MH Nurse, LPN - Crisis Stabilization Services

OVERVIEW Provides assessment assistance and direct care medical services and supports to participants of the Sunshine Lady House for Mental Health Wellness and Recovery offering Crisis Stabilization and medically monitored detoxification services. This position assists the staff psychiatrist, nurse practitioner and consulting health care provider in the prescription, administration and monitoring of medication, discharge planning and general daily patient care. This position works an 8 to 10 hour shift on a rotating schedule, including weekends.

Duties and Responsibilities

Provide general nursing care to program participants. Administer prescribed medication/treatments in accordance with approved nursing techniques and documentation of same. Observe persons served-recording significant conditions, reactions to medication/treatments and significant incidents. Assist with admission process as necessary. Assist with formulation and implementation of treatment plans. Facilitate groups. Attends required team meetings, staff meetings, conferences, and in-services as assigned. Provide complete/accurate shift report to oncoming staff. Maintain drug count and count drugs at end of shift. Responsible for monitoring person served activity in multiple program activities during all hours of program operation. Assists individuals with personal hygiene and grooming activities. Encourages and monitors participation in the daily program schedule, communicates problems to treatment team, and participates in participant recreation. Transports or escorts individuals to various activities and to and from the program. Respond to medical emergencies and other potential crisis situations. Takes and records vital signs and observes for changes in behaviors and symptoms. Administers and records orders of medication. Assists in assessment of person served progress in conjunction with treatment team. Orders, inventories and secures pharmaceuticals for use by program individuals; provides for adequate first aid supplies and materials at the Crisis Stabilization Program.

• KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES Thorough knowledge of the principles, standards, practices and techniques related to Licensed Practical Nursing in Virginia.
• Experience working in a psychiatric and /or detox setting and knowledge of treatment modalities.
• Thorough knowl­edge of the characteristics and precautions to be taken in the administration of medication.
• Basic knowledge of disease concept of chemical dependency, communicable disease concepts and other infectious disease issues.
• Ability to accurately maintain medical records.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with persons served, Crisis staff, physicians and others contacted in the course of work.
• Ability to follow standards of operation set forth by the RACSB.

TYPICAL EDUCATION, TRAINING AND WORK EXPERIENCE Completion of training for LPN with at least one year experience working in the medical and behavioral health field working persons with MH/SA co-occurring diagnosis or equivalent education/experi­ence.

LICENSURE AND CERTIFICATIONS Valid Virginia L.P.N. license. Valid VA driver's license.

OTHER Must possess all qualifications and skills required by federal and state regulations to bill Medicaid for the services provided. See Medicaid Billing Addendum.

ENVIRONMENTAL AND PHYSICAL EXPOSURE Work involves considerable exposure to disagreeable environmental conditions such as the requirements to interact with clients having unsanitary behaviors, poor hygiene and contagious illness and/or are potentially violent; drive a vehicle in inclement, if not severe weather; occasionally physically assist and/or lift clients in the course of care or moderate weight objects in connection with operating the facility.

• RELATIONSHIPS Relationships require advanced communication and interpersonal skills and the use of specialized techniques to elicit information from and convey information to clients including hostile and abusive individuals and client families; coordinate resident care within the department and community partners; lead meetings, conduct briefings and make presentations.
• RACSB maintains a drug-free workplace environment.
• All candidates who receive conditional offers of employment must successfully complete a pre-employment drug screening and background check, including criminal history, driving record, and verification of credentials.
• Additionally, employees are subject to random drug testing throughout their employment.
• Our comprehensive screening program reflects our commitment to maintaining a safe, healthy workplace and providing high-quality services to our community.