LPN- Inpatient Psych Acute- Evenings

Job Title:

Licensed Practical Nurse Department: MHW Inpatient (Full Time Evenings)

Reports to:

Director of Mental health & Wellness Revision Date: 6/7/2024 Job Summary

The Licensed Practical Nurse administers nursing care to designated patients under the direction and supervision of a registered nurse. Performs direct and indirect patient care duties to patients of all ages appropriate to the unit. Effectively interacts with patients, healthcare members, and other agencies while maintaining standards of professional nursing.

Supervise the care of patients with direct accountability to RN charge nurse or supervisor, performing patient counseling and 1:1 observation, physical assessments, and EKG’s as needed.

• Perform Physical Crisis Intervention.
• Process admissions to In-Patient unit per policy
• Escort clients to appointments and for transfers.
• Receive medications at Pharmacy.
• Perform medication teaching per patient request under RN supervision.
• Draw blood for ordered tests per policy.
• Assist in planning, providing and evaluating patient care as a member of the health care team, under the supervision of the RN.
• Observe patients for reactions to drugs, treatments, signs and symptoms, or other unusual conditions and immediately reports to charge nurse.
• Administer medication in accordance with policies/procedures/standards of care and legal limitations including appropriate documentation.
• Monitor and document client behavior and interactions in an open setting; immediately report any observed change in the patient’s condition or behavior to the charge nurse or team leader.
• Resolve unit, staff and patient concerns using appropriate chain of command.
• Record all patient care provided in a precise and detailed manner following established procedures for charting.
• Use computer programs, including Order Entry, per policy and procedure as assigned.
• Regularly checks equipment and emergency crash cart per unit-specific policy; demonstrate competence in assembling, using and maintaining required equipment.
• Maintain proper level of stock and emergency supplies as unit requires.
• Assist patients in ambulation; transports patients. Demonstrates a concern for patient safety; utilizes proper techniques of body mechanics.
• Follow principles of asepsis and infection control guidelines when performing patient care as well as for routine cleaning and sterilization of equipment and supplies.
• Promptly answers patient call lights, whether that of assigned patient or not.
• Identify patient by name and  for all direct care, procedures or treatments.
• Routinely provides for patient safety through preventive measures (i.e. side rails, restraints as per physician order, low bed position and safe transport to other areas).
• Provide and receive report per department-specific policy.
• Handles telephone information with courtesy, accuracy and respect for patient confidentiality; receives information and distributes messages appropriately.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Ability to work effectively and communicate effectively in a team environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, as well as active listening skills.
• Professionalism and business acumen appropriate for working with guests, physicians, employees and volunteers.
  
  Ability to cost effectively manage resources and supplies.

• Graduate of an approved LPN program required.
• Current NYS licensure as Licensed Practical Nurse required.
• Current certification in CPR preferred.
• Completion of Psychopharmacology and Emergency IV courses preferred.
• 6 Months to 1 year of experience in similar hospital setting preferred.

• Requires frequent walking, standing, bending, lifting, pushing and pulling beds, wheelchairs and recliners in excess of approximately 200 pounds with assistance. Requires lifting, carrying, repositioning, and transferring patients using proper body mechanics.
• Position requires attendance, as scheduled, to ensure requirements are met.
• Occasionally requires assembling, operating, checking, and maintaining equipment
• Requires attending/leading meetings as well as participation on committees…