LPN Staff Nurse - Full-time

Job Description

The purpose of the LPN is to work as a member of our team to enhance the quality of life at Veterans Place while supporting the mission of the organization. The LPN will be responsible for providing homeless Veterans living in our Transitional Housing Program with medication monitoring and management services, as well as other wellness-oriented serviced to all of our homeless Veteran clients. The position requires an individual who is flexible enough to assume a variety of roles as dictated by the changing needs of our Veterans. The LPN is more than just a friendly presence; she/he is the crucial link in creating an environment in which our Veterans heal, grow and prepare to reenter society as productive, self-sufficient individuals.

Responsibilities:

Time commitment and duty:

The LPN must be available during weekdays, afternoons/evenings and on weekends. The typical schedule will be flexible, averaging approximately 40 hours per week.

Resident Care:

• Responsible for measuring and recording of vital signs of residents, such as temperature, pulse, blood pressure, height and weight.
• Assist residents in maintaining daily living (ADL's).
• Ensuring that resident's health information/records are maintained in accordance to state and federal standards.
• Gathering resident's medical and family history as well as all other pertinent information during residents stay in Transitional Housing setting.
• Utilize Veterans Place electronic documentation system to input medications and any notes deemed appropriate for treatment.
• Oversee and monitor use of prescribed medications with potential for abuse including (but not limited to) narcotic and opioid analgesics, anticonvulsants (such as Valium or Phenobarbital), sedatives/hypnotics, benzodiazepines or any other medication specified by the director. Tracking medications, refills, and disposing of certain medications.
• Provide emotional support to residents when they are experiencing difficult or stressful situations such as potential Monitor, report, and respond to signs of decompensation from a behavioral health or medical diagnosis.
• Follow up with residents to track doctors' appointments and psychological assessments.
• Attend weekly treatment team meeting.
• Attend the monthly client community meetings.

Community Development and Programming:

• Assesses needs and interests of Veterans Place residents by interacting with them on a regular basis.
• Works with staff members to promote responsible living and a culture of sobriety at Veterans Place.
• Assists in collection and delivery of drug screening tools including urinalysis and breathalyzer testing and submittal to the VA for processing.
• Development and implementation of ongoing wellness programming including (but not limited to) monthly informational/educational sessions on important health topics, establishing a wellness resource center or library, onsite fitness and weight-management programs, and periodic screenings for cholesterol, blood sugar, and high blood pressure.

• Ongoing coordination with Health Care for the Homeless and the Center for Pharmacy Services in order to assist Veterans that are ineligible for VA health care services in obtaining necessary medications and medical treatment

Communication:

• Communicates issues and concerns to Director of Operations, and the treatment team and, where when needed, in development of an appropriate course of action plan, and conducting a bi-weekly phone conference with the VA Nurse Practitioner.
• Acts as a positive role model in both professional and personal behavior for other residents.
• Maintaining good and healthy relationships with residents and their families, when applicable.

Qualifications:

• Current PA Licensure as a Licensed Practical Nurse
• CPR certified.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) for the Healthcare provider, obtained through the American Heart Association.
• Must be proficient in spoken and written English.
• Experience working directly with the homeless population strongly preferred.
• Experience working in a drug/alcohol treatment environment strongly preferred.
• Veterans preferred.
• Must be able to pass a pre-employment drug screen.

Job Type: Full-time

Required education:

• Associate

Required experience:

• addiction: 1 year
• Mental Health: 1 year
• Direct care: 1 year

Required license or certification:

• Driver's License