LVN / LPN

Discovery Behavioral Health; Fairfield (CT); On-site; USD 52,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Discovery Behavioral Health in Fairfield, CT seeks an LVN/LPN to deliver compassionate nursing care for individuals with addiction, eating disorders and co-occurring conditions. Working under RN supervision, you will assist with medication administration, monitor patient status, and participate in a multidisciplinary team to ensure safe, patient-centered care.

The role emphasizes documentation, adherence to policies, and continuous professional development.

Qualifications

• Graduate of an approved nursing program with CT licensure in good standing.
• Experience as staff nurse preferred in chemical dependency or behavioral health.
• Knowledge of medications, dosages, side effects, and potential toxicity.
• CPR/First Aid certification; CPI within 90 days; Serv Safe certification within 90 days if applicable.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct nursing care to a diverse behavioral health population.
• Administer prescribed medications and document responses in MAR.
• Collaborate with RNs, physicians, psychiatrists and the team to support coordinated care.
• Maintain accurate, timely clinical documentation and comply with regulations.
• Deliver care under RN or provider supervision and participate in required trainings.

Skills

Nursing care

Vital signs

Assessment

Documentation

Team collaboration

Medication administration

Communication

CPR/First Aid

Education

LPN/LV-N license in CT

Approved nursing program graduate

Tools

Electronic Medical Records (EMR)

Job description

Position Summary

The LVN/LPN provides compassionate, patient-centered nursing care to individuals experiencing addiction, eating disorders, and co-occurring mental health conditions. Working under the supervision of a Registered Nurse or licensed provider, the LVN/LPN supports safe medication administration, monitors patient health status, and contributes to a collaborative, multidisciplinary treatment environment. This role is essential in promoting patient safety, dignity, and recovery across the continuum of care.

Position Summary

The LVN/LPN provides compassionate, patient-centered nursing care to individuals experiencing addiction, eating disorders, and co-occurring mental health conditions. Working under the supervision of a Registered Nurse or licensed provider, the LVN/LPN supports safe medication administration, monitors patient health status, and contributes to a collaborative, multidisciplinary treatment environment. This role is essential in promoting patient safety, dignity, and recovery across the continuum of care.

Key Responsibilities

Patient Care & Clinical Support

• Provide direct nursing care to a diverse behavioral health population, fostering a safe, therapeutic, and recovery-oriented environment.
• Support patient assessments by collecting relevant clinical data within LVN/LPN scope of practice.
• Perform vital signs, basic assessments, and approved procedures to monitor patient health and inform care planning.
• Observe, document, and promptly report changes in mental status, physical condition, or safety risks.
• Respond appropriately to emergencies and

Medication Administration & Management

• Administer medications as prescribed, including PRNs, in accordance with scope of practice and organizational policy.
• Document medication administration, patient response and effectiveness within required timelines.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date Medication Administration Records (MAR).
• Perform medication counts, reconciliation and auditing processes to ensure compliance and safety.
• Enter medication orders into the electronic medical record (as directed) with accuracy and timeliness.
• Verify and secure medications brought in by patients, families or providers in accordance with policy.

Collaboration & Patient Education

• Collaborate with Registered Nurses, physicians, psychiatrists, and interdisciplinary team members to support coordinated care.
• Communicate key updates, including new admissions and changes in patient status, to appropriate team members.
• Reinforce patient education related to medication adherence and safe medication use within LVN/LPN scope.

Documentation & Compliance

• Maintain accurate, timely, and compliant clinical documentation using approved terminology and standards.
• Document incidents, medication errors and safety concerns in alignment with organizational protocols.
• Adhere to all state, federal, and organizational regulations, including privacy and confidentiality requirements.
• Follow all policies, procedures and compliance standards, including the Code of Conduct and Corporate Compliance Policy.

Professional Practice

• Deliver care using the nursing process (data collection, planning, implementation, evaluation) under RN or provider supervision.
• Demonstrate professionalism, reliability, and accountability in all aspects of the role.
• Maintain current knowledge of applicable regulations, best practices and clinical standards.
• Participate in required trainings, competency validations and ongoing professional development.
• Support program needs and perform additional duties as assigned.

Residential Treatment Only

• Provides transportation services including patient transportation/supervision, medical appointments, etc. (must be pre-qualified to drive a company vehicle)
• Substance and Mental Health Use Disorder Division:
  • Monitoring of CIWA/COW scores for patients on detoxification protocols.
  • Knowledge of detoxification medication, withdrawal symptoms, and medical complications that can occur in detox.
  • Provide assistance to Utilization Review in communicating pertinent nursing information
• Eating Disorder Division:
  • Sits with patients for a minimum of one meal or snack per week but as needed to cover the program schedule
  • Will work during meal periods to provide supervision and support to patients.
  • Must refrain from comments and actions that directly contradict the CFD Clinical Model and Dietary CARE model.
  • Full adherence to the Center for Discovery policies and procedures.
  • Maintains NG Tube and administration of bolus feeds, where applicable

Knowledge, Education, Experience

• Must be a graduate of an approved nursing program with a current licensure from an appropriate state licensing board in good standing.
• Preferred: Experience as a staff nurse, preferably in the field of chemical dependency and/or behavioral health.
• Knowledge of industry standards: organization, theory, principles, and research processes, accreditation and regulatory standards, ability to assess clinical care requirements based on nursing principles, scope of practice.
• Knowledge of medications, indications, dosage ranges, side effects, and potential toxicity.
• One year experience preferred working in mental health, substance use or eating disorders field.
• Possess and maintain a current Basic Life Support (CPR and First Aid) certification.
• Obtain CPI certification within 90 days of hire.
• Eating Disorder and Mental Health Division : Obtain Serv Safe certification within 90 days of hire if applicable.

Employment Status

Full-time

Schedule

7am-7pm, three shifts a week on Mon, Wed, Sun, OR Thur, Sat, Sun

Work Location

On-site - Fairfield, CT