Licensed Practical Nurse

POSITION DESCRIPTION

POSITION TITLE:                             Licensed Practical Nurse

DEPARTMENT:                                  Behavioral Services Unit

POSITION REPORTS TO:                 BSU, Unit Manager   

FLSA STATUS:                                  Non-Exempt               

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

1. Current NYS Licensure
2. BLS Certification
3. Successful completion of TCI training within 3 months of hire
4. Medication Proficiency,
5. Successful completion of medication competency  exam

Mental Requirements:

1. Emotional Stability and organizational skills necessary to meet the demands of a stressful environment and emergency situations.
2. Good interpersonal skills to interact in appropriate manner with varying personalities,

relating to patients, peers, supervisors, physicians, other hospital staff, and outside agencies.

Physical Requirements:

1. Audio, visual acuity and physical dexterity to interact appropriately with patients, peers, supervisors, physicians, and other hospital staff and outside agencies.
2. Must be able to do long periods of standing, walking, bending, stretching and be able to change positions quickly.
3. Requires agility to change body motion quickly
4. Must be able to lift and assist in lifting without weight restriction
5. Knowledge of regulatory requirements regarding risks involved in exposure to blood borne and/or hazardous toxic substances.
6. Physical ability to participate as a member of the team (TCI) trained to physically subdue and restrain persons of all sizes and strengths, who are in behavioral dyscontrol, this activity includes but is not limited to lifting, holding, straining, and running.

Work Experience:

1. Two years medical/surgical experience required
2. Prior experience in a mental health setting preferred.

Job Specific Duties:

1. Contributes to safe, therapeutic milieu
2. Administers prescribed medications, making constant adjustments commensurate with a patient’s condition under the supervision of qualified Registered Nurse
3. Facilitates preparation and administration of other treatment regimens within the scope of practice
4. Completes assigned safety checks/rounds, and occurrence reports
5. Communicates with physician and treatment on all health care variables contributing to successful treatment outcomes at the direction of the RN in charge.
6. Collects information for physical & mental health assessments
7.  Participates in the development care plans for patients, helping them be as independent as possible
8. Observes and reports behavioral changes
9. Maintains control of drugs and medications
10. Helps patients improve their coping abilities
11. Works with patients’ families to help improve the patient’s abilities & help them deal with family member’s mental illness
12. Records all care information concisely, accurately and completely, in a timely manner, in the appropriate format and on the appropriate forms
13.  Performs other position-related duties as assigned, depending on assignment setting
14. Respects cultural and religious practices of patients
15. Upholds HIPAA regulations
16. Punctual and dependent for assigned/confirmed shifts