Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

Position Summary:

Provides nursing care following physical and mental assessment plans, laboratory testing, plans of care and therapeutic treatments. Knowledgeable of a wide range of disorders; cognitive, emotional, developmental, social and behavioral. Performs crisis intervention. Provides direct and indirect patient care under the direction of a registered nurse. Provides for the personal care and comfort of psychiatric patients. Participates in the department's performance improvement and continuous quality improvement (CQI) activities

Position Responsibilities:

Clinical / Technical Skills (40% of performance review)

• Demonstrates ability to care appropriate to condition and age of patient including, pediatric, adolescent, adult and the geriatric population.
• Demonstrates ability to observes patient's behavior, mental status and activities.
• Demonstrates ability to follow the patient plans of care developed by the treatment teams
• Demonstrates knowledge of medications, including psychotropic drugs, and their correct administration based on the age of the patient and their clinical condition
• Demonstrates ability to orients patients to the unit, takes admission vital signs and records on the Nursing Assessment Form.
• Demonstrates ability to performs and records patient vital signs, intake and output; notifies RN of any changes.
• Demonstrates ability to provide general nursing care, i.e., transferring patients, assisting with ADLs.
• Demonstrates the ability to identify behaviors that require intervention.
• Demonstrates ability to escort patients when leaving the unit for activities and scheduled tests.
• Demonstrates ability to perform patient safety checks at scheduled times, documents appropriately. Can verbalize the different levels of observation (LOS, 1:1 and Close 15)
• Demonstrates ability to assist with restraining a patient, placing a patient in seclusion.
• Demonstrates the ability to set limits for patients and other de-escalation techniques.
• Demonstrates ability to treat patients and families with respect and dignity; provides emotional support.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Safety (15% of performance review)

• Strives to create a safe, healing environment for patients and family members
• Follows all safety rules while on the job.
• Reports near misses, as well as errors and accidents promptly.
• Corrects minor safety hazards.
• Communicates with peers and management regarding any hazards identified in the workplace.
• Attends all required safety programs and understands responsibilities related to general, department, and job specific safety.
• Participates in quality projects, as assigned, and supports quality initiatives.
• Supports and maintains a culture of safety and quality.

Teamwork (15% of performance review)

• Works well with others in a spirit of teamwork and cooperation.
• Responds willingly to colleagues and serves as an active part of the hospital team.
• Builds collaborative relationships with patients, families, staff, and physicians.
• The ability to retrieve, communicate, and present data and information both verbally and in writing as required
• Demonstrates listening skills and the ability to express or exchange ideas by means of the spoken and written word.
• Demonstrates adequate skills in all forms of communication.
• Adheres to the Standards of Behavior

Integrity (15% of performance review)

• Strives to always do the right thing for the patient, coworkers, and the hospital
• Adheres to established standards, policies, procedures, protocols, and laws.
• Applies the Mission and Values of SUN Behavioral Health to personal practice and commits to service excellence.
• Supports and demonstrates fiscal responsibility through supply usage, ordering of supplies, and conservation of facility resources.
• Completes required trainings within defined time periods, as established by job description, policies, or hospital leadership
• Exemplifies professionalism through good attendance and positive attitude, at all times.
• Maintains confidentiality of patient and staff information, following HIPAA and other privacy laws.
• Ensures proper documentation in all position activities, following federal and state guidelines.

Compassion (15% of performance review)

• Demonstrates accountability for ensuring the highest quality patient care for patients.
• Willingness to be accepting of those in need, and to extend a helping hand
• Desire to go above and beyond for others
• Understanding and accepting of cultural diversity and differences

Education

• Required: Graduated from an accredited nursing program with a Licensed Vocational/Practical Nurse diploma. Current LVN/LPN license in the state of employment. CPR and hospital-selected de-escalation technique certification.
• Maintains education and development appropriate for position.

Experience

• Preferred: Two (2) years of experience as a LVN/LPN in an acute behavioral healthcare setting.