The Licensed Practical Nurse is responsible to provide nursing assessments, assist clients in completing the medical portion of their treatment plan, initial discharge and aftercare plan and oversee the medical and psychiatric management of the patient in coordination with the attending physician. He/she is also a member of the Treatment Team and provides input into the development of the Master Treatment Plan. He/she functions under the guidance of their State licensure and, in accordance with standards of State and Federal regulations.

SPECIFIC AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY TO POSITION

1. Indicates and completes initial nursing assessment upon admission.
2. Obtains physicians orders for admission upon patient’s arrival.
3. Administers Medications during indicated medication pass times.
4. Documents all services provided appropriately and in a timely manner in clients chart.
5. Notifies medical director of patient’s compliance with their ordered psychiatric/medications, patient’s having possible medication reactions.
6. Collaborates with the medical staff to provide medical and nursing care.
7. Shares pertinent information with team as obtained from patients or family throughout program.
8. Documents client progress/regress according to established policies and procedures.
9. Assess patient’s needs and communicates appropriately to the Medical Director as needed.
10. Performs clinical nursing activities in a safe, professional manner & maintains compliance with established nursing care standards.
11. Coordinates and assures all physician’s laboratory orders and orders for referrals to outside physicians are communicated to and carried out.
12. Notifies medical physician of all abnormal reports for medical services (i.e. Lab, x-rays, etc.) for patients in timely manner.
13. Notifies medical physician of any patient medical changes.
14. Notifies medical physician immediately of any patient medical emergencies and phoning Emergency Rescue unit if a patient’s medical condition warrants this to assure patient’s medical/health safety.
15. Continues with educational courses and in-service training, per policies and procedures.
16. Demonstrates objectivity and maturity under stress.
17. Responds positively to changing situations in the work setting.
18. Demonstrates good communication skills.
19. Performs in a professional manner and role models a positive image of mental health.
20. Reports abuse of patient’s rights immediately.
21. Demonstrates knowledge of medication actions, side effects, and contraindications.
22. Participates in Performance Improvements monitoring and evaluating activities.
23. Acts decisively and effectively in managing staff, patients, and other employees during emergency situation.
24. Performs other capacities as needed.

RESPONSIBLE TO: Director of Nursing

SUPERVISED BY: Director of Nursing

POSITION/INDIVIDUALS SUPERVISED: None

INTERRELATIONSHIPS: Maintains open communication lines with facility staff, attending clinicians and physicians, patients and families. Liaisons with community agencies, vendors, and of health services.

STATUS: RENEWAL DATE: Automatically renews yearly unless revised

WORKPLACE ENVIRONMENT

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

• Position is required to work in a temperature controlled environment; 80% - 90% of the time spent indoors.
• Potential exposure to violent situations.
• Potential exposure to airborne/blood-borne pathogens or other potentially infectious materials.

MACHINES/EQUIPMENT USED: Computer, Telephone System, Fax Machine, Printer/ Scanner, Calculator

JOB CATEGORY UNIVERSAL PRECAUTIONS: Routine tasks involve no exposure to blood, body fluids, or tissues (although situations may arise in which the employee might encounter potential exposure to any of the above).

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT: Face Masks, Gloves, Full PPE when necessary or required by Medical Director.

POTENTIAL WORKPLACE HAZARDS: None

POTENTIAL WORKPLACE VIOLENCE: Med /High

POSITION REQUIREMENTS/QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION: Graduated from an accredited college or university.

EXPERIENCE: A minimum of 2 years’ experience in psychiatric/substance abuse setting, preferably in an inpatient, residential, partial hospitalization and/or outpatient setting required.

LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION: Licensed Practical Nurse in Florida. Maintains current CPR certification.

SKILLS/ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of the Principles and Practices of the discipline.
• Adheres to the Association For Ambulatory Behavioral Healthcare Code of Ethics.
• Knowledge of HCFA guidelines.
• Knowledge of DCF guidelines
• Knowledge of Joint Commission Standards.
• Demonstrates Proficiency in Communication & Written skills.
• Knowledge of State & Federal Statutes Regarding Patient Confidentiality laws.
• Knowledge of Drug-Free Workplace Policies.
• Knowledge of Workplace Violence.
• Knowledge of Corporate Integrity & Compliance Program.

AGE SPECIFIC INDIVIDUALS SERVED/RESPONSIBILITY: Adults

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS: Familiar with community resources

EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATION: Exempt