Licensed Practical Nurse; Psychiatry

Job Summary

Under direction of the Psychiatric Nurse Supervisor and working in an integrated model, the nurse contributes to Behavioral Health Urgent (BHUC) Care and Walk In Medication Assisted Treatment (WinMAT) clinics; identifying physical and mental health needs; providing management and administration of medication in conjunction with physicians; and offering a range of treatment, rehabilitation, and support services while sharing shift‑management responsibilities with other staff.

The nurse provides Nursing Care visits, which include long‑acting injection (LAI) treatments, health maintenance, disease management, and symptom management. Through these services the nurse promotes healthy lifestyles and independence.

• An unencumbered Practical Nurse license through the state of Ohio
• One (1) year experience working with adults with severe mental illness
• CPR certification and non‑violent crisis intervention training (within 60 days of hire)

• Provide Licensed Practical Nurse care appointments for patients for administering LAIs and bridge appointments
• Under the delegation of the Registered Nurse, collect objective and subjective data to assess patient care needs and identify physical status, mental status, and psychiatric symptoms including psychotic symptoms and safety factors
• Refer for caseworker and/or counseling when appropriate
• Contribute to the assessment of medication adherence; review patients’ medication for refill needs; manage the medication system, administer, and document treatment
• Screen and monitor patients for medical problems and side effects
• Collaborate with provider during shared appointments, especially if the patient is not doing well or needs a medication change or dose adjustment
• Provide bridge appointments: review hospital discharge orders, enter new orders into EPIC, and document hospital information such as reason for hospitalization
• Assist patients with scheduling Primary Care Physician (PCP) appointments
• If Registered Nurse or provider is not available for shared appointment, assess patient stability and send refill request to provider when appropriate
• Coordinate, implement, and administer intramuscular (IM) injections
• Obtain specimens, including blood and urine, for ordered drug screens for patients requiring ongoing monitoring
• Communicate and coordinate services with other medical providers
• Engage in health promotion, prevention, and education activities (e.g., identifying risky behaviors and encouraging behavior change)
• Meet with patients individually to provide comprehensive medication education and monitor side effects and medication effectiveness
• Assist patients in developing systems to ensure medication compliance, involving family or significant others as needed and requested by the patient
• Educate other team members on monitoring psychiatric symptoms and medication side effects
• When patients agree with the plan of care, develop strategies to maximize medication adherence (e.g., behavioral tailoring, individual cues, and reminders)
• Work with the program psychiatrist to initiate and stabilize patients on medications
• Assist patients in obtaining medications through assistance programs when necessary
• Participate in clinical team meetings to assure appropriateness and coordination of care
• Provide consultation services regarding psychiatric and medical difficulties as necessary
• Monitor and record patient medication availability and usage; act as liaison to pharmacies
• Maintain medication organization and safety by storing and disposing them according to policy
• Perform shift management in coordination with other team members according to established policies and procedures
• Provide triage line coverage
• Participate in daily staff organizational meetings and treatment planning review meetings

Other related duties as assigned.

• Holistic patient‑focused nursing process: assessment, outcomes/planning, implementation, and evaluation
• Customer and personal service: assessing needs, meeting quality standards, and evaluating satisfaction
• Active listening: giving full attention, asking appropriate questions, and not interrupting…