LPN - Adolescent Inpatient Behavioral Health

Independence Health System Careers•Latrobe, PA

About The Position

The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) is a member of the health-care team who exercises sound nursing judgment and provides direct and indirect care to an assigned group of patients under the direction and supervision of an RN. Care is provided according to the plan of care derived from physician orders and the RN’s assessment, and includes physical care, emotional support, and patient and family education. The LPN contributes to assessment, care planning, implementation, and evaluation; observes and reports changes in patients’ physical and mental condition; performs nursing functions authorized by Pennsylvania regulations; and collaborates with the RN and other care providers to support continuity, safety, and quality of care. The position also includes documentation, patient education, discharge support, participation in performance improvement and regulatory readiness, and other duties as assigned. The incumbent is scheduled according to operational need, which may include rotating shifts, standby, and on-call work. Local travel between system locations may be expected. The work environment includes direct patient care and may require personal protective equipment. If a lift requirement exceeds 50 pounds, two-person assistance and/or a transfer device is required.

Requirements

Graduate of an accredited School of Practical Nursing.
Zero to two years of experience in behavioral health.
Strong leadership ability and good organizational skills.
Independent and critical-thinking skills and sound judgment.
Knowledge of the legal aspects and liability of nursing practice.
Strong ability to communicate complex and/or controversial topics and concepts to a wide and diverse audience.
Current licensure to practice as a Licensed Practical Nurse in Pennsylvania.
Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification through an American Heart Association-approved CPR and AED curriculum.
Act 33 clearance with renewal.
Act 34 clearance with renewal.
Act 73 FBI clearance.

Nice To Haves

Previous LPN experience.
Experience in a healthcare setting.

Responsibilities

Provide direct and indirect patient care in accordance with Pennsylvania Practical Nurse Law, hospital policies and procedures, protocols, and professional standards of care.
Assist the RN with admission data collection and focused, ongoing assessment of patients’ physical, psychosocial, age-related, cultural, and spiritual needs.
Work with the RN to implement individualized, age-specific plans of care and evaluate their effectiveness.
Assist the RN with reassessment and take appropriate action under unit policy; involve patients, families, and other providers when appropriate.
Complete patient-care activities within scheduled time periods and maintain complete, accurate, and timely electronic medical record documentation.
Observe, record, and report patients’ general physical and mental condition, symptoms, reactions, changes, and interpersonal stresses to the appropriate professional.
Perform nursing functions authorized by Pennsylvania regulations, including administering prescribed medications, immunizations, and therapeutic treatments, and preparing and caring for patients receiving specialized treatments.
Assist with rehabilitation according to the medical care plan, encourage patient interests and aptitudes, support activities of daily living within patient capabilities, and apply principles of range of motion, body mechanics, body alignment, and deformity prevention.
Assist with patient education that promotes health, self-care, and improved outcomes; help assess readiness to learn, identify barriers, adapt education, and provide tailored resources.
Educate patients on safe and effective medication use, pain management, available resources, obtaining further care, and their responsibilities in care.
Provide and review written discharge instructions upon the RN’s request, supporting discharge planning and continuity of care.
Maintain collaborative relationships with physicians and other health-care providers and communicate pertinent information for interdisciplinary conferences, shift reports, and transfers.
Report changes in patient condition to the RN, including the need for reassessment or a change in the plan of care, and consult the RN when physician contact may be needed.
Participate in unit performance-improvement activities, assist with data collection, and recommend performance-improvement modifications.
Demonstrate leadership, independent problem-solving, appropriate delegation, accountability, resourcefulness, and patient advocacy; seek supervisory assistance when appropriate.
Serve effectively as a preceptor or mentor to new hires and/or students.
Assist in maintaining or decreasing organizational and department costs and support compliance with State, TJC, OSHA, and other regulatory requirements.
Participate in continuous survey readiness and the non-punitive medication reporting system; maintain narcotics accountability according to policy.
Follow infection-control processes, including standard precautions, and patient-safety policies; use two patient identifiers before care and involve patients and/or families in safety processes.
Minimize restraints and, when a patient’s condition warrants their use, monitor according to assessed need and document per policy.
Assume an appropriate code-team role during code situations, including internal and external disasters.
Perform other duties as assigned.