Licensed Practical Nurse

## Description

**Position Summary:**

The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) is responsible for the day-to-day nursing services provided to all patients admitted to the facility, including but not limited to, intake, assessment, vital signs, suicide risk assessment, medication management, and general health care education.

**Position Responsibilities:**

• Complete nursing intake and assessment as requested by Director of Nursing and/or other facility leadership; interviewing with patients and/or family as needed.
• Process, manage, and implement orders from Licensed Independent Practitioners (LIPs).
• Monitor patient’s vital signs as ordered and/or according to standard protocol.
• Maintain medication cart in order and always locked.
• Dispense medications as ordered. Monitor and document all medication activity, keeping medication administration record (MAR) up to date.
• Observes and notes patient’s reactions to psychotropic drugs and other medications.
• Ensure compliance with Do Not Use Abbreviation and Sound Alike/Look Alike medication lists.
• Document all patient interactions and interventions in the medical record within the electronic management record system.
• Complete incident report for any unusual or adverse event including medication errors and medication reactions.
• Monitor food and nutrition orders to ensure patients are served an appropriate diet in accordance with medical record.
• Record patient weight on admission, monitor weight as ordered by LIP.
• Completes suicide risk assessment on all new admission and as needed during the patient’s course of treatment.
• Complete a physical assessment of all patients upon admission or as needed to assess skin integrity, markings, or signs and symptoms of disease or medical issues.
• Obtains patient specific medications from pharmacy.
• Establish rapport, systematically gather data, determine the readiness of the individual for treatment and apply accepted criteria for diagnosis of substance use and/or mental health disorders.
• Screen for psychoactive substance toxicity, intoxication, and withdrawal symptoms.
• Screen for danger to self or others.
• Screen for co-occurring mental health issues.
• Analyze and interpret data to determine treatment recommendations and priorities.
• With the individual served, formulate mutually agreed-upon, measurable treatment goals and objective.
• Demonstrate adherence to accepted ethical and behavioral standards of conduct.
• Participate in continuing professional development.
• Demonstrates competence in one or more of the following areas:
• Establishing rapport, systematically gathering assessment data, evaluating readiness for treatment and change, and applying accepted diagnostic criteria for substance use disorders.
• Screening for psychoactive substance toxicity, intoxication, and withdrawal symptoms.
• Screening for co-occurring mental health conditions.
• Supports the organization’s efforts to comply with National Patient Safety Goals related to:
• Infection prevention
• Suicide risk assessment
• Patient identification
• Medication reconciliation
• Performs additional responsibilities as assigned by leadership.

**Workplace Behaviors**

• Demonstrates the ability to complete daily tasks as assigned and meet required deadlines.
• Complies consistently with attendance and punctuality standards.
• Safeguards client rights to privacy and confidentiality at all times.
• Preserves the personal dignity and respect of all clients.
• Maintains a positive, professional, and supportive attitude in the workplace.
• Provides leadership by coaching, supporting, and motivating staff.

## Workplace Responsibility

• Seeks supervision, guidance, or direction when necessary.
• Demonstrates initiative in carrying out assigned responsibilities.
• Actively participates in committees and organizational activities as assigned.

## Adaptability

• Demonstrates the ability to work objectively and maturely under stress.
• Performs in other capacities as needed to support operational needs.
• Responds positively and professionally to changing workplace situations.
• Actively participates in coaching and makes appropriate corrections to work processes.
• Participates in emergency management and response processes as required.

## Professionalism

• Performs duties in a professional manner and consistently conveys a positive image of the mental health profession.
• Works effectively as a collaborative member of the team.
• Complies with organizational dress code and professional appearance standards.

## Ongoing Training & Development

• Attends all required in-service trainings and educational courses.
• Assumes responsibility for individual professional growth.
• Contributes to the professional development of colleagues.

## Communication

• Seeks and responds constructively to feedback and supervision.
• Develops, interprets, and communicates required policies and procedures appropriately.
• Recognizes and takes appropriate action regarding violations of facility policies and procedures, especially those impacting safety.
• Actively participates as a member of assigned organizational teams.
• Participates in facility performance improvement activities.