Licensed Practical Nurse - Northgate

GENERAL SUMMARY

The nurse participates in a multi-disciplinary team and will have primary responsibility for assessment and delivery of quality nursing care in an outpatient setting. Evaluate clients' health care needs, monitor and/or administer medications, coordinate and track medical issues for clients, refer/accompany clients to appropriate medical resources within and outside the organization. The Job reports primarily to the Nursing Supervisor and may have additional reporting to clinical program manager of the program nurse is serving. This position will be based out of the Northgate clinic but will cover other locations including the clinics in Lake City, Capitol Hill and Belltown as requested by the Nursing Supervisor.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Observe, assess, record and communicate clients' behavior.
• Perform and document physical assessments as needed, per nursing protocols and as directed during emergency situations.
• Development of consumer assessment and treatment plans as related to medical needs or as indicated.
• Monitor and/or administer all prescribed medical treatment, including medications.
• Promptly identify medication side effects and initiate appropriate corrective actions.
• Provide training for clients and team members regarding the use and effects of psychotropic medications.
• Participate in collection, processing and documentation of laboratory specimens as needed.
• Communicate with pharmacies to obtain prescribed medications.
• Maintain clean and well-stocked nursing area.
• Prepare and incorporate necessary reports, summaries and progress notes into client charts as part of clinical record.
• Participate in ongoing program development and assessment as needed for program stability, including weekly meetings.
• Perform liaison duties with other agencies and secures resources on behalf of clients.
• Participate in team members meetings, consultations, case presentations and in-service training.
• Make necessary arrangements with clinicians for hospitalization of clients when indicated.
• Advocate for culturally relevant services from other service providers.
• Advocate for clients with community agencies and professionals, including health care providers and the criminal justice system.
• Develop knowledge base in physical disability, chronic illness and rehabilitation.
• Represent nursing services on Quality Assurance and related committees as requested.
• Provide training to newly hired nurses.
• In certain clinical programs, nurse may be required to transport clients or deliver medications using own vehicle or organization vehicle.
• Complete all documentation as required.
• Maintain ethical and competent client and peer relationships in the delivery of services.
• Comply with all applicable federal, state and county laws and regulations and Sound policies and procedures.
• Perform all job duties in accordance with OSHA and organization-designated safety regulations.
• Other duties as assigned.

KEY WORK RELATIONSHIPS

Establishes and maintains positive, ethical, and professional working relationships with community and government agencies, other professionals and family members/significant others of clients. Relates to a wide variety of people including members of ethnic and sexual minority populations, and is respectful of individual and cultural differences.

Qualifications

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES, AND SKILLS

• Knowledge of nurse practice laws.
• Ability to make independent medical decisions.
• Ability to initiate emergency medical treatment.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely (orally and in writing) issues related to the department, and to organize one's supervisory and consultant support when needed.
• Demonstrated knowledge of psychotropic medications.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Graduation from an accredited school of nursing.
• Previous experience working with mental health conditions preferred.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

• A valid Washington State license as Registered Nurse or Licensed Practical Nurse.
• Must have valid Washington driver's license and insurable driving record.
• Must pass criminal background checks.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the team member is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The team member frequently is required to stand and sit. The team member is occasionally required to walk. The team member must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds or more with assistance. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMER

The above Job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work performed; it is not intended as an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and required skills for the Job. Team members will be required to follow any other Job-related instructions and to perform other duties requested by their supervisor in compliance with Federal and State laws. Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills and/or abilities necessary to perform each duty proficiently. Continued employment remains on an "at-will" basis.