Overview

Licensed Practical Nurses in a hospital setting are responsible for completion of the admission process for consumers, observing consumers behavior in group activities, administering medication, providing medication education for consumers and family members, and demonstrating the ability to recognize the elements of a crisis situation as well as successful de-escalation of a crisis situation.

EastPointe Hospital is a private, free-standing psychiatric hospital for adults located in Daphne, Ala. EastPointe’s clinical and medical professionals assess and evaluate adults in psychiatric crisis. Treatment focuses on stabilizing psychiatric symptoms and preventing psychiatric commitment. Adults admitted to EastPointe will have exhibited life-threatening, destructive or disabling behavior or symptoms. Each patient completes a psychiatric diagnostic evaluation and receives 24-hour clinical care for an estimated three-to-seven-day stay. The goal is for each patient to return to home or to the least restrictive level of care.

Responsibilities

• Completion of the admission process for consumers including: Medical Checklist/Physical Health/Nutritional screening, Medication List, Medication Administration Record, vital signs, height/weight, transcribing physician orders, AIMS, and admission notes.
• Observes consumers behavior in groups and activities, documents observations in consumer records, interacts with consumers and evaluates needs to ensure that proper information is reported from shift to shift and during staffing with the Treatment Team.
• Provides nursing care. Directs behavioral staff/CNA as needed.
• Assists consumers with personal care issues (bathing, toileting, and other personal hygiene routines).
• Administers medications, observing the Six Rights of medication administration.
• Provides medication education for the consumer and family, including uses and potential side effects. Monitors consumers for potential side effects of medications and reports findings to the physician.
• Communicates effectively with the physician regarding the consumer’s physical and mental condition.
• Demonstrates willingness to work on any unit at EastPointe and/or BayPointe, based on facility needs and as directed by Charge RN/Nurse Coordinator.
• Interfaces with the multi-disciplinary team and actively and cooperatively participates in development of the interdisciplinary treatment plan.
• Contacts laboratory, requests and monitors results, and reports all abnormal findings to the physician.
• Provides emergency care as needed (CPR, MindSet, PRN medications), according to AltaPointe Policy & Procedures.
• Demonstrates the ability to recognize the elements of a crisis state and knows how to deescalate or resolve the situation.
• Assists with Seclusion and Restraints per AltaPointe Policy & Procedures.
• Effectively demonstrates the application of adult competencies.
• Performs hand-off communication at shift change.
• Adheres to professional code of ethics.
• Performs additional duties as assigned by supervisor.
• Seeks clinical supervision and consultation needs.
• Accepts and employs suggestions for improvement.
• Actively works to enhance clinical skills.
• Documents in a timely fashion per AltaPointe policy.
• Documents in a clear, concise manner, types of consumer problems, treatment goals and services provided.
• Documentation shows that forms, notes, logs, and other applicable written information are completed promptly, accurately and updated when appropriate.
• Documents legibly.
• Treats consumers with care, dignity and compassion.
• Respects consumer’s privacy and confidentiality.
• Is pleasant and cooperative with others.
• Assists consumers and visitors as needed.
• Personal values don’t inhibit ability to relate and care for others.
• Is sensitive to the consumer’s needs, expectations and individual differences.
• Is gentle and calm with consumers and families.
• Actively participates in Performance and Improvement activities.
• Actively participates in AltaPointe committees as required.
• Completes assigned tasks in a timely manner.
• Accesses appropriate community resources according to consumer needs.
• Follows AltaPointe Policy & Procedures.
• Maintains current State license and requirements for renewals (i.e. CEU’s), and attends to required in-services and workshops.

Physical Requirements

There is frequent standing, sitting, and walking which are in bursts of 5 to 10 minutes. However, there are times when this can be extended to pacing with the consumer (time could be undetermined), and at times sitting and standing can be extended with the employee having the ability to change positions as permitted by the observance and behavior of the consumer at that time.

There is occasional forward bending from the hips while kneeling to reach to the side.

There is an occasional need to be able to assume a full squat/lunge from a standing position.

There is an occasional need to maintain back extension while being on stomach with one’s own body weight on hips and legs. This position is maintained for several minutes.

Occasionally, be able to put one’s own body weight on one knee and one elbow on the same side of one’s body.

Occasionally, be able to kneel and reach to same side toward the floor.

Lift up to 10 pounds from the floor to various levels, including from the floor to overhead occasionally during shift.

Have the ability to lift up to 50 pounds to assist in Activities of Daily Living, as required. Be able to lift up to 50 pounds from floor to waist.

Strong grasp is needed to use keys to open doors throughout the facility, and to maintain constant contact with a consumer during a restraint procedure or with other hold techniques.

Pushing/pulling force up to 25 pounds occasionally during shift.

There are times that require the employee to be able to ambulate as quickly as possible to assist coworkers with a consumer in a restraint procedure. (Example: jog/run up to 0.1 mi).

At times therapy may be inside or outside the facility; therefore, some activities will dictate physical requirements for playing or games.

Qualifications

Current LPN in Alabama.