JOB SUMMARY

Under the supervision of the RN, the LPN is responsible for the implementation of nursing care including admission and discharge assessments; dispensing of medication as ordered by the unit physician, charting nursing notes, recording, signing off and carrying out physician’s orders.

JOB DUTIES

1. Performs the admission and discharge nursing assessment on assigned patients, including appropriate and timely charting
2. Conducts and records health assessment screening on all admissions assigned
3. Receives, reviews, records and executes physician’s orders
4. Demonstrate sound judgment by taking appropriate actions regarding questionable findings or concerns
5. Administer medication accurately, observing patient response as evidence by documentation in the medical record
6. Consistently demonstrate the ability to respond to changing situations in a flexible manner in order to meet current needs, such as reprioritizing work as necessary
7. Assists patients with concern and empathy; respect their confidentiality and privacy and communicate with them in a courteous and respectful manner
8. Working knowledge of effects and intoxication, overdose and withdrawal syndromes of the eight classes of drug abuse
9. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of all policies, procedures and standards and ability to reference them from appropriate resources
10. maintains inventory, including medications for the unit as well as medication and other administrative and clinical records
11. Assist in the orientation/ training of new members
12. Working knowledge of rules and regulations which govern the unit and keep current charges
13. Participate in staff development training when necessary
14. Attend required in-service programs
15. Keeps abreast of current trends in related field
16. Demonstrate flexibility to perform duties wherever volume deems it necessary within the agency
17. Act as backup to other nurses in their absence or when requested by the RN
18. Perform other duties as may be delegated

QUALIFICATIONS

• Graduate from an accredited school of nursing; state LPN licensure. Must maintain licensure as required through continuing education
• 2-3 years experience working with substance abuse population
• Excellent verbal and written skills
• Knowledge of quality improvement processes and accreditation processes

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Ability to observe, assess, and record symptoms, reactions, and progress.
• Knowledge of patient care charts and patient histories.
• Ability to educate patients and/or families as to the nature of disease and to provide instruction on proper care and treatment.
• Knowledge of supplies, equipment, and/or services ordering and inventory control.
• Knowledge of clinical operations and documentation.
• Ability to maintain quality, safety, and/or infection control standards.
• Skill in performing clinical and medical procedures.
• Knowledge of patient evaluation.
• Knowledge of related accreditation and certification requirements.
• Ability to maintain calendars and schedule appointments.
• Knowledge of appropriate procedures and standards for the administration of medications and patient care aids.
• Ability to prepare and process laboratory samples using established protocols.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

• Successful candidate must submit to post offer, pre-employment physical examination/medical history check.
• CPR Certified

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL EFFORT:

• Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment.
• Considerable physical activity. Requires heavy physical work; heavy lifting, pushing, or pulling required of objects up to 50 pounds. Physical work is a primary part (more than 30%) of job.
• Work environment involves exposure to potentially dangerous situations that require following extensive safety precautions and may include the use of protective equipment.