Licensed Practical Nurse - Behavioral Health Outpatient

Position Summary

Join a team dedicated to making a meaningful difference in the lives of veterans and the individuals and families who support them. The nursing professional in this role provides compassionate, patient-centered care that promotes health, safety, dignity, independence, and recovery.

Working under the direction and delegation of a Nurse Practitioner (NP) or Medical Doctor (MD), this position supports the delivery and coordination of quality nursing care in accordance with applicable state and federal regulations, professional nursing standards, and established clinical protocols. Responsibilities include assessing patient needs, administering and monitoring medications, educating patients about their health and treatment plans, maintaining accurate medical records, and collaborating with an interdisciplinary team to support individualized care.

The ideal candidate brings strong clinical judgment, attention to detail, and a genuine commitment to serving others. By building trusting relationships, advocating for patients, and working closely with colleagues and families, this nursing professional helps create a supportive environment where every patient feels respected, heard, and cared for.

Job Responsibilities

Patient Care and Clinical Support

• Assess and evaluate patient needs through interviews, medical histories, observation, and appropriate triage to help determine the level and urgency of care needed.
• Establish positive, professional relationships with patients to promote trust, open communication, and active participation in their care.
• Assist with components of physical examinations as ordered by the NP or MD.
• Monitor and document vital signs, including temperature, blood pressure, pulse, and respiration, as ordered by the NP or MD.
• Deliver quality nursing care in accordance with established clinical protocols, agency policies, applicable regulations, and professional standards.
• Monitor patient progress, recognize changes in condition, communicate concerns promptly, and support adjustments to care as directed by the medical provider.
• Contribute to a safe, respectful, and supportive care environment that recognizes each patient's individual needs, preferences, and goals.

Medication Management and Patient Education

• Administer medications accurately and safely in accordance with provider orders, applicable regulations, and established medication administration procedures.
• Observe, monitor, and document patient responses to medications, including potential side effects, involuntary movements, and adherence to prescribed treatment.
• Prepare and dispense daily medication doses, ensuring accurate patient identification, appropriate documentation, and compliance with controlled substance protocols.
• Coordinate prescriptions and medication-related communications with external pharmacies and members of the medical team.
• Maintain accurate medication logs, complete medication audits, and help ensure medication supplies are properly stored, secured, and accounted for.
• Educate patients about medication purposes, dosing schedules, potential side effects, safe use, and the importance of following prescribed treatment plans.
• Encourage patients to ask questions, understand their treatment options, and take an active role in managing their health and well-being.

Care Coordination and Interdisciplinary Collaboration

• Collaborate with NPs, MDs, nursing colleagues, and other interdisciplinary team members to support individualized treatment plans and positive patient outcomes.
• Communicate relevant patient information, clinical observations, and emerging concerns to the appropriate members of the care team.
• Help coordinate patient referrals and support transitions between healthcare settings, including admissions, transfers, and discharges.
• Assist patients in understanding their diagnoses, treatment plans, laboratory and test results, medications, and recommended follow-up care as directed by the medical provider.
• Partner with patients and, when appropriate and authorized, their families and support systems to promote continuity of care, informed decision-making, and recovery.
• Advocate for patients by helping identify barriers to care and connecting them with appropriate resources and services.

Patient Empowerment and Compassionate Support

• Promote patient independence by helping individuals establish achievable health goals and develop practical self-care skills.
• Provide education about preventive care, prescribed treatments, medication management, and strategies for maintaining overall health.
• Treat every patient with dignity, empathy, and respect, recognizing that each person brings unique experiences, strengths, and challenges to their healthcare journey.
• Support a welcoming environment in which patients feel comfortable communicating their concerns, asking questions, and participating in decisions about their care.
• Engage families and caregivers appropriately to strengthen understanding, support continuity of care, and reinforce patient-centered goals.
• Maintain professional boundaries, protect patient confidentiality, and uphold ethical standards in all interactions.

Safety, Compliance, and Quality Improvement

• Protect patients, staff, and visitors by following infection prevention and control procedures, medication storage and administration standards, and controlled substance regulations.
• Monitor medical supplies and medication inventory to help ensure resources are available, properly maintained, and used responsibly.
• Maintain complete, accurate, and timely patient documentation in electronic health records (EHR) and other required clinical records.
• Follow applicable state and federal regulations, agency policies, medical department procedures, and professional standards.
• Identify and promptly communicate safety concerns, medication discrepancies, changes in patient condition, and other issues requiring clinical attention.
• Participate in quality improvement efforts and support practices that enhance patient safety, care coordination, and service delivery.
• Provide appropriate oversight, direction, and delegation to LPNs and Medical Assistants (MAs), as applicable to the position and within the employee's authorized scope of practice.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support safe, effective, and compassionate patient care.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• A strong commitment to compassionate, patient-centered care and respect for the dignity of every individual.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate clinical information clearly and professionally.
• Strong interpersonal and customer service skills, with the ability to build trust and maintain positive relationships with patients, families, and colleagues.
• The ability to work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams while also taking initiative and working independently when appropriate.
• Sound clinical judgment, strong medical aptitude, and the ability to recognize and respond to changing patient needs.
• Knowledge of medication administration, medication safety, infection control, and appropriate clinical documentation.
• Proficiency in using medical instruments and equipment and familiarity with electronic health record systems.
• Basic computer and mathematical skills necessary for clinical documentation, medication-related calculations, and daily nursing responsibilities.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, including the ability to prioritize competing demands in a healthcare environment.
• Attention to detail, accuracy, and thoroughness in medication administration, patient assessments, and recordkeeping.
• The ability to maintain appropriate professional boundaries, protect confidential information, and uphold ethical and regulatory standards.
• A compassionate, proactive, and solution-focused approach to patient care.

Job Requirements

• Associate's degree in Nursing; a bachelor's degree is preferred.
• Minimum of two years of nursing experience.
• Active Ohio Registered Nurse (RN) license, as specified in the original job requirements; verify the required licensure for the intended position before posting.
• Valid driver's license and current automobile insurance.

Essential Functions and Physical Demands

The essential functions of this position include driving as required by assigned job duties and performing the physical and sensory activities necessary to provide and coordinate patient care.

• Positional demands: Frequent standing and walking; infrequent sitting; driving as required by job duties.
• Gross mobility: Rare lifting, climbing, or crawling; infrequent balancing, stooping, kneeling, or crouching; frequent to constant reaching, bending, and handling.
• Sensory demands: Rare tasting or smelling; infrequent use of color vision; occasional use of far visual acuity, depth perception, and field of vision; frequent use of near- and midrange visual acuity and visual accommodation; frequent to constant talking.

Equal Employment Opportunity

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability.