Position:Admission LPN Intake Specialist NOC
Location: Surprise, AZ
Job Id:528
# of Openings:1
Now Hiring: Admissions LPN / Intake Specialist (Night Shift / NOC)
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.