Licensed Practical Nurse Women’s Substance Use Program

Job Summary:

In accordance with the Mission, Vision and Values, and strategic directions of PHSA, safety, including both patient and employee safety, is a priority and a responsibility shared by everyone at PHSA. As such, the requirement to continuously improve quality and safety is inherent in all aspects of this position.
The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) works collaboratively with the interdisciplinary team and within an evidence based Trauma Informed, recovery oriented and culturally safe model of care to provide tertiary care services to women with substance dependence, concurrent disorders and chronic disease. The LPN identifies and monitors women’s actual and potential strengths and limitations including psychosocial, physiological, psychological, social-cultural and spiritual needs. Duties also include planning, implementing and evaluating nursing care within an interdisciplinary clinical framework in accordance with Standards of Practice for the Licensed Practical Nurses of British Columbia and consistent with established policies, protocols, standards of practice and philosophy of BC Mental Health & Addictions Services.

Duties/Accountabilities:

1. Establishes therapeutic relationships with clients and families. Assesses and identifies women’s actual and potential strengths and limitations including physiological, psychological, social-cultural and spiritual needs. Provides emotional support as needed.
2. Contributes to the development and modification of individualized care plans by identifying client priorities/plans and suggests revisions of the nursing care plan as required for stable clients.
3. Performs a variety of nursing procedures such as taking blood pressures, client heights and weights, and urine testing as directed; and communicates client information to Patient Care Coordinator, in-charge Registered Nurse/Registered Psychiatric Nurse (RN/RPN), physicians, and other appropriate members of the team.
4. Monitors status of clients in relation to anticipated outcomes. Evaluates the effectiveness of nursing interventions by comparing actual outcomes to anticipated outcomes. Reports unanticipated changes and concerns to RN/RPN.
5. Maintains complete and accurate computerized and paper records through methods such as tracking results /consults documentation, and inputting data and documentation in accordance with established procedures and policies appropriately on the clients’ health record chart.
6. Reviews the medication administration record for each client and checks with the RN in charge or the physician regarding any concerns
7. Stores all client medications according to standards and agency directives.
8. Delivers medications consistent with the written care plan, physician orders and in accordance with the standards of CLPNBC and established procedures; assesses their effectiveness and documents all client medications.
9. Assists RN/RPN and physicians in the performance of various examinations, treatments and diagnostic procedures as indicated such as physical examinations. Assists RNs/RPNs in caring for clients with unpredictable outcomes or where the acuity or complexity of care requires an advanced level of knowledge and skill beyond the scope of practice for LPN.
10. Works in collaboration with the treatment team to assist the client with her program requirements by methods such as monitoring program requirements and motivational interviewing.
11. Establishes and maintains therapeutic milieu by using engagement interventions such as Collaborative Problem Solving and Trauma Informed strategies.
12. Participates in client programming by providing individual support and facilitating group and recreational activities as required.
13. Ensures that infection control protocols are followed by all clients and personnel by observing behaviours. Handles, stores, and disposes of workplace hazardous materials and sharps in accordance with established procedures.
14. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Education, Training and Experience
• Graduation from a recognized program for Practical Nurses or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience. Current full practicing licensure with the BC College of Nursing Professionals (BCCNP). One (1) year of recent, related experience in substance use and/or mental health care setting, and/or equivalent combination of education, training and experience. This job requires that the incumbent be female.

Skills and Abilities
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Broad knowledge of mental health, addictions and concurrent disorders and treatment
• Ability to relate effectively with women, and their families
• Broad knowledge of Trauma Informed Practice including collaborative problem solving
• Demonstrated ability to participate and work as a member of a multidisciplinary care team
• Ability to organize work and follow instructions accurately.
• Ability to operate related equipment.
• Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position.