A Licensed Practical Nurse or Vocational Nurse provides basic medical care under the direction of registered nurses and other healthcare specialists. The tasks that they are permitted to perform vary by state, but usually include changing bandages, checking blood pressure, or helping feed patients. May work in hospitals, nursing homes, or other healthcare facilities.
Position Summary The LPN provides safe, compassionate, and clinically sound nursing care to adults in a behavioral health and addiction recovery setting. Working under the supervision of the Director of Nursing and in collaboration with a multidisciplinary team, the RN/LPN supports detoxification, stabilization, and recovery through direct patient care, medication administration, clinical monitoring, and accurate documentation. This role requires professionalism, emotional resilience, attention to detail, and the ability to remain calm and focused in a dynamic, fast-paced inpatient environment.
Schedule:
PRN Days or Nights •Baylor pay• LPN $29-31/hr Key Responsibilities Direct Patient Care Take and record vital signs; monitor physical and emotional status. Observe for withdrawal symptoms, medication side effects, or adverse reactions. Administer prescribed medications accurately and timely, including controlled substances. Provide hands-on patient care including hygiene support, wound care, mobility assistance, and comfort measures. Assist with detox monitoring and collaborate with clinical staff to ensure patient safety. Attend Treatment Team meetings as requested. Medication Management & Safety Organize and maintain the medication cart during each shift. Count and verify narcotics at the beginning and end of each shift with another nurse; report discrepancies immediately. Conduct eKit inventory each shift and notify leadership when restocking is required. Order medications and refills per provider instruction. Complete required documentation for returned or expired medications. Monitor for medication misuse or diversion concerns. Documentation & Reporting Maintain accurate, timely documentation in patient records, including MAR entries and clinical notes. Complete end-of-shift reports and incident reports as required. Review and analyze triage forms at least every 30 minutes and collaborate with BHTs as needed. Contribute nursing assessments to individualized treatment plans. Report significant changes in patient condition to the Director of Nursing or appropriate providers promptly. Follow proper chain of command and documentation protocols, including Chain of Custody procedures for new admissions. New Admissions Conduct full-body searches in coordination with Behavioral Health Technicians (BHTs). Complete detailed Admission Assessments in Kipu. Administer and document urine drug screens, breathalyzers, and pregnancy tests as applicable. Secure and document medications brought by new admissions and notify providers for review. Laboratory Responsibilities Obtain and process laboratory orders per provider instructions. Ensure timely lab collection and documentation. Perform and document employee drug screenings and TB tests as assigned. Client Discharge Ensure all medications are sent with the discharging client and properly documented. When applicable, transfer medications to transport personnel with documented handoff. Collaboration & Communication Collaborate with interdisciplinary team members including nursing, physicians, therapists, and counselors. Participate in team meetings and provide clinical insight. Maintain professional cross-departmental communication to support coordinated care. Ensure psychiatric packets and consent forms are completed and forwarded appropriately. Administrative & Operational Duties Maintain a clean and organized nurse's station. Attend department and all-staff meetings. Perform additional duties as assigned by leadership. QualificationsLicensure & Certification Active, unrestricted LPN license in Kentucky. Current CPR/BLS certification. Experience Experience in addiction recovery, substance use, or psychiatric nursing strongly preferred. Inpatient or rehabilitation experience is an asset but not required. Knowledge & Skills Strong understanding of nursing principles and clinical practices. Excellent observation, documentation, and communication skills. Knowledge of patient confidentiality laws and HIPAA. Awareness of Drug-Free Workplace and Workplace Violence policies. Ability to remain calm and professional in high-pressure situations. Compassionate, empathetic approach to patient care. Strong team collaboration skills. Work Environment Temperature-controlled indoor environment (80-90% indoors). Routine exposure to blood, body fluids, or tissues may occur. PPE and safety protocols provided. 24/7 inpatient facility; shifts may include nights, weekends, and holidays. Emotionally dynamic setting due to detox and rehabilitation care. Physical & Mental RequirementsPhysical Demands Frequent standing and walking. Occasional bending, crouching, pushing, pulling, and carrying.
Ability to lift:
Light (1-20 lbs) Medium (21-50 lbs) Heavy (51+ lbs) occasionally Frequent reading and documentation tasks. Mental Demands Moderate mental stress. High collaboration with interdisciplinary team members. Ability to maintain focus and sound clinical judgment in a fast-paced setting.
Pay:
$29.50 - $35.00 per hour
Benefits:
Dental insurance Health insurance Paid time off Vision insurance
