Licensed Practical Nurse (35 Hour)
About The Position
The Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) is hiring a Licensed Practical Nurse for the Southeastern Mental Health Authority (SMHA) Outpatient Treatment Program (Options) in Norwich. The role provides nursing services to clients with serious and persistent mental illness and supports prescribers, clinical therapists, and nursing staff. It coordinates psychiatric, medical, and medication-related services with residential and community-based providers and local pharmacies, and helps maintain continuity of care and coordinated treatment planning. The position is full-time, 35 hours per week, on the first shift, Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM. A comprehensive medical examination, including drug screening, is required after a conditional offer. State employees must comply with Connecticut’s Drug-Free Workplace Policy. SMHA provides behavioral health services to adults age 18 and older with mental health and substance use disorders in New London County and surrounding towns. DMHAS describes its broader mission as promoting health and wellness through an integrated, holistic network of services that fosters dignity, respect, and self-sufficiency.
Requirements
- Hold a Connecticut license or temporary permit to practice nursing issued by the State Board of Examiners for Nursing, or hold a Multistate or Compact Licensed Practical Nurse license.
- Knowledge of practical nursing specialties and bedside care.
- Knowledge of medications used in caring for individuals with physical disabilities and/or intellectual disabilities.
- Knowledge of infection control practices, nutrition and diets, and medical and laboratory sciences.
- Considerable interpersonal, oral communication, and written communication skills.
- Ability to keep records and lead staff.
Nice To Haves
- Experience using interpersonal skills to support, calm, and de-escalate clients or patients.
- Experience participating in the development of nursing care and treatment plans.
- Experience working as part of a multidisciplinary team and working independently.
- Experience using an Electronic Medical Record.
- Experience using Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook.
- Experience transporting clients.
- Experience providing case management support.
Responsibilities
- Provide nursing services to clients with serious and persistent mental illness.
- Support prescribers, clinical therapists, and nursing staff within the Options program.
- Coordinate psychiatric, medical, and medication-related services with residential and community-based providers.
- Work with local pharmacies to facilitate medication management and continuity of care.
- Transcribe orders and create and update medication reconciliation records.
- Collaborate on care planning to address clients’ complex needs.
- Assist doctors and nurses in the general care and treatment of individuals.
- Measure doses and administer medications, including insulin injections; document medications using appropriate forms; perform narcotic counts; and apply topical medication.
- Check and, when appropriate, administer intravenous medications; dispense certain medications in a doctor’s absence.
- Report changes in individuals’ conditions to doctors and report on individual conditions and behavior.
- Ensure restraints are applied correctly and help keep the unit safe and healthy.
- Take and chart temperatures, pulses, and respirations; perform simple nursing treatments; and monitor general needs, including personal hygiene.
- Administer enemas or suppositories and perform Foley catheterization care.
- Orient individuals concerning medications and their use.
- May perform emergency first aid and drive individuals to necessary appointments or outings.
- Perform related duties as required.
Benefits
- Comprehensive state employee benefits, with available options described in the State Employee Benefits Overview.
- Professional growth and career development opportunities.
- Commitment to promoting a healthy work/life balance.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Education Level
No Education Listed
