Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

POSITION SUMMARY

The nurse for outpatient  is responsible for the delivery of nursing care to adults, youth and adolescents with severe and persistent mental illnesses in the community based service area. The nurse functions as a member of the multidisciplinary team and acts as the primary designee in providing individualized nursing care to clients with severe and persistent mental illness and their families.  The nurse also acts as liaison with other MHS service areas and other community health care providers in the continuing care of SMD and Residential patients.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assesses the biological, psychological, socio-cultural, and spiritual aspects of the SMD patient and his/her family system as appropriate (RN).
• Skilled in analyzing and interpreting data, recognizing major and minor defining characteristics and identifying the nursing care needs based on patterns recognized by NANDA (North American Nursing Diagnosis Association).
• Maintains accurate, objective and timely documentation in the patients chart in accordance with MHS policies and procedures.
• Assists the physician during medication clinic performing an abbreviated nursing assessment, including vital signs, and documents findings inpatient record.
• Screens for pain and encourages patient to follow up with a health care provider of their choice.
• Administers and monitors the use of prescribed medication in accordance with the service area policies and procedures, including but not limited to administration of medication, medication education, monitoring lab values, assisting/supervision of patients with self-administration of medication, coordinates central pharmacy orders.
• Monitors patient medication and assesses for side effects, completing documentation as needed.
• Responsible for updating medication orders in the computer program to provide for continuity of care.
• Provides appropriate teaching and learning interventions for patients, families and significant others where severe mental illness exists.
• Possesses current knowledge of psychiatric nursing for SMD and Residential patients and independently seeks to expand their knowledge based on identified learning needs.
• Provides nursing services to Residential families (Bridge House, Community Homes, and the Apartment program) to include assisting residents with filling weekly medication boxes for current and new residents; updating emergency information on all residents; provides health education groups in the homes; functions as liaison with primary care physicians, psychiatrist, case managers and other health care providers.
• Provides education classes for Residential Medication Assistants and Home Operators and conducts in-service trainings as required.
• Works with extended care facilities, Springfield Regional Hospital to coordinate psychiatric care in conjunction with case management services and psychiatrists.
• Adheres to all MHS program-wide, MHS nursing service and BHR service area policies and procedures.
• Collaborates with patients, families and significant others throughout the treatment process focusing on strengths and enhancing skills necessary for promoting wellness.
• Works in conjunction with Clark County Jail psychiatrist to provide medication continuity for patients who are incarcerated.
• Follows all universal precautions for safety, infection control and follows all state, federal and joint commission health and safety standards.
• Treats patients and family with dignity and respect at all times, and holds all patient information in the strictest confidence.
• Adhere to professional standards, policies and procedures, federal, state and local requirements and Joint Commission standards, including National Patient Safety Goals. Presents a positive image of MHS to other community agencies, caregivers and citizens
• Completes all MHS required education and training, including initial agency orientation, mandatory trainings and educations, and up keep of all required certifications and licensure as required by state, federal and regulatory requirements.

Education/Experience

• High School Diploma or GED
• Associates Degree in Nursing
• 1 year nursing experience preferred

Licensure/Certifications

• Active OH LPN License
• NVCI
• CPR (BLS)