Licensed Practical Nurse PRN

Oceans Healthcare; Opelousas (LA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Oceans Behavioral Hospital Opelousas is seeking an LVN/LPN to provide nursing care for adults and seniors in a psychiatric setting. You will work under a registered nurse, document findings, administer medications, and contribute to individualized treatment plans.

The role requires strong communication, critical thinking, and the ability to work in a high-stress environment. A compassionate, culturally sensitive approach is essential to support patients with anxiety, depression and other mental

Qualifications

• Current, valid LVN/LPN license in the state of employment.
• High School Diploma or GED is required.
• One year of inpatient hospital experience strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Delivers quality nursing care to assigned group of patients by collecting data and identifying deviations from normal; assists with reassessing patients according to assignments, need and unit protocol.
• Accurately and thoroughly documents all findings in the patient record and communicates pertinent assessment findings with care team.
• Implements nursing care interventions identified in the treatment plan; performs nursing procedures as prescribed by physician/LIP.
• Conducts bedside nursing tasks, wound care, and supports ADLs for patient comfort.
• Promotes coping and adaptation for patients dealing with illness and stressors.
• Administers medications safely and educates patients on their use.

Skills

High-stress assessment

Effective communication

Cultural sensitivity

Critical thinking

Leadership

CPR certification

De-escalation training

Education

Licensed LVN/LPN

High School Diploma or GED

Compact licenses accepted

Job description

At Oceans Behavioral Hospital Opelousas, healing is our focus. We are passionate about helping adults and seniors manage the challenges associated with anxiety, depression and other mental health issues. Utilizing proven, innovative and progressive therapies, our qualified professionals strive to promote long-term wellness through a range of inpatient and outpatient psychiatric counseling and treatment options.

The Licensed Practical Nurse's primary role is to provide nursing care for patients who are experiencing common, well-defined health problems. The LPN functions as a member of the multidisciplinary health care team, and utilizes the nursing process in implementation of patient's care. Those services are performed under the supervision of a registered nurse but utilize all nursing skills to make safe, appropriate and independent decisions within the scope of the LPN nursing practice. All duties to be done in accordance with Joint Commission, Federal and State regulations, Oceans' Mission, policies and procedures and Performance Improvement Standards.

Essential Functions

• Delivers quality nursing care to assigned group of patients by collecting data and identifying deviations from normal; assists with reassessing patients according to assignments, need and unit protocol and/or hospital policy under the direction of the registered nurse.
• Accurately and thoroughly documents all findings in the patient record and identifies expected outcomes based on assessment data; effectively communicates pertinent assessment findings with other health care members.
• Implements nursing care interventions identified in the individualized multidisciplinary treatment plan using accepted standards of practice in collaboration with other health care providers; performs nursing procedures/treatments as prescribed by physician/LIP.
• Conducts specified bedside laboratory tests, wound care, and provides for comfort and assistance in the performance of ADLs;
• Promotes the patient's ability to cope, adapt and/or solve situations related to illness and/or stressors.
• Provides supportive, age appropriate communication and culturally acceptable interventions and documents special needs.
• Provides for the safe delivery of medications in accordance with the facility policies and physician orders; administers medications utilizing established safety procedures / standards. Ensures patients are effectively assessed prior to and after medication administration. Accurately communicates/documents medication doses prescribed, and provides patient education on medication administered.
• Follows up on patient care responsibilities; communicates incomplete assignments and patient needs with other disciplines to assure continuity of care; transcribes orders accurately and performs chart audits of transcription accurately and according to facility guidelines.
• Utilizes nursing knowledge to successfully meet the needs of the facility, patient population and staff members. Utilizes nursing resources to enhance evidence-based practice.
• Guides, educates, and provides leadership as a preceptor to new staff. Performs other duties and projects as assigned.

Requirements

Education / Experience

• Current, valid, and active license to practice as a Licensed Vocational/Practical Nurse in the state of which you are employed.
• Valid Compact licenses are also acceptable as they apply.
• High School Diploma or GED is required.
• One year of inpatient hospital experience strongly preferred.

Qualifications / Skills

• Must be able to work in high stress and assess potential for patient escalation.
• The LVN/LPN must be able to communicate effectively both orally and in writing, to consistently achieve positive results with internal and external customers, be highly organized, have an understanding and sensitivity to serve culturally diverse and special needs population such as Chronically Mentally Ill, Geriatric, CD, as well as be versed in basic knowledge of normal physical and emotional development.
• Exhibits critical thinking abilities and applies them for continuous improvement of patient care.
• Demonstrates self-confidence and ability to think conceptually in leading and directing others.
• Must successfully complete CPR certification and an Oceans approved behavioral health de-escalation program.

Work Environment

Subject to many interruptions. Occasional pressure due to multiple calls and inquiries. This position can be high paced and stressful; must be able to cope mentally and physically to atmosphere. This person might sometimes experience disagreeable odors, sights and/or unpredictable patient behavior. Work requires spending approximately 90% or more of the time inside a building that offers protection from weather conditions but not necessarily from temperature changes.