Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN)

Position Summary

Provides nursing care following physical and mental assessment plans, laboratory testing, plans of care and therapeutic treatments. Knowledgeable of a wide range of disorders; cognitive, emotional, developmental, social and behavioral. Performs crisis intervention. Provides direct and indirect patient care under the direction of a registered nurse. Provides for the personal care and comfort of psychiatric patients. Participates in the department's performance improvement and continuous quality improvement (CQI) activities.

Position Responsibilities

• Demonstrates ability to care appropriate to condition and age of patient including pediatric, adolescent, adult and geriatric population
• Observes patient's behavior, mental status and activities
• Follows the patient plans of care developed by the treatment teams
• Demonstrates knowledge of medications, including psychotropic drugs, and their correct administration based on age and clinical condition
• Orients patients to the unit, takes admission vital signs and records on the Nursing Assessment Form
• Performs and records patient vital signs, intake and output; notifies RN of any changes
• Provides general nursing care, i.e., transferring patients, assisting with ADLs
• Identifies behaviors that require intervention
• Escorts patients when leaving the unit for activities and scheduled tests
• Performs patient safety checks at scheduled times and documents appropriately; verbalizes levels of observation (LOS, 1:1 and Close 15)
• Assists with restraining a patient and placing a patient in seclusion
• Sets limits for patients and uses de-escalation techniques
• Treats patients and families with respect and dignity; provides emotional support
• Performs other duties as assigned

Safety

• Strives to create a safe, healing environment for patients and family members
• Follows all safety rules while on the job
• Reports near misses, errors and accidents promptly
• Corrects minor safety hazards
• Communicates with peers and management regarding workplace hazards
• Attends all required safety programs
• Participates in quality projects and supports quality initiatives
• Supports and maintains a culture of safety and quality

Teamwork

• Works well with others in a spirit of teamwork and cooperation
• Responds willingly to colleagues and serves as an active part of the hospital team
• Builds collaborative relationships with patients, families, staff, and physicians
• Retrieves, communicates, and presents data and information verbally and in writing
• Demonstrates listening skills and ability to express or exchange ideas
• Demonstrates adequate skills in all forms of communication
• Adheres to the Standards of Behavior

Integrity

• Strives to always do the right thing for the patient, coworkers, and the hospital
• Adheres to established standards, policies, procedures, protocols, and laws
• Applies the Mission and Values of SUN Behavioral Health to personal practice
• Supports fiscal responsibility through supply usage and conservation of facility resources
• Completes required trainings within defined time periods
• Exemplifies professionalism through good attendance and positive attitude
• Maintains confidentiality of patient and staff information following HIPAA and other privacy laws
• Ensures proper documentation following federal and state guidelines

Compassion

• Demonstrates accountability for ensuring the highest quality patient care
• Willingness to be accepting of those in need and extend a helping hand
• Desire to go above and beyond for others
• Understanding and accepting of cultural diversity and differences

Qualifications

Required: Graduated from an accredited nursing program with a Licensed Vocational/Practical Nurse diploma. Current LVN/LPN license in the state of employment. CPR and hospital-selected de-escalation technique certification. Maintains education and development appropriate for position.

Preferred: Two (2) years of experience as a LVN/LPN in an acute behavioral healthcare setting.