Licensed Practical Nurse

Make a Difference Where It Counts!

At our 22-bed Behavioral Health Hospital, every role plays a vital part in changing lives, strengthening our community, and delivering care that truly matters.

Job Description

Job Title:

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN/LVN)

Department:

Nursing

Reports To:

Charge RN and Director of Nursing

Supervises:

Mental Health Technicians (MHTs), CNAs, and Medication Technicians

FLSA Status:

Non-Exempt

Position Summary

The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN/LVN) is responsible for carrying out assigned duties as directed by the Charge Nurse during each shift. The LPN/LVN provides appropriate nursing interventions to ensure the care, safety, and well-being of patients.

Responsibilities include administering medications according to prescribed orders in a timely manner and accurately documenting all medications and procedures in the medical record per established protocols. The LPN/LVN works collaboratively as part of the healthcare team to facilitate the admission and discharge process for assigned patients.

Additional duties include accurately transcribing physician orders and auditing medical records to ensure all orders are implemented correctly. The LPN/LVN serves as a patient advocate by providing education to patients and families as appropriate.

The role requires ongoing communication with members of the nursing team to meet patient care needs, assist with activities of daily living, and encourage patient independence whenever appropriate. The LPN/LVN communicates patient concerns and clinical issues to medical staff promptly.

The LPN/LVN performs patient assessments accurately and in a timely manner, addresses identified patient care needs, and ensures all findings are documented thoroughly, signed, and dated according to protocol.

This position requires adherence to Human Resources policies, including attendance and professional conduct standards, as well as Infection Control and Employee Health guidelines to ensure the safety of patients and staff.

The LPN/LVN actively collaborates with the Service Development Department to facilitate timely patient admissions and functions as a key member of the multidisciplinary treatment team by communicating patient goals, interventions, and assessments.

Working Conditions

Work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

While performing job duties, employees may occasionally be exposed to:

• Fumes or airborne particles
• Cleaning chemicals
• Dust, mist, or steam generated during housekeeping tasks
• Moderate to high noise levels

This is a smoke-free workplace.

Employees spend approximately 75% or more of their time indoors, protected from weather conditions but not necessarily temperature fluctuations.

Documentation of a tuberculosis test is required during new-hire orientation and annually thereafter.

Physical Requirements

Employees must be able to:

• Stand for extended periods (60–80% of the work shift)
• Sit for extended periods (up to 4 hours)
• Walk frequently throughout the shift
• Lift and carry more than 10 pounds
• Perform repetitive motions and tasks
• Hear alarms, telephones, and normal speaking voices

The work environment can be fast-paced and stressful, with frequent interruptions and the inherent risks associated with caring for psychiatric patients experiencing acute and crisis-related needs.

Physical Activities Required

Employees must be capable of:

• Reaching: Extending hands and arms in any direction
• Handling: Grasping, holding, turning, and manipulating objects
• Fingering: Picking, pinching, and fine motor movements
• Feeling: Detecting size, shape, temperature, and texture
• Talking: Communicating effectively through speech
• Hearing: Perceiving sounds clearly
• Seeing: Visual acuity (near/far), depth perception, color vision, accommodation, and field of vision

Exposure Category

Category II:
Tasks involve potential exposure to blood, bodily fluids, or tissues.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Experience

Education

Certification from an approved Practical/Vocational Nursing Program

Licensure

Current LPN/LVN license to practice in the state

Experience

One (1) year of LPN/LVN experience preferred

Required Skills

• Effective verbal communication skills
• Strong organizational skills
• Effective interpersonal skills
• Analytical problem-solving abilities
• Ability to read and comprehend written instructions
• Ability to follow verbal instructions
• Proficiency with PC computers
• Basic understanding of DSM-5 diagnostic criteria
• Basic understanding of medical and psychiatric diagnoses and conditions

Certificates, Licenses, and Registrations Required

• Valid Photo ID
• Social Security Card and/or Driver’s License
• Primary source verification of education
• Copy of clinical license (if applicable)
• CPR Certification
• Behavioral Management Training

Benefits

Full-Time Employees

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Supplemental Insurance Options
• 401(k) with Company Match

PRN Employees

• 401(k) with Company Match

Freedom Behavioral Hospital of Leesville provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.