Community Psychiatric Nurse

Community Psychiatric Nurse, LPN (ID101)

The Community Psychiatric Nurse is responsible for meeting the nursing service needs of individuals by providing competent standards of care in direct and indirect care roles. This position provides nursing care through effective interviewing and behavioral observation to reach sound conclusions and plan appropriate interventions with the individual. The Community Psychiatric Nurse combines biopsychosocial knowledge and psychopharmacological competency to identify actual and potential health problems, prioritizing needs and treatment approaches to ensure appropriate delivery of care.

This position coordinates care with physicians, nurse practitioners, and other agency and external service providers as required (some care may be delivered via a telemedicine model). The nurse is responsible for assisting individuals with education about medications to ensure informed consent, administering and distributing medications, and assessing medication side effects.

As a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), the nurse functions under the direction of a licensed medical practitioner, a registered nurse (RN), or other licensed professional authorized by regulations of the Board of Nursing. The direction of supervision may be provided on-site, via telephone, or other electronic means. The LPN will always have a designated medical professional to whom they will report.

The designated medical professional may change based upon scheduling or capacity.

• Distribute and administer oral and intramuscular medications to individuals as prescribed by psychiatrists, agency physicians, and nurse practitioners; conduct direct administration and supervision of others.
• Maintain agency policy and procedures for storage, disposal, and distribution of medication.
• Act as a liaison and coordinate with supplying pharmacies, including local pharmacies and Patient Assistant Programs, while maintaining standards supporting the Virginia Board of Pharmacy guidelines to qualify for and hold a certificate as an “Alternate Delivery Site” for medications.
• Monitor side effects, contraindications, and drug reactions.
• Perform venipuncture and phlebotomy.
• Consult with psychiatrists, agency physicians, nurse practitioners, and other providers as appropriate.
• Provide education related to medications and physical health teaching as identified by the needs of the individual.
• Provide consultation and education to agency staff around individual needs.
• Provide in‑service training and consultations to internal and external providers regarding psychiatric medications, universal precautions, and other health‑related issues.
• Document all service contacts accurately and on a timely basis in accordance with agency policy.
• Apply and adhere to the ethical standards applicable to the nursing profession and licensure.
• Assist in the MAT program, as needed, with supervision by the program manager for tasks to include, but not limited to, drug tests and medication counts.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

• A combination of mental health work experience or relevant education and training, indicating possession of knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform essential job duties required.
• Graduation from an accredited nursing program and licensed as a Licensed Practical Nurse in Virginia is required.
• Experience in psychiatric nursing or recent EHR experience is preferred.
• Current Basic Cardiac Life Support Certificate or eligibility to be obtained.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license, a good driving record, and the ability to provide your own transportation.

$53,844 – $57,680

ID101

NWCSB participates in the Virginia Retirement System.

All full‑time employees are eligible for a complete benefits package that includes enrollment in the Virginia Retirement System. Positions remain open and advertised until filled.

Northwestern Community Services Board provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.