Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

Job Purpose

Under the supervision of the Nurse Manager, the Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) serves as a dedicated caregiver, assuming responsibility and accountability for client well-being. This role ensures high-quality nursing care while adhering to all regulatory and facility guidelines.

Duties & Responsibilities

The following duties are standard for this position across Meridian Behavioral Health (MBH). These responsibilities are not exhaustive, and additional duties may be assigned as needed.

General Responsibilities:

• Adhere to all facility policies and procedures.
• Provide nursing services and client education in alignment with best practices.
• Observe, record, and report any symptoms, reactions, or changes in a client’s condition to the appropriate personnel.
• Perform venipunctures to obtain blood specimens.
• Receive and transcribe physician orders into client charts.
• Maintain accurate and descriptive nursing notes that reflect the care provided.
• Participate in shift change reports to ensure continuity of care.
• Administer Mantoux tests upon admission.
• Complete scheduled weekly updates and chart audits.
• Ensure compliance with Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) regulations.
• Attend and actively participate in staff meetings and in-service training.
• Follow directives for client admissions, transfers, or discharges as assigned.
• Perform other duties as required.

Additional Responsibilities at Residential Locations:

• Conduct venipunctures to obtain blood specimens.
• Participate in shift change reports.
• Administer Mantoux tests upon admission.
• Complete scheduled weekly updates and chart audits.

Additional Responsibilities at MAT (Medication-Assisted Treatment) Locations:

• Dispense medications and record dosages.
• Administer required lab tests, including vital signs, TB tests, blood draws, and other nursing assessments.
• Maintain daily inventory of methadone/buprenorphine supplies and ensure accurate tracking.
• Conduct end-of-day (EOD) reports and verify accuracy per regulatory guidelines.
• Address and correct any inventory discrepancies.
• Verify dosages with external MAT programs and medical facilities to coordinate care.
• Ensure meticulous documentation of medical paperwork, dose changes, lab results, physician orders, and verbal instructions.
• Complete all admission documentation as required.
• Provide “Out of Clinic” services when necessary.
• Offer coverage for other MBH MAT locations when needed.

Qualifications & Requirements

Education & Licensing:

• Active LPN license in good standing.
• Minimum of two years of continuous sobriety (if applicable).
• CPR and First Aid certification required.

Experience & Training:

• Residential Setting: Minimum 1 year of experience in a chemical dependency facility and 2–3 years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• MAT Setting: Minimum 1 year of experience in a chemical dependency facility and 2–3 years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Co-occurring Disorders Training: Must complete 12 hours of training covering assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, documentation, medication management, and collaboration for clients with mental health and substance use disorders.
• Strong knowledge of Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) regulations.

Skills & Abilities:

• Excellent verbal communication skills, with the ability to simplify complex concepts.
• Ability to communicate effectively with individuals from diverse cultural, socioeconomic, and educational backgrounds.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills to adapt to shifting priorities.
• Proficiency in computer use, including drafting emails, memos, and reports.
• Cultural awareness and sensitivity to various cultural norms and values.

Physical Requirements:

• Hearing: 100% - Ability to hear staff, incoming calls, and client interactions.
• Vision: 100% - Ability to read computer screens and client charts.
• Speaking: 100% - Ability to communicate effectively with staff and clients.
• Standing: 6–8 hours per day as required by job duties.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)