Licensed Practical Nurse LPN PRN Days

About the Role

At Oceans Behavioral Hospital Alexandria, we are passionate about helping adults and seniors manage the challenges associated with anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) provides nursing care for patients experiencing common, well-defined health problems as a member of the multidisciplinary healthcare team. The LPN utilizes the nursing process under the supervision of a registered nurse but makes safe, appropriate, and independent decisions within the scope of LPN nursing practice. All duties are performed in accordance with Joint Commission, Federal and State regulations, Oceans' Mission, policies and procedures, and Performance Improvement Standards.

Responsibilities

• Deliver quality nursing care to assigned patients by collecting data, identifying deviations from normal, and assisting with reassessments under the direction of the registered nurse.
• Accurately and thoroughly document findings in the patient record, identify expected outcomes, and communicate assessment data with other healthcare team members.
• Implement nursing care interventions identified in the individualized multidisciplinary treatment plan, perform procedures/treatments as prescribed, and collaborate with other providers.
• Conduct specified bedside laboratory tests, wound care, and assist with activities of daily living (ADLs). Promote patient coping, adaptation, and problem-solving related to illness and stressors.
• Provide supportive, age-appropriate, and culturally acceptable communication and interventions, documenting special needs.
• Administer medications safely in accordance with facility policies and physician orders, ensuring patient assessment before and after administration. Document doses and provide patient education.
• Follow up on patient care responsibilities, communicate incomplete assignments and needs with other disciplines, transcribe orders accurately, and perform chart audits.
• Utilize nursing knowledge to meet facility, patient population, and staff needs, enhancing evidence-based practice.
• Serve as a preceptor to new staff, providing guidance, education, and leadership.
• Perform other duties and projects as assigned.

Requirements

• Current, valid, and active license to practice as a Licensed Vocational/Practical Nurse in the state of employment. Valid Compact licenses are acceptable.
• High School Diploma or GED required.
• One year of inpatient hospital experience strongly preferred.

Qualifications & Skills

• Ability to work in high-stress environments and assess potential for patient escalation.
• Strong oral and written communication skills to achieve positive results with internal and external customers.
• Highly organized with an understanding and sensitivity to serve culturally diverse and special needs populations (e.g., Chronically Mentally Ill, Geriatric, Chemical Dependency).
• Basic knowledge of normal physical and emotional development.
• Critical thinking abilities for continuous improvement of patient care.
• Self-confidence and conceptual thinking to lead and direct others.
• Must successfully complete CPR certification and an Oceans-approved behavioral health de-escalation program.

Work Environment

• Subject to frequent interruptions and occasional pressure due to multiple calls and inquiries.
• High-paced and potentially stressful; requires mental and physical coping abilities.
• May experience disagreeable odors, sights, and unpredictable patient behavior.
• Spends approximately 90% or more of the time indoors, with protection from weather but not necessarily from temperature changes.