Licensed Practical Nurse LPN PRN Nights

Oceans Behavioral Hospital Alexandria is seeking a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) for PRN night shifts to provide nursing care to adults and seniors experiencing mental health challenges including anxiety, depression, and other psychiatric conditions. This role focuses on delivering quality inpatient psychiatric nursing care as part of a multidisciplinary treatment team.

Clinical Setting

Oceans Behavioral Hospital Alexandria specializes in inpatient and outpatient psychiatric counseling and treatment. You will work with a diverse patient population including those with chronic mental illness and geriatric patients, utilizing evidence-based and progressive therapeutic approaches.

Responsibilities

• Deliver quality nursing care to assigned patients by collecting assessment data and identifying deviations from normal
• Reassess patients according to assignments, need, and unit protocol under the direction of a registered nurse
• Accurately and thoroughly document all findings in patient records and communicate pertinent assessment findings with other healthcare team members
• Implement nursing care interventions identified in individualized multidisciplinary treatment plans using accepted standards of practice
• Perform nursing procedures and treatments as prescribed by physician or licensed independent practitioner
• Conduct specified bedside laboratory tests and wound care
• Provide assistance with activities of daily living and patient comfort
• Promote patient ability to cope, adapt, and solve situations related to illness and stressors
• Provide supportive, age-appropriate, and culturally acceptable communication and interventions
• Safely deliver medications in accordance with facility policies and physician orders, utilizing established safety procedures
• Assess patients prior to and after medication administration and provide patient education on medications administered
• Accurately communicate and document medication doses prescribed
• Follow up on patient care responsibilities and communicate incomplete assignments and patient needs to ensure continuity of care
• Transcribe orders accurately and perform chart audits according to facility guidelines
• Utilize nursing knowledge and resources to enhance evidence-based practice and meet facility and patient population needs
• Guide, educate, and provide leadership as a preceptor to new staff
• Perform other duties and projects as assigned

Required Qualifications

• Current, valid, and active Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) license in the state of employment
• Valid Compact licenses are acceptable as they apply
• High School Diploma or GED
• Ability to work in high-stress environments and assess potential for patient escalation
• Effective oral and written communication skills
• High organizational skills
• Understanding and sensitivity to serve culturally diverse and special needs populations including those with chronic mental illness and geriatric patients
• Basic knowledge of normal physical and emotional development
• Critical thinking abilities and ability to apply them for continuous improvement of patient care
• Self-confidence and ability to think conceptually in leading and directing others
• Successfully completed CPR certification
• Successfully completed an Oceans-approved behavioral health de-escalation program

Preferred Qualifications

• One year of inpatient hospital experience

Work Environment

This position is subject to many interruptions and occasional pressure due to multiple calls and inquiries. The role can be high-paced and stressful, requiring the ability to cope mentally and physically with the atmosphere. You may experience disagreeable odors, sights, and unpredictable patient behavior. Approximately 90% or more of work time is spent inside a building that offers protection from weather conditions but not necessarily from temperature changes.