POSITION SUMMARY
The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) is responsible for providing nursing services, medication management, health monitoring, and coordination of care for adults receiving services in a 4-bed Residential Crisis Stabilization Unit (RCSU). The RCSU serves individuals experiencing mental health crises, co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders, emotional instability, behavioral health challenges, and other conditions requiring short-term stabilization in a supportive residential setting.
The LPN works collaboratively with the Clinical Supervisor, psychiatrists, nurse practitioners, Qualified Mental Health Professionals (QMHPs), Direct Support Professionals (DSPs), case managers, and other treatment team members to ensure the delivery of high-quality, person-centered, trauma-informed care.
This position is responsible for monitoring residents' physical and behavioral health status, administering medications, providing health education, coordinating medical appointments, maintaining accurate medical records, and responding to medical and behavioral health emergencies.
The LPN assists in implementing individualized treatment plans and crisis stabilization strategies while ensuring compliance with DBHDS regulations, Virginia Board of Nursing requirements, Medicaid standards, and agency policies and procedures.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The LPN may perform any or all of the following duties:
Nursing Services
- Administer medications in accordance with physician orders, agency policy, and Virginia Board of Nursing standards.
- Complete medication reconciliation upon admission and discharge.
- Monitor medication compliance and effectiveness.
- Observe and document medication side effects, adverse reactions, and behavioral changes.
- Coordinate medication refills and prescription renewals.
- Maintain medication administration records (MARs).
- Ensure proper storage, security, and inventory of all medications.
- Conduct nursing assessments and health screenings upon admission and throughout the individual's stay.
- Monitor vital signs and overall health status.
- Provide basic nursing treatments within scope of practice.
- Respond to medical emergencies and assist with crisis intervention efforts.
- Communicate significant medical concerns to physicians, nurse practitioners, and supervisors.
- Conduct and facilitate at least one individual and/or group psychoeducational, therapeutic, recovery-oriented, wellness, or skill-building session daily for residents receiving services within the Residential Crisis Stabilization Unit.
- Utilize evidence-based and trauma-informed interventions during individual and group sessions to support crisis stabilization, relapse prevention, coping skills development, medication compliance, emotional regulation, recovery, and discharge readiness.
- Conduct and facilitate at least one individual and/or group psychoeducational, therapeutic, recovery-oriented, wellness, or skill-building session daily for residents receiving services within the Residential Crisis Stabilization Unit.
- Document all individual and group sessions in accordance with Medicaid, DBHDS, and agency documentation requirements.
Behavioral Health Support
- Assist residents experiencing psychiatric or substance use crises.
- Observe and document mental status, emotional functioning, and behavioral changes.
- Participate in crisis prevention, intervention, and de-escalation efforts.
- Assist treatment team members in implementing individualized treatment plans.
- Support residents in developing healthy coping skills and wellness strategies.
- Reinforce treatment goals established by the interdisciplinary treatment team.
- Assist individuals transitioning to lower levels of care and community supports.
Care Coordination
- Schedule and coordinate medical, psychiatric, and specialty appointments.
- Communicate with pharmacies, healthcare providers, hospitals, and treatment team members.
- Participate in interdisciplinary treatment team meetings.
- Assist with discharge planning and continuity of care activities.
- Coordinate follow-up medical services and medication management appointments.
Documentation and Compliance
- Maintain accurate, timely, and complete nursing documentation.
- Complete nursing progress notes, incident reports, medication error reports, and other required documentation.
- Ensure all documentation complies with Medicaid, DBHDS, licensing, and agency requirements.
- Maintain confidentiality and comply with HIPAA regulations.
- Participate in quality assurance and quality improvement activities.
- Review and monitor medication administration records for accuracy and completeness.
Training and Team Collaboration
- Assist with training staff regarding medication administration procedures and health-related issues.
- Provide education to residents regarding medications, health conditions, wellness, and recovery.
- Support DSPs and QMHPs in understanding health-related concerns of residents.
- Attend staff meetings, trainings, and supervision sessions.
- Participate in emergency preparedness drills and safety activities.
Additional Duties
- Participate in on-call responsibilities as assigned.
- Assist with admissions, transfers, and discharge procedures.
- Monitor infection control practices and environmental safety concerns.
- Perform other duties as assigned by management.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIESSkills
- Medication administration
- Crisis intervention and de-escalation
- Behavioral health observation and reporting
- Documentation and record management
- Effective communication
- Time management
- Conflict resolution
- Team collaboration
- Organization and multitasking
- Customer service and professionalism
Knowledge Of
- Psychiatric disorders
- Substance use disorders
- Medication administration procedures
- Psychotropic medications
- Co-occurring disorders
- Crisis stabilization services
- Trauma-informed care
- Recovery-oriented practices
- Infection control procedures
- HIPAA requirements
- DBHDS regulations
- Virginia Board of Nursing regulations
Ability To
- Work effectively in a crisis environment.
- Remain calm and professional during emergencies.
- Maintain confidential information.
- Establish therapeutic relationships.
- Observe and accurately report changes in behavior and health status.
- Work collaboratively with multidisciplinary treatment teams.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Current and unrestricted Virginia Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) license.
- Graduate of an accredited practical nursing program.
- Minimum one (1) year of nursing experience preferred.
- Experience working with individuals with mental health, substance use, or co-occurring disorders preferred.
- Experience in residential treatment, crisis stabilization, psychiatric nursing, detoxification services, emergency services, or community behavioral health preferred.
- Current CPR and First Aid certification or ability to obtain within required timeframe.
REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
- Virginia Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) License
- CPR Certification
- First Aid Certification
- Medication Management Training
- Behavioral Management Training
- Crisis Prevention and Intervention Training (preferred)
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
- Ability to stand, walk, bend, and move throughout the facility for extended periods.
- Ability to respond quickly to crisis situations.
- Ability to safely assist residents as needed.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
- Valid Virginia Driver's License.
- Reliable transportation.
- Ability to pass criminal background checks and drug screening.
- Successful completion of DBHDS and agency-required background investigations.
- Ability to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and on-call shifts as assigned.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The Residential Crisis Stabilization Unit is a 24-hour behavioral health facility serving adults experiencing psychiatric crises, emotional distress, substance use issues, and co-occurring disorders. The LPN may be exposed to challenging behaviors, crisis situations, and emotionally stressful circumstances requiring sound clinical judgment and professional conduct.
Pay: $30.00 - $34.00 per hour
Benefits:
Work Location: In person
