POSITION SUMMARY:

The Licensed Practical Nurse provides nursing care to patients in the Center's programs under the supervision and assignment of the Registered Nurse.

REPORTS TO: RN/ Nurse Supervisor/ Nurse Manager.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Graduate from an accredited school of Practical Nursing

• Current status as a licensed practical nurse in the State of Michigan.

• Two years of experience in nursing, with one additional year of experience in psychiatric nursing (preferred).

  DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Administers medication

• Provides patient education related to medication, and observes and reports signs and symptoms of side effects or adverse drug reaction to the supervising Nurse.

• Identifies medical problems and reports to the supervising Nurse.

• Provides general nursing care to patients who present with medical problems requiring nursing interventions such as dressing changes, etc.

• Assists with procedures and physical exams; teaches patients about infection control and general health maintenance.

• Identifies alterations in sensory perceptual images, recognizing the differences between illusions, delusions, and hallucinations; is consistently aware of safety issues regarding these patients and takes action, when indicated, to prevent patient harm; communicates these issues to the supervising Nurse.

• Identifies alterations in mood, recognizing potential for self-harm or other high-risk behaviors; communicates these issues to the supervising Nurse.

• Provides care to patients in a manner that considers safety, patient's rights, comfort and the therapeutic environment.

• Performs patient checks every 30 minutes, as ordered by physician, and more often if required.

• Assists with admission, discharge and transfer of patients in a timely manner and completes necessary documentation.

• Observes patient behavior and reports this information to the supervising; Nurse observation following the policy of AIR charting.

• Assists in applying protective devices under the direct supervision of the supervising Nurse and completes proper documentation. LPNs must have completed Non-Violent Crisis Intervention training and otherwise re-review training materials on a yearly basis.

• Utilizes the Individualized Treatment Plan and any specific treatment plans in determining interventions with patients; keeps treatment plans updated; reviews treatment plan with patient.

• Remains in patient areas whenever possible to assist patients and visitors. Notifies the supervising Nurse prior to leaving unit and otherwise adjusts lunch and break times (if any) to meet Center needs.

• Sets limits in a therapeutic and consistent manner on a patient's behavior with the assistance of the supervising Nurse within program guidelines and age-specific guidelines.

• Assists patients with activities of daily living, encouraging independent behavior with appropriate interventions on a daily basis.

• Assists patients during mealtimes, observes intake, reports to the supervising Nurse and follows program guidelines regarding nutritional habits.

• Identifies verbal and non-verbal cues for potential aggressive behavior and applies de-escalation techniques to situation.

• Intervenes to decrease the panic of disturbed patients under the direction of the supervising Nurse. Uses the necessary intervention to de-escalate situations involving disturbed patients.

• Serves as a role model for patients and other staff by appearance, manner, attitude and tone.

• Participates in staff development programs; Keeps supervising Nurse apprised of any difficulties or necessary changes required in program or staff development.