LPN Nurse

Coordinate and oversee the day-to-day medical needs of youth in a residential treatment program, ensuring safe medication administration, preventative healthcare, and collaboration with the interdisciplinary treatment team.

Responsibilities

• Medication Management
  • Administer medications in accordance with physician orders, agency policies, and state regulations.
  • Maintain accurate Medication Administration Records (MARs).
  • Complete medication inventories, reconciliation, and documentation during deliveries and shift changes.
  • Monitor medication effectiveness, side effects, and adverse reactions; notify providers as needed.
  • Ensure medications are stored, secured, and disposed of according to regulatory requirements.
  • Coordinate prescription refills and communicate with pharmacies to prevent interruptions.
• Health Monitoring and Nursing Care
  • Conduct monthly wellness assessments for each youth, including:
    • Vital signs
    • Weight (when applicable)
    • General health status
    • Review of medical concerns
    • Follow-up on chronic medical conditions
    • Identification of specialty care needs
  • Assess youth for acute illnesses or injuries and provide appropriate nursing interventions.
  • Monitor youth with chronic medical conditions and implement physician recommendations.
  • Provide health education on medications, nutrition, hygiene, and healthy lifestyle habits.
• Medical Care Coordination
  • Schedule and coordinate routine, specialty, dental, vision, behavioral health, and emergency appointments.
  • Transport youth to medical appointments as needed.
  • Review provider documentation following appointments and implement recommendations.
  • Track referrals, diagnostic testing, laboratory work, immunizations, and specialty consultations.
  • Maintain complete and organized medical records for each youth.
• Treatment Planning
  • Participate in interdisciplinary treatment team meetings.
  • Provide medical updates during treatment plan reviews and staffings.
  • Develop and monitor medical treatment goals for youth with chronic illnesses or ongoing healthcare needs.
  • Collaborate with therapists, case managers, psychiatrists, and direct care staff to integrate healthcare needs into overall treatment planning.
• Incident Review and Clinical Oversight
  • Review critical incidents involving self-harm, suicide attempts, physical aggression, injuries, restraints, and medical emergencies.
  • Verify accurate and timely completion of pain assessments.
  • Ensure appropriate medical follow-up occurs following incidents.
  • Identify trends and recommend interventions to improve youth health and safety.
  • Communicate significant medical concerns to leadership and treatment team members.
• Documentation and Compliance
  • Maintain timely, accurate, and legally defensible documentation.
  • Ensure compliance with state licensing regulations, Medicaid requirements, accreditation standards, and agency policies.
  • Assist with audits related to medication administration and healthcare services.
  • Maintain confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA and agency standards.
• Staff Support and Training
  • Serve as a medical resource for residential staff.
  • Educate staff on medication administration, common health conditions, infection prevention, and emergency medical protocols.
  • Assist in developing healthcare-related policies and procedures.
  • Promote a culture of safety and quality healthcare throughout the residential program.

Core Competencies

• Medication Administration: Safely administer medications with accurate documentation, monitoring effectiveness, and ensuring compliance with physician orders and regulations.
• Clinical Assessment: Perform routine nursing assessments, identify health status changes, and initiate appropriate interventions or referrals.
• Care Coordination: Effectively coordinate medical appointments, specialty care, and communication between providers, families, and treatment teams.
• Youth-Centered Care: Provide compassionate, trauma-informed, and developmentally appropriate nursing care.
• Critical Thinking and Clinical Judgment: Apply sound nursing judgment when evaluating symptoms, reviewing incidents, and determining follow-up actions.
• Documentation Excellence: Maintain complete, accurate, objective, and timely documentation meeting legal and regulatory requirements.
• Collaboration: Work effectively with physicians, therapists, case managers, staff, families, and community providers to ensure continuity of care.
• Professionalism: Demonstrate integrity, accountability, reliability, ethical practice, and adherence to professional nursing standards.

Requirements

• Current Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) license in the State of Indiana.
• Graduate of an accredited Practical Nursing program.
• Current CPR and First Aid certification (or ability to obtain upon hire).
• Valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record.
• Ability to pass required background checks and drug screening.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in residential treatment, psychiatric, pediatric, developmental disability, or behavioral health settings.
• Experience with electronic medical records.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed care principles.
• Familiarity with Medicaid documentation requirements and residential licensing regulations.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, lift, and assist youth as needed.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to safely transport youth to appointments.
• Ability to respond quickly during medical emergencies or behavioral crises.
• Ability to operate standard office equipment and electronic health record systems.

Work Environment

This position is primarily within a residential treatment facility serving youth with behavioral health, developmental, and emotional needs. The LPN may be exposed to behavioral crises, infectious illnesses, and emergency medical situations requiring prompt clinical response. Regular travel to community medical appointments is required.