Primary Purpose of Position:

To provide nursing care, patient observation, and medication administration services in an outpatient setting. Will provide stabilization services to substance abusing clients at risk for experiencing withdrawal symptoms. Will serve as a member of the treatment team and will assist with treatment planning for population served. Will facilitate scheduled and informal therapeutic client activities. Will monitor client activities. Another function of this position is to receive referring information from referral sources and relay that information to the treatment team. Will maintain a therapeutic environment in the outpatient clinic, prevent and control any inappropriate activity, and promote appropriate and healthy interpersonal behavior. Will maintain facility maintenance, security, and cleanliness

Work Schedule:

This position will maintain an average work schedule of no more than 40 hours per week for full time employment and no more than 24 hours per week for part time employment usually starting at 8:00 am. Flexibility will be expected depending on client and Program’s need. In the event of inclement weather, the employee may be required to remain on the unit beyond their normal workday. The position will also participate in a rotating weekend schedule.

D. Change in Responsibilities or Organizational Relationship: None noted

DESCRIPTION AND RESPONSIBILITY OF DUTIES: Following physicians' orders, the Licensed Practical Nurse will administer oral and injectable medication.

Will oversee collection of specimens.

Makes arrangements for routine and specialized lab work and charts test results.

Obtains and documents vital signs at regular intervals

Monitors each patient's general physical condition, is knowledgeable of mental health/substance abuse symptoms of relapse

Assist the physician during physical examinations.

Implement client treatment goals. Obtain and accurately record pertinent social and medical information in the medical record. This will include, but is not limited to progress notes, aftercare plans and notes, group notes.
Assist with mental health patients seen for evaluation.

Make arrangements with local hospitals for admission when deemed appropriate by physician.

Communicate with referral agencies and review pre-screening information for potential clients. Confer with co-workers and physician to establish an appropriate decision making

Maintain inventory of stocked medications and medications from pharmacy/medical provider as needed.

Maintain accurate and precise records of medication given in facility.

Facilitate psycho-education groups; provide structured activities, and family education if necessary
Assist in educating patients about good health habits, dangers of drug abuse, communicable diseases.

Assists co-workers with maintaining unit's cleanliness.

Assist patients with care as needed.

Provide First Aid, CPR, or emergency intervention as needed.
Attend all required staff meetings and bi-monthly supervision.

Attend conferences and training to upgrade skills and maintain privileging; and continue education in the substance abuse field.

In the event of a disaster or emergency situation (e.g. hurricanes, flood severe winter storms, widespread damage or human suffering) affecting any community within Pitt County, every employee shall perform after hours duties and special assignments as directed by his/her supervisor or by PORT Health Services management whether or not such duties or assignments are related to the employees regular duties.

Each position subject to privileging is responsible for the timely completion of all privileging requirements.

The position requires the ability to work in a mutually respectful partnership with persons served and their families in which they are helped to gain the skills and confidence to address any issues and problems they face. It also requires conviction about the capacity of people to grow and change ability to set limits and maintain the helping role of the practitioner and to intervene appropriately to meet the needs of the persons served or other family members.

Other duties as assigned by the Unit Supervisor

III. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES, AND TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

A. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Satisfactory completion of MindSet or demonstrated competencies observed and documented during the hiring process.

B. Required Minimum Training: Licensed Practical Nurse in the State of North Carolina.

C. Additional Training/Experience:
MindSet, CPR and First Aid Certification are pre-employment requirements for employees, who will provide Community Support services. TB testing is a pre-employment requirement for 24 hour and Residential Program Staff. Blood-borne pathogens (BBP), Client Rights, Confidentiality and HIPAA trainings must be obtained within 120 days of employment.

All other staff must obtain MIndSet, CPR First Aid Certification, BBP, Client Rights, Confidentiality and HIPAA trainings within 120 days of employment as applicable.

Staff will attend required update trainings as applicable to the specific certification to avoid expiration of the certification and maintain compliance with agency policies and all other local, state and/or federal rules and regulations as applicable.

D. License or Certification Required by Statute or Regulations: Valid NC Nursing License and Valid NC Driver's License