LPN - Psychiatric

Overview

Under the supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN), the LPN administers compassionate care by maintaining standards of nursing practice and creating positive therapeutic relationships with patients/families. Encourages team members and supports their contribution. Supervises; PCAs, PCA/USs and/or techs

Responsibilities

1. Performs basic and/or advanced nursing task, as appropriate for the department/unit.
2. Provides and documents patients (significant other) education based on physical, behavioral, psychological, developmental, and age-related factors, after identifying barriers to learning.
3. Records and reports to the RN all observed abnormal and/or significant findings to include but not limited to symptoms, abnormal drainage, reactions, responses to treatments, medications, and changes in the patient's condition.
4. Documents all patient care activities and/or observations according to policies and procedures/
5. Supports care team with patient discharge process.
6. Collects and documents data on each assigned patient on an ongoing basis to include but not limited to the normal systems review, behavioral, psychological, developmental, and age-related factors. (Specific ages: adolescent, adult, geriatric)
7. Assists in performance improvement (PI) activities by serving on PI teams as warranted, assisting with PI measures and supporting and implementing changes necessary for improvement.
8. Performs initial and annual competency per job class.

DCH Standards:

• Maintains performance, patient and employee satisfaction and financial standards as outlined in the performance evaluation.
• Performs compliance requirements as outlined in the Employee Handbook
• Must adhere to the DCH Behavioral Standards including creating positive relationships with patients/families, coworkers, colleagues and with self.
• Requires use of electronic mail, time and attendance software, learning management software and intranet.
• Must adhere to all DCH Health System policies and procedures.
• All other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Current Alabama LPN License. Must be able to read, write legibly, speak, and comprehend English.

Physical: Physical presence onsite is essential. Hearing and vision must be normal or corrected to within normal range. Able to perform the duties with or without reasonable accommodation. Ability to tolerate prolonged periods of standing and walking. Ability to lift and carry 50 pounds with frequent lifting and/or carrying of objects weighing up to 25 lbs. Is able to push stretcher/wheelchair with average adult patient. Is able to do frequent stooping and on occasion crouching, crawling or kneeling. Ability to reach reasonable distances in any direction. Ability to run in emergency situations. Must be able to move fingers in a coordinated manner. Must have ability to feel and perceive temperature, texture, shape and size with fingertips.

Environmental: Includes exposure to human body fluids, disease, infection, lab chemicals and hazard materials and/or cleaning solutions. Requires wearing common protective or safety equipment.

Psychological: Includes demonstrating leadership skills, delegating to team members, addressing conflict, effective communication skills with all types of personalities, and being responsible for outcomes/results.

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