Licensed Practical Nurse (Night Shift)

Position Title: Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) for every Wednesday and Saturday night
Location: Mental Health Facility, Florida
Reports To: Director of Nursing (DON) 

Position Summary

The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) will provide direct patient care under the supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN) or physician, ensuring the delivery of high-quality care to individuals with behavioral health and psychiatric needs. This role requires strong clinical skills, excellent communication, and the ability to work in a team-oriented environment. Under the supervision of an RN the LPN will conduct health assessments, administer medications, monitor patient conditions, respond to psychiatric and medical emergencies, and supports crisis intervention. The LPN collaborates with the interdisciplinary treatment team to promote recovery and wellness while ensuring compliance.

Key Responsibilities

Clinical Care & Patient Support

• Demonstrates understanding of detox/withdrawal protocols and reports findings to RN/Provider  
• Performs comprehensive, patient-specific nursing assessments, including medical history, vital signs, suicide risk screenings and psychiatric history and reports findings to RN/Provider
• Collect patient copays to confirm that patient medications are delivered in a timely fashion.
• Adhere to HIPAA protocols by ensuring patients are discharged with proper medication and paperwork.
• Administers medications safely (within scope of practice), including medication-assisted treatment (MAT) if applicable, and monitors for adverse effects and reports findings to RN/Provider
• Adheres to protocols for controlled substance management and ensures proper documentation in the controlled substance log within scope of practice
• Maintains compliance with HIPAA/42 CFR Part 2 when discussing patient concerns
• Provides safe and compassionate patient care
• Demonstrates professionalism and trauma-informed care
• Conducts nightly rounds on patients as instructed
• Accurately monitors and documents detox vitals and assessments per protocol and reports to RN/Provider
• Consistently demonstrate considerate and empathetic care while maintaining professionalism. 
• Maintain a hospitable and welcoming demeanor to new and current patients.
• Monitor and document patient conditions, including behavioral changes, and response to treatment and document appropriately and report to RN/Provider.
• Administer psychiatric medications as prescribed, within scope of practice, and monitor for side effects and report to RN/Provider
• Support RNs, DON, medical providers and therapists in developing individualized treatment plans.
• Provide education to patients and families on medications, diagnoses, and wellness practices as directed by the RN/Provider.
• Respond to psychiatric crises, behavioral escalations, and medical emergencies and report findings to RN/Provider

Compliance & Documentation

• Uphold confidentiality under HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2 at all times.
• Demonstrates knowledge of Baker Act and F.A.C. 65E-5 requirements
• Ensure documentation accuracy and timeliness based off justification of medical necessity.
• Follows and adheres to all company policies and procedures (i.e.: all hospital transfer and emergency protocols)
• Accurately update all nursing logs as needed including infection control, hospital logs, medication logs, incident reports, and any additional logs provided by DON. 

Collaboration & Teamwork

• Participate in interdisciplinary treatment team meetings, if required.
• Collaborate with psychiatrists, RN’s, DON, therapists, case managers, and other staff.
• Attend and participate in monthly nurses meeting, scheduled shifts, and any additional company meetings and/or trainings
• Communicates at least once per shift with hospital personnel related to hospital transfers and relays information to proper departments.
• Implement physician orders, monitor psychiatric symptoms, and perform routine nursing evaluations.
• Supports team functioning, mentors' peers when appropriate, contributes to quality improvement
• Able to arrive to shift on time and attend all scheduled shifts including monthly nursing meetings, facility and company meetings/trainings. 
• Communicate effectively with patients and families in a compassionate, supportive manner.

Safety & Infection Control

• Maintain a safe and therapeutic environment, including adherence to de-escalation and suicide prevention protocols.
• Ensure compliance with CDC, Florida Department of Health, OSHA standards for bloodborne pathogens and workplace safety.
• Ability to implement suicide risk assessment and prevention measures. 
• Participate in quality improvement initiatives and accreditation preparation activities.

Qualifications

• Current, unrestricted Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) license in Florida.
• Prior experience in psychiatric or behavioral health nursing preferred.
• Knowledge of Florida Baker Act, F.A.C. 65E-5 regulations, and best practices in mental health care.
• Strong skills in crisis intervention, de-escalation, and patient-centered care.
• Excellent communication, teamwork, and documentation skills.
• Level II Clearance

Work Environment

• Inpatient or outpatient mental health treatment settings.
• High interaction with patients in acute psychiatric crises and with co-occurring conditions.
• Flexibility for nights, weekends, and on-call shifts may be required.