The LPN at the Wilkes Barre VAMC participates in the interdisciplinary team in the development, implementation and evaluation of the patient's treatment plan; interacts with patients in groups in accordance with the patient's treatment plan; observes, identifies and responds to the patients' needs for nursing, medication, and equipment assisted care and recognizes deviations from normal; demonstrates the knowledge, skill and ability to recognize and respond appropriately to emergency situations.
The Mental Health Licensed Practical Nurse is responsible for: Participates in group meetings to help patients share feelings, interact and function in accordance with the patient's treatment plan. Begins to demonstrate constructive relationships with individual patients to elicit feelings and attitudes and to promote positive relationships, communications and socialization skills. Utilizes team building skills to work efficiently and effectively with other disciplines.
Participates with the interdisciplinary team in the development, implementation and evaluation of the patient's treatment plan. Uses discretion in all confidential matters. Responds appropriately as a member of the Cardiac, Disaster, Violence, Fire Fighting, and/or Code Yellow Team. Handles assignments to other areas with professional behavior. Willingness to accept organizational changes and accepts constructive ideas for the betterment of the organization.
Uses sound judgment in selecting the most appropriate application of procedures and guidelines. Utilizes nursing process in practice. Has the knowledge and skills necessary for carrying out practical nursing care assignments, including assignments for acute care, long-term or ambulatory care, or psychiatric patients.
Demonstrates ability to observe, identify and respond to the patient's needs for nursing, medication and equipment-assisted care and to recognize deviations from normal. Considers physical, emotional and social factors in modifying patient care plans. Participates in unit based performance improvement initiatives. Participates on Nursing, CORE, and/or Medical Center committees. Demonstrates awareness of mission, vision, and value objectives of the CORE and Medical Center.
Implements clinical guidelines as appropriate. Serves as a member of the nursing unit team with selected patients and provides care to them on a regular and recurring basis. Performs nursing skills in a safe manner that prevents personal injury to patients, self, or others. Maintains unit orderliness and cleanliness. Accurately reports and records significant patient information via hard or soft copies.
Performs those standardized nursing functions which require the exercise of observational skills, initiative, judgment and independent determination for the care of all types of patients with varying degrees of illness such as acute, subacute and chronically ill. Makes a significant contribution to promote the patient's return to health by guiding and encouraging the patient in self-care activities while including the family in the patient's treatment program.
Gives specific, meaningful instructions and explains to patients regarding the purpose of special diagnostic tests. Collects or assists with the collection of all types of specimens including gastric analysis. Administers oral and parenetical medications excluding investigational drugs. Utilizes Omnicell medication system per policy. Chart review electronic orders from a Physician's order sheet with RN verification. Assists with maintaining a safe and hazard free environment.
Monitors patients on 1:1 suicide or safety watch. Has knowledge of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) in partnership of medical facility policies; this knowledge helps the LPN in this role to play an active part within the mental health population. Is responsible for triaging scheduled Veterans for routine administration of antipsychotic injections, walk in, and crisis patients. Follows facility policy on the use of psychotropic medication.
Assists with monitoring lab values of certain psychotropic medications, ensuring the veteran gets the required monitors done in a timely manner. Has knowledge of Voluntary and Involuntary commitments to the in-patient psychiatric unit, in accordance of facility policy and Pennsylvania Chapter 5001.71 to 5001.90A.
Ensures adequate 1:1 coverage for the S/H Veteran while in the MHC and often times remains with the Veteran in the Emergency Department (ED) while medical clearances are being obtained. Educates the Veteran about Mental Health Clinic (MHC) services offered in the MHC to include: Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT), Military Sexual Trauma (MST), Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Anger Management, Wellness Groups and Community programs.
Meets weekly with their assigned Behavioral Health Integration Program (BHIP) team to discuss and seek guidance with any high risk patients or to address possible ethical issues. Performs additional duties as assigned. Preferred Experience in psychiatric/mental health nursing. Work Schedule: 4p-12a, Rotating weekends and holidays Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/.
If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.
MICHELLE.HARRIS6@VA.GOV · 269-873-2448
This position is with Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs.
The posted pay range is $35416 – $64457/yr.
Applications close on 2026-09-02.
This position is open under the 'Public' hiring path.
Source: USAJOBS.gov — U.S. Federal Government
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