Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

TITLE: Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) - Residential JOB SUMMARY: Responsible for medical and health care of youth in residence.
Assists Registered Nurses, Consulting Pediatrician and Consulting Psychiatrist in the general care and treatment of residents.
Administer and document medications; ensure that restraints of residents are performed correctly; transcribe healthcare providers’ orders; perform simple nursing treatments; monitor general residents’ needs including personal hygiene; report on conditions of residents to healthcare providers; provide hygiene and other relevant training to residents; perform emergency first aid.
Reports to the RN Supervisor.
Responsible to cover other LPN duties within other locations as needed or assigned.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 1.
Provides or obtain essential medical services for youth in care, including physical assessment of medical condition.
Monitors vital signs, blood work and responses to medication.
2.
Maintains records noting specific incidents where nursing and medical attention was given to a specific child to include emergency room visits, reports of physicals given by the consulting physician and treatment rendered for specific physical complaints, physicals, immunizations, allergies/DM/Seizure precautions, and current practitioner’s orders.
3.
Obtains, pours, administers and accounts for medication for an illness, injury or behavior problem, or for an acute medical/psychological problem as prescribed by a physician.
Does this in accordance with the standards established by the state of Connecticut.
Keeps a record of same in Medical Services.
4.
Keeps immunization records up to date.
5.
Assists with physical exams and routine lab tests as required.
6.
Renders emergency first aid and needed medical interventions; assess psychiatric emergencies when clinical staff are not present; when necessary, arrange transportation to emergency room or psychiatric hospital.
7.
Follows through with implementing care plans developed by healthcare provider and RN.
8.
Participates in interdisciplinary team meetings as requested.
Make medical calls, as necessary, to RN Supervisor, Director of Nursing, Consulting Psychiatrist and Consulting Pediatrician.
9.
Observes/documents physical restraints to ensure safety of residents and staff members.
10.
Distributes first aid supplies to the staff at the houses/classrooms as needed.
11.
Displays exemplary role modeling on the job and when in contact with the youth being served.
12.
Performs all other duties as assigned by the RN Supervisor and/or Director of Nursing.
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND OTHER QUALIFICATIONS: Must have graduated from an accredited nursing program and be licensed as an LPN in CT.
At least three years of experience as an LPN, preferably with adolescents who have mental health diagnoses and are emotionally disturbed and/or behaviorally disordered, is preferred.
Must be able to work independently while seeking supervision when necessary.
Must have knowledge of practical nursing theory, practices and ethics; knowledge of current medications used to treat psychiatric illnesses and behavioral disorders; knowledge of infection control practices; some knowledge of nutrition and diets; basic knowledge of medical and lab sciences; considerable interpersonal skills; ability to respond in emergencies; ability to keep detailed records; ability to listen and provide empathetic assistance to residents in meeting their needs and carrying out prescribed treatments.
The ability to communicate clearly, both verbally and in writing is requisite, as is the ability to work with colleagues and residents from diverse ethnic, economic, educational and religious backgrounds.