LPN - 2nd Shift

ESSENTIAL FUNCTION: Will assist in the maintenance of a therapeutic milieu; this includes ensuring that client activities take place as scheduled. Responsible for the provision of client care; this includes ensuring that all nursing care procedures are performed correctly. Will function as a member of the clinical team and will participate in planning and implementing treatment goals and plans. Responsible for documentation of all services provided to the clients; this includes ensuring that client records are complete. Will attend all staff meetings and in-service education programs. Will be responsible for the administration of medication in collaboration with the attending physician and the nurse in charge. A person in this position will be required to actively participate in verbal and physical intervention services.  

RESPONSIBILITIES: This person is a professional nurse who is responsible for providing client care and improving nursing service in an organized nursing unit. Will assist clients in increasing interaction skills, in improving level of functioning and in gaining insight into their illness; this includes establishing a meaningful relationship with all clients. Collaborates with the Charge Nurse, Nurse Supervisor and/or Nurse Manager to ensure a therapeutic environment. Will have knowledge of the Baker Act. Will be responsible to ensure that the civil rights of the client are in accordance with the mental health laws and the court of law. Will advise the Charge Nurse, Nurse Supervisor and/or Nurse Manager on all matters of concern related to client care on each scheduled shift.

KNOWLEDGE AND JOB SKILLS: Understanding of crisis intervention skills. Demonstrates knowledge of both mental health and basic medical/surgical nursing skills. Demonstrates knowledge and skills to administer medications to clients and observe them for side effects and positive effects. An understanding of the commitment process and Baker Act criteria are essential to this position. Demonstrates skills that ensure safe and effective client care. Good verbal and written communications skills are fundamental to satisfactory job performance. Excellent crisis intervention and conflict resolution skills are key to this position. Excellent time management skills are vital to satisfactory job performance. Legible hand writing and good documentation skills are helpful.

CORE COMPETENCIES:

1. Age Specific: Assessment, Interpretation, Intervention, Knowledge, Developmental Stages, Enhances Family Involvement
2. Basic Job Readiness: Courtesy, Flexibility, Reliability, Responsiveness
3. Personal Effectiveness: Communication, Interpersonal Skills, Self-Management, Thinking Skills
4. Organizational/Management: Compliance, CQI Commitment, Management of Information, Safety
5. Performance Specific: Assessment, Crisis Management, Customer Focus, Medication Issues, Treatment/Service Planning.

JUDGMENT: Must be able to keep client information confidential. Must be able to assess client’s needs and provide appropriate intervention. Must be able to assess a potential crisis and successfully intervene.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

• Education: Graduation from an accredited school of nursing meeting minimum standards of the Florida State Board of Nursing as a Licensed Practical Nurse.
• Experience: Minimum of one (1) year experience in nursing, preferably in a mental health setting.
• Personal Qualities: Must be assertive and have a tenacious work ethic. Must be honest, dependable, well-organized, detail oriented, and self-directed. Must be able to work with a minimum of supervision. Must be able to work cooperatively with a variety of disciplines. Demonstrates leadership and is able to encourage and influence others in a positive, proactive manner. Must be flexible, patient and remain calm in crisis situations. 
• Supervisory Responsibilities: Behavioral Technicians assigned to the unit.
• Special Factors: Tenacious work ethic. Physically demanding position. A person in this position will be required to actively participate in verbal and physical intervention services.  
• Staff Development: Completes all administrative and competency requirements as set forth in Individual Training Plan.

POSITION CONTENT: This job description is not intended to be and should not be construed as an all inclusive list of all the responsibilities, skills or working conditions associated with the position. While it is intended to accurately reflect the position activities and requirements, Management reserves the right to modify, and/or remove duties and assign other duties as necessary.