Description

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Classification: Crisis Care Center Licensed Practical Nurse

Program: Crisis Care Center 

Working Title: LPN

The Crisis Care Center is designed to provide crisis stabilization to individuals experiencing a behavioral health and/or substance use crisis and reduce pressure on law enforcement and local emergency departments. Once the crisis has been resolved and the individual has been stabilized, they will be linked with a community mental health provider for on-going services. This position is a direct service provider for the Crisis Care Center. This position is a direct service provider for the Crisis Care Center. The individual hired for this position is responsible for the coordination of medical, nursing and program services for individuals with mental health, substance use, and co-occurring disorders. The individual hired will be responsible for the initial nursing assessment of clients when they present to the Crisis Care Center to assure stabilization. This individual will also interpret medical information and assist or administer medications.

Supervised by: Nurse Manager

Employees Supervised: None

Division: Crisis Care Center 

Shift PRN (7am-7:30pm and 7pm-7:30pm)

PRIMARY JOB FUNCTIONS:

Obtain medical histories and provide medical screening

Monitors changes in the health status, including but not limited to vital signs, weights, nutritional needs, and other medical condition states

Administer prescribed medications as directed by Provider and document appropriately/accurately on MAR 

Manage the medication room (i.e. carts, Pyxis etc.)

Perform chart checks each shift and document all medication errors according to agency policy and notify the Charge/Lead Nurse, Provider and Nurse Manager 

Complete daily charting for LPN (i.e. Progress note, CIWA, COWS)

Respond appropriately to crisis situations that may involve physical intervention including the use of seclusion/restraint

Assists in the coordination and implementation of discharge plans to outside community agencies and providers

Follow-up on medical concerns by providing direct nursing services to clients

Monitors with or without observation, withdrawal complications, possible medication side effects and emerging symptoms of mental illness

Provides health education to groups and/or individuals

Maintains up to date, well documented medical records in compliance with state and program requirements

Participates in treatment team meetings as a member of the multidisciplinary team

Demonstrates competency for Blood Glucose Monitoring, Alcohol Breathalyzer, Urine Drug Screen, Pregnancy Test, and PPD skin tests

Monitors and documents all ordered labs, screenings, and results such as PPD, Blood Glucose, UA, RPR, Blood Chem, and CBC

Perform safe phlebotomy practices when collecting blood

Addresses medication issues with clients when necessary and provides proper education and guidance

Accurately transcribe all verbal and written orders by the Provider (i.e. NP/MD/PA)

Perform all administrative duties as required

Other duties as assigned 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Licensed Practical Nurse with a current Alabama Nursing license

Two years’ experience working with serious mental illness and/or substance use populations preferred

Familiarity with psychotropic and neuroleptic drugs, their uses as well as potential side effects

Valid American Red Cross CPR/First Aid certification

Valid Alabama driver’s license

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES:

Knowledge of the seriously mentally ill and substance use population

Knowledge of special needs and behavioral characteristics of the seriously mentally ill and/or substance use adult population

Assessment skills in the areas of physical and mental status

Familiarity with psychotropic and neuroleptic drugs, their uses, and potential side effects

Knowledge and ability to properly administer psychotropic/neuroleptic drugs as ordered by the prescriber
 
Knowledge of legal and ethical issues relative to confidentiality of client records and the ability to interpret and apply them within the scope of the nursing responsibilities

Working knowledge of interviewing techniques and principles

Effective communication skills, written and expressive

Ability and willingness to document activities and maintain records in the electronic health record

Trained in or willing to be trained in crisis intervention, specifically Therapeutic Options

Qualifications