Licensed Practical Nurse

Priority Dispatch Corp.; Florida; On-site; USD 34,000 - 49,000; Full time

Job summary

Priority Dispatch Corp. in Pinellas Park, FL is seeking a licensed practical nurse (LPN) for full-time day/evening shifts. You will assist in consumer care, administer medications, and coordinate with the RN to ensure care aligns with established protocols.

Candidates must hold Florida LPN licensure, a 2-year nursing degree, and be able to document progress notes, participate in team rounds, and maintain medication safety and infection control standards.

Qualifications

• Current Florida Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) license in good standing.
• 2-year nursing degree or equivalent required.
• CPR/First Aid certification preferred.
• Experience in behavioral health and/or inpatient settings desired.

Responsibilities

• Administer prescribed medications and nursing treatments per physician orders.
• Assess and document consumer responses to medication regimens.
• Participate as an active member of the treatment team.
• Initiate nursing assessments and assist in developing plans of care as directed by the RN.
• Assist the RN with hourly rounds and updating the plan of care.
• Document consumer interactions, assessments, and responses to treatment.

Skills

Medication administration

Nursing documentation

Team coordination

Communication with RN

Safety procedures

Education

LPN license

Tools

ObservSmart

Vital signs equipment

Glucometer

Stethoscope

Oxygen equipment

Suction machine

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: Legal Address - Pinellas Park, FL 33782-2213

Position Type: Full Time

Education Level: 2 Year Degree

Salary Range: $30.00 - $30.00 Hourly

Job Shift: Any

Job Category: Nurse

Schedule

• Monday - Friday, 7:00 am - 3:00 pm
• Mon, Tues, Wed and Fri, 3:00 pm - 11:00 pm

Job Summary

Assists in the implementation of consumer care and administers medications to consumers according to established protocols. Takes the lead in directing unit operations related to consumer care, unit functioning, safety, scheduling, and aggression management. Communicates routinely with the Registered Nurse (RN) and seeks guidance as needed.

Essential Functions

The following statements are intended to describe the primary responsibilities of this position and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties performed.

Consumer Care and Treatment

• Administer prescribed medications and nursing treatments in accordance with physician orders and the treatment program.
• Assess and document consumer responses to medication regimens.
• Participate as an active member of the treatment team.
• Initiate nursing assessments and assist in developing plans of care as directed by the RN.
• Assist the RN with completion of hourly rounds in ObservSmart.
• Document consumer interactions, assessments, interventions, and responses to treatment, updating the plan of care as needed.
• Demonstrate the ability to appropriately assess and reassess consumer needs.
• Complete accurate and thorough nursing progress notes in accordance with program procedures.
• Complete individualized treatment plans for consumers and monitor timely completion of required updates.
• Monitor and document consumers' physical and mental status when restrictive measures are used.

Unit Operations and Leadership

• Direct unit technicians in the completion of daily tasks and monitor adherence to the unit schedule.
• Maintain awareness of each consumer's needs and coordinate routine and emergency medical interventions with the RN.
• Facilitate effective communication during shift reports and ensure timely exchange of information.
• Release staff from duty at the end of the shift and monitor compliance with shift-change procedures.
• Read and contribute to communication logs and memos, provide direction as needed, and remain current on policy and unit changes.
• Provide real-time feedback to unit technicians regarding job responsibilities and performance.
• Participate in the performance review process by providing information related to employee performance and development.

Documentation and Compliance

• Transcribe written physician orders accurately and in a timely manner. Verbal physician orders may not be accepted.
• Utilize Universal Precautions and infection control practices during all consumer interactions.
• Ensure documentation meets agency, regulatory, and program standards.
• Demonstrate skills and knowledge specific to the consumers served and their age-group populations.

Training and Staff Development

• Participate in the orientation of new full-time and PRN staff.
• Provide training related to AVATAR, unit operations, activities of daily living, seclusion and restraint procedures, debriefing processes, safety principles, and related unit practices.
• Attend and participate in nursing department and unit staff meetings.
• Actively participate in post-incident reviews.

Consumer and Family Education

• Ensure consumer and family educational needs are addressed.
• Communicate professionally with families and provide information and support to help alleviate concerns regarding treatment and services.
• Serve as a resource to consumers regarding grooming, health maintenance, and medications in both individual and group settings.

Crisis Intervention

• Demonstrate effective verbal intervention and crisis prevention techniques.
• Serve as a role model for therapeutic interactions during one-on-one consumer contact.
• Routinely apply techniques and principles taught in NAPPI to manage daily assignments, consumer interactions, and unit situations.
• Maintain knowledge of Physical and Psychological SMART Principles and the Lalemand Behavior Scale to ensure accurate and appropriate documentation.

Additional Responsibilities

• Perform other duties related to the delivery of care and quality consumer services as assigned by the RN.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 15 pounds.
• Ability to sit, stand, bend, twist, and walk for extended periods.
• Ability to move between buildings and various work locations.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to successfully complete all required NAPPI training and safely perform authorized techniques.

Working Conditions

Regular exposure to consumers in behavioral health treatment settings, including potential behavioral crises and emergency situations. Work schedules may include evenings, nights, weekends, holidays, and irregular hours. The position may require work at multiple locations based on program needs.

Equal Employment Opportunity

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic.

Background Screening Requirement

Employment is contingent upon successfully meeting Florida Level II Background Screening requirements. For additional information, visit: https://info.flclearinghouse.com.

Qualifications & Required Skills and Competencies

• Maintain current competency in NAPPI, CPR/First Aid, HIV/AIDS, Infection Control, annual DCF trainings, safety procedures, and Baker Act/Marchman Act requirements.
• Demonstrate proficiency in the safe operation of clinical equipment, including oxygen equipment, suction machines (where applicable), glucometers, thermometers, blood pressure monitors, and stethoscopes.
• Demonstrate competency in required clinical procedures through ongoing performance evaluations and skills assessments.
• Demonstrate proficiency in specimen collection, glucometer use, and interpretation of results.
• Follow agency policies and procedures for the handling and disposal of hazardous and biohazardous materials.
• Properly utilize personal protective equipment (PPE) in accordance with agency policy and infection control standards.
• Demonstrate the ability to safely apply and remove restraints in accordance with training and agency procedures.
• Proficient in the use of telephones, walkie-talkies, computers, iPads, and other communication technology.
• Eligibility to successfully complete a Florida Level II Background Screening through AHCA and DCF.

Education and Experience

Required

• Current Florida Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) license in good standing.

Preferred

• One (1) year of experience in an inpatient mental health or behavioral health setting.
• One (1) year of medical-surgical nursing experience.