LVN / LPN

Discovery Mood; Fairfield (CT); Hybrid; USD 34,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Discovery Mood is seeking a licensed LVN/LPN to provide compassionate nursing care within a behavioral health setting in Connecticut. Working under RN supervision, you will monitor patients, assist with assessments, manage medications, and maintain MARs to support safe, recovery-focused care.

The role emphasizes collaboration with a multidisciplinary team, adherence to policies, and ongoing professional development.

Qualifications

• Must be a graduate of an approved nursing program with current state licensure.
• Experience as staff nurse preferred in behavioral health or addiction care.
• Knowledge of nursing standards, medications, dosing, and safety.
• One year experience in mental health, substance use, or eating disorders preferred.
• Maintain BLS/CPR certification; CPI certification within 90 days of hire; Serv Safe where applicable.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct nursing care to a diverse behavioral health population.
• Support patient assessments by collecting relevant clinical data.
• Perform vital signs and basic assessments to inform care planning.
• Observe, document, and report changes in status or safety risks.
• Collaborate with RN/physicians and other teams to support coordinated care.

Skills

Clinical nursing skills

Vital signs & assessments

Documentation

Patient safety

Education

Basic Life Support (CPR) certification

CPI certification

Serv Safe certification

Job description

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 elevate concerns to licensed providers as needed.

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 on Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays

Reference Number: 10064

Department: Nursing

Employment Type: Part-Time

Pay Range: $25.00 - $35.00

Shift Hours & Dates: 7am-7pm on Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays

Virtual: No

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