$28.00 per hour plus shift differentials

$1,000 sign on bonus

Differential pay for overnight and weekends

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

This is practical nursing work in the care and treatment of consumers in a medically monitored inpatient detoxification unit. An employee in this class performs practical nursing duties under the direction of a registered nurse. This employee is also responsible to ensure that all required activities are completed in a 24/7 detoxification and residential program and works alongside with paraprofessional attendants and support staff on the assigned shift. Work is reviewed through reports, inspections, and observations; however, the employee is expected to perform the routine duties without detailed instructions.

EXAMPLES OF WORK

Work may include, but is not limited to, the following examples:

• Remains alert during working hours; attends work as scheduled, and complies with attendance policies.
• Maintains safe, orderly, secure environment for consumers. Works alongside of paraprofessional staff responsible to provide program services, structure and guidance in the residential and inpatient detoxification program.
• Assists registered nurse in preparing nursing assessment summaries, preparing and implementing health care plans, instructing consumers in health care, and performing rehabilitative and preventative nursing care.
• Implements nursing care and medical protocols. Provides bedside care, as indicated; takes and records temperature, pulse, respiration, blood pressure, etc. Observes patients to detect deviations from normal conditions; records and reports signs and symptoms which may be indicative of change.
• Consults with manager or medical director regarding new admissions and consumer treatment needs, and reports medical concerns and emergencies immediately to manager or medical director.
• Prepares, administers, and charts medications according to physician orders and maintains accurate records of medications in accordance with procedures.
• Monitors consumers for medication side effects. Includes the use of standardized evaluation criteria.
• Coordinates medication needs with pharmacies, consumers, and families, including the use of indigent drug programs.
• Monitors lab levels and consults appropriately with supervisor, consumers, caseworkers, and families.
• Ensures that all medications, services, concerns, and notes are documented in consumer records in legible, timely, and accurate manner. Documents describe nursing care, medications and any side effects, and observations and interventions that contribute to care.
• Assists in providing rehabilitation program activities that encourage consumers to continue in services that support abstinence.
• Assists in admission, intake, orientation and discharges processes.
• Communicates, cooperates and responds to hospitals, police, courts, probation and parole, public administrator, and others who refer consumers to care, appropriate to role.
• Participates in quality improvement process, administrative meetings, team meetings, in service training, client staffing and case reviews.
• Serves as an active member of the treatment team.
• Continue professional training by attending conferences, workshops and in-service training events.
• Performs related work as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Working knowledge of practical nurse theory, current practices, and techniques
• Working knowledge of standard practices, rules, and regulations relating to licensed practical nursing work.
• Working knowledge of anatomy and physiology, nutrition, aseptic technique, and body mechanics
• Knowledge of medically assisted treatment of chemically dependent
• Skill in applying practical nursing principles in the care of the physically ill
• Skill in implementing therapeutic nursing interventions
• Ability to respond effectively in crisis
• Ability to implement procedures from general instructions; to make and apply decisions in accordance with regulations and policies and procedures
• Ability to maintain an empathetic attitude toward and working relationships with the physically or mentally ill and their families
• Ability to establish and maintain harmonious working relationships with co-workers, supervisors, local officials, and the general public
• Ability to assist, and exercise tact, patience, and understanding of others
• Ability to act decisively when necessary to protect consumers and assist with consumers
• Ability to handle confidential information appropriately
• Ability to perform with autonomy or with minimum direction
• Ability to read, comprehend, and speak in the English language
• Ability to keep records and make reports

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION QUALIFICATIONS

The following education and experience qualifications are the minimum requirement used to admit or reject applicants for consideration.

1. Completion of a course of training at a recognized diploma school of nursing as a practical nurse;

AND

2. Possession of a current license to practice as a Practical Nurse in the State of Missouri.

NECESSARY SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS

No candidate may be considered for employment who is, or has been for the past two (2) years under the supervision of Federal, State, County or Municipal Corrections Department nor have any pending felony or misdemeanor charges other than minor traffic charges.

All candidates for employment must meet the established minimum qualifications for employment as identified by the applicable regulatory agencies.

Current certification in CPR and First Aid (Note: This certification must be maintained current throughout employment).