LPN

Job Summary:

The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) provides nursing care activities during the client's hospitalization in accordance with organization policies and procedures under the direction of the registered nurse and/or charge nurse. This includes assessment, diagnosis, planning and establishing outcomes, implementation, and evaluation. Based on this process, the LPN directs and is responsible for other personnel involved in client care. Demonstrates competency in nursing judgment. Maintains awareness of economic barriers of health care and acts accordingly. Demonstrates knowledge of nursing care needs and treatments for clients of various clinical specialties in compliance with established standards of nursing practice.

Functions and Duties:

• Provides appropriate nursing care by planning, organizing, and directing the nursing functions of clients on the unit.
• Makes nursing assignments appropriate to the skill level of employees.
• Accurately and promptly implements physicians’ orders.
• Prepares, administers, and records medications in accordance with the policy regarding the administration of medications.
• Records information concisely, accurately and completely.
• Coordinates and provides emergency care as needed.
• Evaluates the performance of personnel with recommendations for appropriate action.
• Adjust interventions based on age appropriate guidelines as indicated.
• Demonstrates abilities to set priorities in directing and/or providing safe client care by functioning in an organized and time conscious manner.
• Contributes to the care of the environment by maintaining work areas and assisting with light housekeeping tasks as needed.
• Maintains customers’ rights (confidentiality, privacy, safety, security).
• Accepts working assignments according to client care needs in accordance with job skill level.
• Precepts and trains other employees as assigned.
• Assists with the development and implementation of unit goals.
• Conducts group therapies as assigned.
• Participates in multidisciplinary treatment planning and revises plan of care based on assessment.
• Observes clients and reports any significant symptoms, reactions, or changes in condition to the RN and physician, as appropriate.
• Participate and promote activities regarding Process Improvement.
• Provides care based upon client's age specific needs.
• Adheres to nursing staffing and scheduling policy (to include use of overtime).
• Follows chain of command resolving any issues or problems identified.
• Monitors clients and documents appropriately according to risk precaution level.
• Maintains a safe environment monitoring continuously for any harmful contraband.
• Attends and participates in departmental meetings.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education

• Graduate of an accredited school of nursing.

Experience

• Prior behavioral health experience preferred.

Certifications, Licenses, and Registrations

• Current Illinois nursing license required.
• Obtains and maintains basic life support (BLS) certification within 6 months of employment.
• Obtains and renews annually or as recommended by departmental leadership crisis de-escalation certification.

Skills and Abilities

• Ability to operate standard office equipment.

Physical Demands:

• Must be able to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) (mask, gown, gloves) when required
• Requires grasping and reaching with hands/arms.
• Ability to lift up to, but not limited to 25 pounds when assisting clients, turning clients or assisting client with activities.
• Requires bending, stooping, and walking.
• Requires good body mechanics to prevent injury.

Work Environment:

Risk Exposure: High

FLSA Statement:

This position is classified as non-exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Employees in non-exempt positions are entitled to receive overtime pay for any hours worked over 40 in a workweek in accordance with state and federal regulations.

EEO Statement:

Touchette Regional Hospital is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.