LPN - PSYCH SVCS

Responsibilities

• Maintains a safe and therapeutic patient environment as part of a patient care team.
• Demonstrates and maintains competence in therapeutic communication, supportive counseling, small group dynamics, patient education, and milieu management.
• Can provide support and limits for the patients, and can assist in carrying out the Treatment Plan for each patient, under the direction of an RN.
• Affords support and assistance to new staff members as directed by the Nurse Manager or Nurse Supervisor.
• Performs medication administration duties, including accessing pharmacy.
• Implements physician orders accurately and with proper documentation.
• Solicits administrative or medical consultation to assure quality patient care.
• Under the supervision of an RN, accesses emergency medical care for patients, provides a report to the Emergency Room, assures that a report from the Emergency Room is provided before the return of the patient, and facilitates the receipt of records.
• Provides for patient stabilization.
• Initiates Nursing Admission Database and Interdisciplinary Care Plan under the supervision of an RN.
• Evaluates nursing actions and patient responses, documents in a timely, concise and legible manner each shift.
• Recognizes, responds and reports changes in patient conditions to RN.
• Demonstrates competence in performing critical skills to include appropriate delivery of care according to the age-specific needs of the population served.
• Facilitates discharge process and assures that all relevant information is comprehensive, accurate, and appropriately documented.
• May perform 24-hour chart reviews.
• May participate in the treatment team process by interacting with the multidisciplinary team of care providers.
• Applies Infection Control, Hospital Emergency, Hazardous Materials Management, and Patient/Proprietary Information Confidentiality policies.
• Advocates for the rights of the patients and is able to process patient complaints and concerns.
• Can perform ECG, VP, and Bedside Glucose Meter procedures.

Qualifications

• Minimum Education: None specified; however, must be sufficient to meet the standards for achievement of the below indicated license and/or certification as required by the issuing authority.
• Minimum Experience: Previous experience in the practice of psychiatric nursing is desired.
• Licensure Requirement: Current license as a Licensed Practical Nurse in the State of Tennessee or Licensed Vocational Nurse.