Admission LPN Intake Specialist NOC

Avenir Behavioral Health Center; Surprise (AZ); On-site; USD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

Avenir Behavioral Health Center is hiring an Admissions LPN / Intake Specialist for the Night Shift. You will coordinate psychiatric admissions, perform nursing assessments, and manage intake processes within the LPN scope of practice.

Responsibilities include chart prep, data entry in KIPU, de-escalation, and ensuring accurate handoffs to receiving units, while maintaining HIPAA compliance and patient safety throughout the intake process.

Qualifications

• Graduate of an accredited practical nursing program.
• Current, unrestricted Arizona LPN license (or valid compact authority to practice in Arizona).
• Current BLS/CPR certification and CPI (or facility-approved crisis intervention training).
• Minimum 2 years of general nursing experience, and 1 year of psychiatric nursing experience.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate admissions and intake operations under the Director of Nursing.
• Perform nursing assessments within LPN scope and monitor patient status.
• Enter data accurately in KIPU and maintain EMR documentation.
• Conduct effective nurse-to-nurse handoffs and communicate orders clearly.
• Maintain HIPAA compliance and accurate intake records.

Skills

Clinical observation

KIPU EMR

De-escalation

Handoff communication

Prioritization

Nurse judgment

Education

Practical nursing diploma

Tools

KIPU EMR System

Job description

Now Hiring: Admissions LPN / Intake Specialist (Night Shift / NOC)
Location: Avenir Behavioral Health Center
Department: Nursing / Intake
Reports To: Director of Nursing
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Position Type: Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) with Intake Specialist Responsibilities

We are currently seeking dedicated Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) for the following NOC (Night Shift) schedule:

• Schedule Option 1: Sunday, Monday, Tuesday (Includes 2 days dedicated to Admissions on Monday & Tuesday)

Position Overview

Under the direction of the Director of Nursing, the Admissions LPN / Intake Specialist coordinates and supports safe, timely psychiatric admissions.
This dynamic role combines intake operations, patient comfort and safety, nursing assessments and care within the LPN scope of practice, documentation, provider communication, and effective handoff to the receiving unit.

Key Responsibilities

Admissions & Intake Operations

• Review referral packets, transfer records, and patient information; verify patient identity and follow up with referral sources for missing documentation.
• Prepare patient charts, wristbands, labels, intake forms, consents, and complete accurate data entry in KIPU.
• Coordinate with providers regarding admission decisions, orders, and observation levels in accordance with facility Medical Screening Examination (MSE) guidelines.
• Process authorized orders (medications, standard orders) within LPN scope and clarify any incomplete orders.
• Collect and process ordered urine and other screening specimens (pregnancy, drug, fentanyl), record results in KIPU, and report significant findings promptly.
• Perform nurse-to-nurse (N2N) handoffs to the receiving unit nurse, highlighting clinical concerns, orders, precautions, and pending tasks.
• Maintain accurate EMTALA-related intake records, shift logs, inventory, and secure patient belongings.
• Provide snacks, comfort items, orientation, and compassionate care throughout the intake process.

Licensed Nursing Assessment & Care

• Contribute to assigned admission nursing assessments (vital signs, skin checks, risk screenings) within the LPN scope of practice.
• Observe and reassess patients, promptly reporting changes in medical/mental status, behavior, vital signs, or safety concerns.
• Administer authorized medications and provide medication education per policy.
• Assist with activities of daily living (ADLs), hygiene, meals, emergency responses, and approved de-escalation interventions.
• Provide unit nursing floor coverage when deemed necessary by nursing administration.

Documentation & Quality

• Accurately document all vital signs, assessments, specimen results, and handoffs in the electronic medical record (KIPU).
• Maintain compliance with HIPAA, Arizona nursing requirements, and accreditation standards.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Education: Graduate of an accredited practical nursing program.
• Licensure: Current, unrestricted Arizona LPN license (or valid compact authority to practice in Arizona).
• Certifications: Current BLS/CPR certification and CPI (or facility-approved crisis intervention training).
• Experience:
  • Minimum 2 years of general nursing experience.
  • Minimum 1 year of psychiatric nursing experience.
  • Prior intake or behavioral health experience preferred.
  • Key Skills: Clinical observation, electronic medical records (KIPU), therapeutic de-escalation, effective handoff communication, and prioritization.

Physical Demands & Working Conditions

• Involves prolonged standing, walking, sitting, bending, computer/telephone use, and direct patient care.
• Must be able to respond quickly to emergency situations and participate in patient transfers/de-escalation as trained.