What are the responsibilities and job description for the LPN's or RN's - Behavioral Health (Multiple Open Positions) position at UNC Health Appalachian?
The Behavioral Health Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)/Registered Nurse (RN) provides comprehensive nursing care to patients with mental health and substance-use disorders. The RN/LPN is responsible for assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating the nursing care of patients, ensuring the highest quality of care is delivered in accordance with the policies and procedures of the healthcare facility. Key Responsibilities:
Patient Care:
- Conduct thorough assessments of patients’ mental and physical health.
- Develop, implement, and evaluate individualized care plans.
- Administer medications and treatments as prescribed.
- Monitor and document patients’ progress and responses to treatment.
- Provide crisis intervention and de-escalation when necessary.
Collaboration:
- Work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams, including physicians, therapists, social workers, and other healthcare professionals.
- Participate in case conferences and treatment planning meetings.
- Communicate effectively with patients, families, and caregivers to ensure comprehensive care.
Education and Advocacy:
- Educate patients and families about mental health conditions, treatments, and resources.
- Advocate for patients’ rights and ensure a safe and therapeutic environment.
Compliance and Documentation:
- Maintain accurate and timely documentation in accordance with regulatory requirements and facility policies.
- Ensure compliance with all health and safety regulations and infection control standards.
Professional Development:
- Stay current with advancements in behavioral health and nursing practices.
- Participate in continuing education and professional development opportunities.
- Mentor and support new staff and nursing students.
Position Qualifications
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Graduate of an accredited practical nursing program/RN program
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Previous experience as an RN/LPN is preferred
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Previous Health Care Experience in an acute or clinic setting is preferred
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1 year experience working in behavioral health preferred
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Current licensure as an LPN/RN in North Carolina
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Basic Life Support (BLS)
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BLS from the American Heart Association is required at the time of hire
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All required certifications must be obtained within 1 year of hire date, except Basic Life Support (BLS)
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Knowledge of and works within the scope of practice of the LPN/RN.
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Ability to communicate courteously and effectively with the public, patients, family, staff, and physician and acts within the chain of command, utilizing positive verbal and non-verbal skills.
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Competent in delivering safe and effective patient care within legal limits of license and certifications and hospital policies and procedures.
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Knowledge of the continuum of nursing care provided in the patient care department.
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Ability to demonstrate exceptional customer service to patients, family, staff, and physicians.
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Lifts, positions, pushes, pulls, and/or transfers up to and greater than 50 pounds
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Manual dexterity and mobility
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Prolonged, extensive or considerable sitting/standing/walking
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Bending, squatting, twisting, and turning
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Near acuity: ability to see clearly at 20 inches or less
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Regularly exposed to the risk of bloodborne diseases
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Frequently exposed to hazards from electrical/mechanical/power equipment, odorous chemicals, and specimens and unpleasant elements (accident, injury, slippery surfaces, uneven surfaces), etc.
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Subject to irregular hours (days, evenings, nights, weekends, holidays) and emergencies
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Continuous standing and walking long periods = to or greater than > 8 hours per shift
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Speaking, reading, and writing, expanded > 8 hours per day
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Exposed to vibration and cramped spaces > 1-hour day
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Frequently mobilizes patients > 4 hours per day
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Frequently per shift: lifts, carries; pushes; and/or, pulls >50 lbs
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Frequently per hour: bend, squats, kneels, twists, turns, and reaches
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Frequently per minute: hand, finger, and wrist repetition and moderate dexterity
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Frequently per hour: exposed to soft voices > 3 feet away
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Frequently per hour: exposed to close eye work
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Infrequently per shift: may be exposed to Ionizing/nonionizing radiation exposure, including x-ray and microwave
About UNC Health Appalachian
UNC Health Appalachian, the leader for healthcare in the High Country, comprises three hospitals, 13 medical practices, Seby B. Jones Regional Cancer Center, The Rehabilitation Center, and Appalachian Regional Healthcare Foundation. UNC Health Appalachian stays committed to promoting health in the High Country, enhancing quality of life, and simply “making life better.“
About UNC Health
UNC Health is a state entity and an affiliated enterprise of the University of North Carolina system, comprised of 14 hospitals, 18 hospital campuses and more than 500 clinics along with the clinical patient care programs of the UNC School of Medicine (SOM). It exists to improve the health and well-being of North Carolinians and others we serve and to further the teaching mission of the University of North Carolina SOM. Over the past three years, UNC Health has provided more than $400 million in uncompensated or charity care to the citizens of North Carolina. Our hospitals have received numerous awards and recognition for quality care, patient safety and the overall patient experience. For more information, please visit unchealth.org.
UNC Health Appalachian embraces diversity and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status. We value a workforce that reflects a variety of backgrounds and perspectives, as it enhances our ability to provide outstanding care. We welcome and encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences. UNC Health Appalachian is committed to providing a fair and inclusive hiring process and a workplace where all team members feel respected and empowered. If you require accommodations during the application process, please contact us.
Employment at UNC Health Appalachian is contingent upon successful completion of a background and drug screen.
For accommodations or additional information, contact recruitment@apprhs.org.
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