Behavioral Health Nurse Per Diem LPN

POSITION SUMMARY:
The Licensed Practice Nurse (LPN) Per Diem is responsible for rendering nursing care in assigned area in terms of individualized patient needs, according to dependent and independent nursing functions and conformance with recognized nursing techniques, procedures and established standards based on the scope of practical nursing under the direction/delegation of the registered nurse.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Utilizes nursing knowledge and skills in the safe implementation of basic preventative therapeutic and rehabilitative nursing care of assigned patient/family as evidenced by documentation and observation of positive patient care outcomes.
• Performs delegated independent nursing functions using established procedures, policies, guidelines, and standards as observed by the registered nurse.
• Administers medication accurately, observing patient response as evidenced by documentation in the medical record and lack of negative outcomes.
• Maintains and coordinates communication among patient/significant other, staff and physician as evidenced within medical record, patient, and health care team feedback.
• Assists in assuring that effective communication exists with patient/significant other as reflected in the plan of care; gives punctual change of shift report consisting of pertinent and relevant information for assigned patients.
• Works collaboratively with other members of the health care team in coordination of the patient's care as evidenced by other department feedback.
• Uses available written and AV materials specific to patient condition or disease; utilizes appropriate teaching methods such as one-on-one and group instruction, demonstration or discussion.
• Assists patients, family members or other patients with concern and empathy; respects their confidentiality and privacy and communicate with them in a courteous and respectful manner.
• Answers and refers telephone calls or other inquires to ensure accurate and timely communications are facilitated.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

COMPETENCIES:
• Oral Communication - Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; Listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Demonstrates group presentation skills; Participates in meetings.
• Written Communication - Writes clearly and informatively; Edits work for spelling and grammar; Varies writing style to meet needs; Presents numerical data effectively; Able to read and interpret written information.
• Ethics - Treats people with respect; Keeps commitments; Inspires the trust of others; Works with integrity and ethically; Upholds organizational values.
• Professionalism - Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; Accepts responsibility for own actions; Follows through on commitments.
• Quality - Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Applies feedback to improve performance; Monitors own work to ensure quality.
• Attendance/Punctuality - Is consistently at work and on time; Ensures work responsibilities are covered when absent; Arrives at meetings and appointments on time.

THE PER DIEM REQUIREMNTS INCUDES THE FOLLOWING:
• Participates in a one-week new hire classroom-based clinical orientation program.
• Completes 5 shadowing shifts with your assigned preceptor within a two-week period after the classroom-based orientation program.
• Works a minimum of two shifts per month starting the first month after new hire orientation has been completed.
• Works one weekend shift per month based on needs of the organization.
• Works at least one holiday during the calendar year, either one major winter (Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year’s) or one spring/summer holiday (Memorial Day, Fourth of July, or Labor Day).
• Completes all documentation and respond to all communication regarding documentation per the agency policy.
• Participates in mandatory per diem staff meetings.
• Completes all clinical education requirements and annual competencies.
• Participates in OASIS training per the needs of the organization.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
• Is a graduate of an accredited school of professional nursing
• Is currently licensed as an LPN
• Complies with accepted professional standards and principles
• Must be a licensed driver with an automobile that is insured in accordance with state and/or organization requirements and is in good working order, or other reliable means of transportation
• Possesses and maintains CPR certification
• Has presented a pre-employment physician’s health clearance including negative TB skin test and/or CXR and other tests as required by organization policy
• Has satisfactory references from nursing school, previous (or current) employers and/or professional peers

PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
• Associate’s degree with two years of related work experience

CONTINUING EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:
• Agency personnel are expected to participate in appropriate continuing education as may be requested and/or required by their immediate supervisor. In addition, agency personnel are expected to accept personal responsibility for other educational activities to enhance job related skills and abilities. All agency personnel must attend mandatory education programs.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:
• Frequently required to stand.
• Frequently required to walk.
• Frequently required to sit.
• Continually required to use hands and fingers.
• Frequently required to climb, balance, bend, stoop, kneel or crawl.
• Occasionally required to lift/push light weights (less than 25 pounds).
• Occasionally required to lift/push light weights (greater than 25 pounds).
• Moving, lifting, or transferring of patients may be required on occasion.
• Frequent exposure to bloodborne and airborne pathogens or infectious materials.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:
• Daily local travel required by car to perform patient visits, attend in-person meetings, continued education, etc. Occasional travel required to corporate offices outside assigned region.