Licensed Practical Nurse LPN

Position Overview

The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) plans, directs, and coordinates medically-approved programs for patients in a Recovery Centers of America substance abuse facility. The LPM may assess a patient's condition, make recommendations, and may assist the Registered Nurse with individual patients and/or groups of patients to meet their physiological, psychological, safety, and general health needs.

Specific Duties And Responsibilities

• Assesses the physiological and behavioral health status of the patient.
• Completes initial assessment and develops the plan of care.
• Recognizes reports and acts upon reports of deviation in diagnostic studies.
• Accurately assesses and documents vital signs and signs of pain and ensures treatment of pain.
• Communicates and documents client's psychosocial status.
• Collaborates with treatment team to include ancillary departments to determine appropriate treatment/discharge plan.
• Affords assistance in understanding the nature of the disease of addiction and the need for treatment.
• Affords assistance in maintaining a safe and secure environment for staff and patients.
• Completes necessary documentation as required by organization Policies and Procedures.
• Maintains patient confidentiality.
• Maintains accurate records and documentation of patient treatments, immunizations, and laboratory results according to standard medical recordkeeping.
• Fulfills established policies and procedures for verification of narcotic counts.
• Administers medications according to organization policy.
• Verifies the MAR for correct medication and administration times.
• Maintains behavioral changes which may be related to medication administration.
• Provides courteous, high-quality service to patients and their loved ones by responding to requests for service or making appropriate referrals in a timely manner.
• Works effectively with and through others including those whom there is no formal authority over.
• Makes good decisions based on sound understanding and evaluation of relevant information; gathers information and involves others as appropriate.
• Demonstrates concern for meeting patient needs in a manner that provides satisfaction for the patient within the resources that can be made available.
• Identifies problems, involves others in seeking solutions, conducts appropriate analyses, searches for best solutions; responds quickly to new challenges.
• Communicates well both verbally and in writing, creates accurate and punctual reports, shares information and ideas with others, has good listening skills.

Qualifications

• State Practical Nursing license required.
• Current BLS certification preferred (or must complete during orientation period).
• One year of experience in a behavioral hospital is desirable, but incumbent may be a recent graduate; phlebotomy skills preferred.
• Knowledge of health care, detoxification process, addiction, co-occurring disorders, and DSM Criteria preferred.
• Ability to read and interpret written information; write clearly and informatively; edits work for spelling and grammar.
• Ability to speak clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; listens and gets clarification responds well to questions; demonstrates group presentation skills; and participates in meetings.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook preferred.
• Critical thinking skills and ability to formulate accurate nursing assessment.
• Competency in performing CLIA waived testing.
• Proficiency in screening/assessing for suicide ideation and aggression.
• Ability to safely administer medications.