Licensed Practical Nurse I - Day Shift

Taunton State Hospital is seeking a Licensed Practical Nurse I candidate to provide nursing care to patients in an assigned area; provide for daily care and the personal or hygiene needs of patients; observe and record patient behavior and confer with other staff concerning these observations; and perform related work as required.

Please Note

This position is 40 hours per week on the first shift, from 6:45 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. on the Cain 3 West unit. Days off are Week 1 - Sunday/Friday; Week 2 - Wednesday/Saturday.

Employees in this position will be required to perform mandatory overtime.

Duties and Responsibilities

Provides direct nursing care to patients in assigned area such as taking and charting vital signs, applying and changing medical and surgical dressings, administering medications as prescribed and directed by professional staff, monitoring, fluid intake and output and performing basic first aid. Provides for the daily care and personal or hygiene needs of patients by giving baths, feedings, grooming, skincare, enemas, etc. Provides direct care to patients in assigned area including supervising and supporting independence in activities of daily living, supervising meals, escorting to and supervising group activities as assigned, and orientation of patients to the unit Treats all patients with dignity and respect through interactions which affirm the individual's needs and preferences and by optimally integrating the patient perspective into all facets of care; will advocate for patients, facilitate timely resolution of patient concerns and assist patients in the exercise of their rights. Develops therapeutic relationships with individual patients, groups, and family members to facilitate continuity of care. Participates in the development and maintenance of a therapeutic milieu. Attends rounds and participates as an interdisciplinary team member. Collaborates in collecting data related to the assessment, planning, and evaluation process. Provides input into the development of the nursing care plan and multidisciplinary treatment plan. Responds to and participates in medical and psychiatric emergencies. Assures emergency equipment is checked and reviewed as assigned. Provides related health care education to patients and family according to nursing care plan and multidisciplinary treatment plan. Administers treatments and medications as ordered and according to hospital policy. Documents pertinent patient care information in the medical record. Transcribes M.D. orders as assigned. Completes all mandatory trainings annually. Participate in continuing education programs according to Board of Registration requirements. Perform related duties such as maintaining records and files retrieving and transporting equipment, supplies, materials and laboratory specimens; transferring patients to and from various pieces of equipment; and scheduling appointments for patients and arranging for transportation. Performs other related duties as assigned. Required Qualifications: Knowledge of the principles and practices of practical nursing. Knowledge of the techniques used in the handling and transportation of patients. Knowledge of the principles and correct usage of the English language including grammar, spelling, sentence structure, word meaning, and punctuation. Knowledge of first aid techniques. Knowledge of the custodial care problems (personal hygiene, feeding, grooming, and dressing) of special client groups such as the blind, the hearing-impaired and the handicapped. Knowledge of standard nursing methods and techniques followed in the application of medical and/or surgical dressings. Knowledge of the terminology, symbols and standard abbreviations used in medical practice. Knowledge of the types and application of emergency medical procedures such as cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and tourniquets. Knowledge of the techniques followed in collecting blood and urine samples from patients for diagnostic purposes. Knowledge of nursing practice and procedures relative to geriatrics. Knowledge of human anatomy as applied to nursing. Ability to follow written and oral instructions. Ability to gather information through observing and questioning individuals and by examining records and documents. Ability to communicate effectively in oral expression. Ability to write clearly and concisely, express thoughts clearly and develop ideas in logical sequence. Ability to interact with people who are under physical and/or emotional stress. Ability to work in a team setting and in group situations. Ability to establish rapport and deal tactfully with persons from varied ethnic, cultural and/or economic backgrounds. Ability to understand, apply and explain the laws, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, specifications, standards and guidelines governing agency operations. Ability to maintain accurate records. Ability to maintain a calm manner in stressful and emergency situations. Ability to exercise sound judgment. Ability to use proper grammar, punctuation and spelling. Ability to assemble items of information in accordance with established procedures. Ability to lift heavy objects or persons. Ability to give written and oral instructions in a precise, understandable manner.

Preferred Qualifications

Given the population served, bilingual or multilingual fluency.

About Taunton State Hospital

Taunton State Hospital (TSH) operated by the Department of Mental Health (DMH) is a 62-bed inpatient facility that provides continuing care inpatient services to adults with major mental illnesses. The hospital is a leader in the successful integration of the Principles of Recovery and a rehabilitation philosophy into the treatment model and a part of the Southeast Area which works closely with the inpatient treatment teams to facilitate patients’ discharge back to the community.

DMH Mission Statement

First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.

Minimum entrance requirements

None. (See Section XIII, Special Requirements.)

Special requirements

Possession of a current and valid license as a practical nurse under the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing. Salary placement is determined by a combination of factors, including the candidate’s years of directly related experience and education, and alignment with our internal compensation structure as set forth by the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines. For all bargaining unit positions (non-management), compensation is subject to the salary provisions outlined in the applicable collective bargaining agreement and will apply to placement within the appropriate salary range. Comprehensive Benefits When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future. Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards! Title 101 CMR 23.00 (“Regulation”) requires certain agency staff to have received the COVID-19 vaccination and Influenza vaccination, or have taken required mitigation measures, to prevent viral infection and transmission in State Hospitals and State Congregate Care Facilities. The Regulation applies to this position. Successful candidates will be required to acknowledge and attest to your vaccination status for both COVID-19 and Influenza. An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100%25 of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.