Psychiatric Licensed Practical Nurse

Incumbent works under the direction of the Director of Nursing Director of Detoxification Services (Detox) or designee, providing professional psychiatric nursing care to acutely and chronically ill patients and assisting supervisor in providing direction and training to other Community Mental Health Center (CMHC) staff.

• Review treatment plan, implement instructions, processes and protocols; and assist with ongoing patient assessment and reevaluation of patient problems or needs.
• Establish and maintain effective work relationships with clients, supervisors, County employees, elected officials, attorneys, law enforcement, judges, other agencies, and the public.
• Comply with Civil Service policies and regulations, collective bargaining agreements, County policies, department policies and laws to create a cooperative, safe, respectful and quality work environment.
• Collect clinical data (e.g. observations/assessments of biophysical, psychosocial, environmental, progress status, educational, discharge planning), record/report patient conditions.
• Identifyanddocument patients’physicalandemotionalstatus and/or patterns consulting treatment team, identifying appropriate treatment strategies and providing information regarding treatment/process plan outcomes (e.g. goal status).
• Administer medication therapy and treatment regimens (e.g. monitor response, document observations) educatepatientsof medication(purpose,dosage,side effects), and assist patients with compliance.
• Providequalitycare (e.g.health,nutrition,clothing needs) and recognize each patient's individuality and need for specialized treatment.
• Provide non-judgmental,non-discriminatorycaresensitivetothepatient's/family's diversity, preserving autonomy, dignity andrights.
• Accompany physicians on rounds, assisting physicians with examinations and ordered treatments.
• Educatepatientsandfamilymembersregarding treatment plan,psychiatric care and continuation of treatmentandrelated patient care issues.
• Ensure cleanliness of equipment and environment.
• Providegeneraldirection and educationtopsychiatrictechnicians.
• Participateor lead individual/groupcounselingsessions,family conferences,and recreational/socialtherapysessions,assisting patients inunderstandingtheemotionalandphysical problems and need for treatment.
• Admit and assess patients, obtain new patient history (e.g. medical, psychiatric, social, family).
• Obtain lab specimens, schedule applicable tests, and perform basic procedures (e.g. catheterizations, respiratory therapy, blood draws, ostomy care).
• Complete/update patients’ assessments in medical record documenting interventions and reports and preserve paper forms for patients’ chart (e.g. treatment condition, financial eligibility, citizenship, voter registration).
• Conduct and communicate shift-change reports ensuring continuity of care.
• Recognize and intervene during acute episodes utilizing crisis intervention.
• Comply with and ensure staff adherence with CMHC procedures and protocols.
• Assistpatientsobtainproperfollow-upduringacutehospitalizationandatdischarge identify community agencies/resources for transition and stabilization of living in the community.
• Recognizeindividualswithco-occurringdisordersareexpectedandare welcome into treatment.
• Develop therapeutic relationships with patients, maintaining a professional attitude toward clients and treating them with empathy and respect.
• Participateindepartmentteammeetingsdiscussingpatientcare,progress, and policies/procedures.
• Maintaincompetencyinpsychiatric/mentalhealthnursingcareandspecificnursing procedures (e.g. research, webinars, seminars, classroom training).
• Handle, use, and dispose of hazardous chemicalsaninfectious materials.
• Recommend changes to nursing services and clinic activities; assist in developing and implementing policies,procedures,and protocols.
• Participate in quality improvement activities.
• Provide and promote a positive image of CMHC (e.g. professionalism, pride, cooperation, trust).
• Interactwithstafffromvariouscommunitymedicalfacilities,courts,andCountyand
  
  State agencies, and testify in court regarding patient's mental and physical condition.
• Safely operate a County motor vehicle when traveling on…