Title: Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) – Dakota County IRTS
Reports To: Program Manager; supports the program Registered Nurse
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Purpose:
The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) provides nursing services within the scope of LPN practice, under the direction and supervision of the program Registered Nurse (RN), for individuals served in Guild’s Dakota County Intensive Residential Treatment Services (IRTS) program. The LPN supports the safe administration and management of medications, contributes to admission, reinforces health and medication education, and coordinates with the treatment team and external providers so that each recipient’s physical and mental health needs are met as they prepare to return to community living. This will be four 3pm – 11pm shifts and 1 weekend day 8am- 4pm shift.
Key Responsibilities:
General Nursing Services:
Administer and document medications, including oral, topical, and injectable medications (including long-acting injectable psychotropics) as ordered by the prescriber, following the “rights” of medication administration, Guild policy, and Minnesota Statutes Chapter 245I medication management requirements.
Transcribe medication orders into the EMAR upon admission and as orders change, before the end of the shift; flag new or changed orders for RN verification and highlight changes to the team.
Monitor recipients for medication effectiveness, side effects, adverse reactions, and changes in physical or mental health status; promptly report concerns to the RN and prescriber.
Reinforce health and medication education provided by the RN with clients, individually and in groups, using approved teaching plans and materials.
Support recipients in learning to independently and safely manage their own medications in preparation for living in the community, consistent with each recipient’s individual treatment plan (ITP).
Support the RN in training and coaching unlicensed staff on medication monitoring, observed self-administration, and EMAR documentation; reinforce best practices in day-to-day work and at team meetings.
Communicate with pharmacies, prescribers, and other external providers regarding medication orders, refills, prior authorizations, and recipient symptoms and needs, using communication transfer forms as required.
Manage medication storage, inventory, ordering, and disposal, including controlled-substance counts, in accordance with Guild policy and applicable regulations.
Perform routine nursing procedures within LPN scope, including vital signs, glucose monitoring, specimen collection, basic wound care.
Document all nursing services accurately and on time in the electronic health record and EMAR, meeting Guild, licensing, and payer documentation standards.
Participate in treatment team meetings, sharing observations about recipients’ health status and their ability to manage self-care and follow medical recommendations.
Stay current on relevant health care issues, psychotropic medications, and best practices in mental health and substance use nursing.
Crisis Assessment and Intervention:
Observe and identify early signs of distress, medical instability, intoxication, or withdrawal, and talk with staff about adjusting interventions to prevent escalation.
Work with clients and the team to identify stressors and early warning signs that may lead to a crisis, to help prevent and reduce future crises.
Respond to medical and behavioral health emergencies by providing first aid, CPR, and nursing interventions within LPN scope, including activating emergency medical services or arranging transfer to a higher level of care when needed.
Promptly notify the RN, Program Manager, and prescriber of any crisis or significant change in condition, and complete required documentation.
Required Skills/Abilities:
Knowledge of serious mental illness and substance use disorder including signs of intoxication and withdrawal.
Working knowledge of a wide range of medications, particularly…