropriate staff, preparing and maintaining pertinent documentation.
• Observes patients according to hospital and departmental policy, conducting 15-minute checks and 1:1 or constant observation as directed.
• Serves as a role model for staff, by taking initiative in meeting patient needs, demonstrating professionalism and respect in all interactions and working collaboratively with all colleagues.
• Participates in organized meetings and in team building to ensure total patient care needs are met, and to establish good working relationships.
• Supports the goals and mission of the organization and assigned unit by serving as a role model for coworkers and promoting the psychiatric rehabilitation model of treatment.
• Supervises MHW's in their job performance and patient interactions, through oral and written instructions in order to ensure a therapeutic milieu.
• Participates in the identification, planning and implementation of hospital wide and unit-based performance improvement and team building activities.

Requirements

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of practical nursing.
• Able to gather information through observing and questioning individuals and by examining records and documents.
• Able to maintain a calm manner in stressful and emergency situations.
• Able to maintain accurate records.
• Able to accurately describe the physical, behavioral and mental status of patients, in oral and written reports.

Preferred Qualifications

• Understanding of the problems in providing nursing services to special client groups.
• Knowledge of the principles, practices and techniques of interacting with patients in a therapeutic manner.
• Knowledge of laws and regulations pertaining to admissions, commitment and discharge procedures of the DMH.
• Knowledge of behavioral management techniques, and the use and side effects of psychotropic medications.
• Knowledge of regulatory standards and implementation of these standards in the facility.

Qualifications

• At least one year of paraprofessional experience in the field of nursing as a licensed practical nurse.

Special Requirements

• Possession of a current and valid license as a practical nurse under the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing.

Salary and Benefits

Salary placement is determined by a combination of factors, including the candidate’s years of directly related experience and education, and alignment with our internal compensation structure as set forth by the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines. For all bargaining unit positions (non-management), compensation is subject to the salary provisions outlined in the applicable collective bargaining agreement and will apply to placement within the appropriate salary range.

Comprehensive Benefits: When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.