Licensed Practical Nurse

Position: Admission License Practical Nurse (LPN)

Status: Full Time

Schedule: Days, 14-Hour Shifts

Position Summary:

The Behavioral Health Admissions LPN is responsible for managing the admissions and intake process for patients presenting to the facility. This role serves as the first point of clinical contact, conducting triage assessments, gathering necessary referral information, and ensuring patients meet admission criteria. The Admissions LPN ensures compliance with all regulatory requirements, including EMTALA, and facilitates a safe, efficient, and supportive experience for patients and their families. The role collaborates closely with the multidisciplinary treatment team, referral sources, and families to support appropriate patient placement and care planning.

Essential Functions:

• Conduct patient triage and assessments during the admissions process, identifying clinical needs, risk factors, and appropriateness for admission.
• Ensure compliance with EMTALA regulations by performing timely medical and psychiatric screenings for all patients presenting for admission.
• Identify patients who require emergency evaluation or transfer and initiate appropriate EMTALA protocols.
• Document all EMTALA-related assessments, interventions, and communications accurately in the medical record.
• Serve actively as a member of the multidisciplinary treatment team, ensuring the safety and well-being of each patient.
• Direct and manage the referral process for patient admissions into the facility.
• Collaborate with the Director of Admissions, Director of Clinical Services, Medical Director, and Director of Nursing to ensure patient acceptance aligns with hospital admission and exclusionary criteria.
• Gather and review required information from referral sources to determine the appropriateness of patient admissions. Maintain a referral log documenting all referrals, including dates, referral sources, and outcomes.
• Prepare written summaries for each patient being admitted, including identifying information, behaviors, reason for referral, and relevant background.
• Generate referral packets and complete all relevant and required paperwork for admissions.
• Conduct initial certification assessments.
• Perform managed care pre-certifications and complete all required documentation to ensure prompt processing of insurance claims.
• Conduct ongoing assessments of patient mental and physical status during the admissions process.
• Observe and document behavioral changes, risk factors, or acute psychiatric symptoms.
• Provide orientation to patients and families regarding hospital policies, treatment expectations, and resources.
• Address patient or family questions with professionalism and empathy.
• Ensure all admissions and clinical documentation meets regulatory, legal, and organizational standards.
• Monitor patient safety during admissions and respond to crises or emergencies as appropriate.
• Utilize safety protocols for patients, staff, and visitors.
• Serve as a liaison between referral sources, families, and the multidisciplinary team.
• Participate in initiatives aimed at improving admissions processes, patient satisfaction, or clinical outcomes.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education: Graduate of an accredited school or college of practical nursing required; specialty certification in behavioral health or psychiatric nursing preferred.

Experience: Minimum of one (1) year of recent experience in Admissions or Intake preferred, with behavioral health/psychiatric experience highly desirable; ER experience or geriatric care may be considered as a substitute.

Competency: Position and age-related

Licensure/Certification: Current Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) license in the State of Louisiana; American Heart Association BLS (AHA BLS) and Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) certification. Successful candidates who do not have current AHA BLS or CPI certification will be required to attend company-provided classes during the week of orientation.

Competency: Position and age-related

HIPAA: Authorized to access and document within the medical record for assigned patients only. Responsible for maintaining patient confidentiality and adhering to all HIPAA regulations.

Skills & Competencies: Strong verbal and written communication and active listening skills; ability to explain policies and treatment expectations to patients and families; attention to detail for accurate documentation and insurance paperwork; ability to prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment; sound clinical judgment to triage and escalate patients appropriately; knowledge of HIPAA and EMTALA regulations; ability to collaborate effectively with Directors, Medical Staff, and referral sources.

Northlake Behavioral Health is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for all employment; free from discrimination based on race, creed, color, national origin, age, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, religion, associational preferences, status as a qualified individual with a disability, or status as a protected veteran.