Licensed Practical Nurse

Overview

Imagine Recovery is building a talented and motivated Nursing Team! Full-Time and Part-Time Day, Night and Weekend shifts available. The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) provides direct, hands-on nursing care to clients across all levels of care at Imagine Recovery, including Medical Detoxification (5 beds), Residential (7 beds), Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP), and Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP). Under the direction of a Registered Nurse or physician, the LPN performs nursing assessments, administers medications, monitors clinical status, supports MAT protocols, and maintains accurate documentation. The LPN plays a critical role in the physical stabilization, safety, and wellness of clients navigating early recovery.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

The following functions are considered essential to this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Medical Detox – Direct Nursing Care

• Perform and document CIWA-Ar (alcohol), COWS (opioid), and CINA (neonatal) withdrawal assessments per protocol and physician orders.
• Monitor and document vital signs, neurological status, hydration, and clinical changes for detox clients at scheduled intervals.
• Administer medications per physician orders including PRN withdrawal medications, scheduled MAT, and comfort medications.
• Identify and report signs of medical deterioration, seizure risk, or emergent conditions to the supervising RN or physician immediately.
• Maintain seizure precautions, fall prevention measures, and safety checks as ordered.
• Assist with IV therapy, specimen collection, and basic medical procedures under RN supervision as permitted by Louisiana LPN scope of practice.

Residential Program Nursing

• Perform nursing intake assessments and contribute to initial treatment plan development for residential clients.
• Administer and document all scheduled and PRN medications using the electronic medication administration record (eMAR).
• Oversee the medication administration process ensuring accuracy, client identification, and proper documentation.
• Monitor clients for medication side effects, adverse reactions, and clinical concerns; escalate to RN or physician as needed.
• Conduct daily nursing rounds and wellness checks on all assigned residential clients.
• Participate in multidisciplinary treatment team meetings and contribute clinical nursing observations to care planning.

PHP & IOP Nursing Support

• Provide nursing services at the start of each PHP/IOP session, including vital signs, medication administration, and clinical check-ins.
• Conduct urine drug screens (UDS) per program protocol, maintain chain of custody, and document results accurately.
• Administer and document Vivitrol (naltrexone extended-release) injections per physician orders and manufacturer protocol.
• Monitor and document MAT medications (buprenorphine, naltrexone) for PHP/IOP clients.
• Educate clients on medication purpose, side effects, and adherence as part of integrated nursing care.
• Coordinate with the treatment team regarding any medical concerns or changes in clinical status for PHP/IOP clients.

Documentation & Compliance

• Maintain timely, accurate, and complete nursing documentation in the electronic health record (EHR) in accordance with clinical, regulatory, and billing standards.
• Complete all required nursing forms including admission nursing assessments, MAR, incident reports, and nursing progress notes.
• Maintain client confidentiality in strict accordance with HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2 regulations at all times.
• Participate in medication counts, controlled substance reconciliation, and DEA log documentation as required.
• Report unusual occurrences, client incidents, safety concerns, or near-misses using the facility incident reporting system.

Client & Team Support

• Provide trauma-informed, person-centered nursing care that treats all clients with dignity and respect.
• Respond promptly and compassionately to client medical complaints, distress, and emergent clinical situations.
• Participate in nursing staff meetings, trainings, and mandatory in-services.
• Support new staff orientation and peer training as directed by the Director of Nursing.
• Assist with infection control, supply management, and maintenance of clean, safe clinical spaces.

LICENSURE & CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

• Active, unencumbered Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) license issued by the Louisiana State Board of Nursing (LSBN) – REQUIRED. License must remain current and in good standing throughout employment.
• No history of disciplinary action, suspension, revocation, or restriction by the LSBN or any other state nursing board.
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS/CPR) certification through the American Heart Association (AHA) or American Red Cross – REQUIRED; must be maintained without lapse throughout employment.
• LPN practice must remain within the Louisiana LPN Scope of Practice (La. R.S. 37:961 et seq.) at all times; all medication administration and clinical procedures performed under the direction and supervision of a Registered Nurse or licensed physician.
• Vivitrol (extended-release naltrexone) injection certification preferred; employer-provided training and certification available within 30 days of hire.
• Compliance with all pre-employment and ongoing health screening requirements per Louisiana LDH and facility policy, including TB test/screening, COVID-19 vaccination status documentation, hepatitis B vaccination series, and applicable immunizations.
• Must maintain all required licenses and certifications as a condition of continued employment; lapse in LPN license or BLS certification will result in immediate suspension from clinical duties pending resolution.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Experience

• Completion of an accredited Licensed Practical Nursing program required.
• Current, active Louisiana LPN license in good standing required.
• Minimum one (1) year of clinical LPN experience preferred; new graduates with behavioral health clinical rotations will be considered.
• Experience or clinical exposure in behavioral health, SUD treatment, detox, or psychiatric care strongly preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of withdrawal assessment tools including CIWA-Ar and COWS and ability to apply clinical judgment accordingly.
• Understanding of medication-assisted treatment (MAT) medications including buprenorphine, methadone bridge, naltrexone/Vivitrol, and associated nursing responsibilities.
• Ability to perform nursing assessments, medication administration, and basic clinical procedures within Louisiana LPN scope of practice.
• Strong observational and clinical judgment skills; ability to identify and escalate changes in patient condition.
• Proficiency with electronic health records (EHR) and electronic medication administration records (eMAR).
• Commitment to trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and patient-centered nursing care.
• Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team in a fast-paced, high-acuity clinical environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in a Joint Commission-accredited SUD treatment or behavioral health setting.
• Knowledge of ASAM Patient Placement Criteria and SUD levels of care.
• Familiarity with 42 CFR Part 2 confidentiality requirements specific to SUD treatment records.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) a plus.
• Personal connection to the recovery community (lived experience welcomed and valued).

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORKING CONDITIONS

• Ability to work in a clinical facility including detox and residential units with direct exposure to clients in acute withdrawal.
• Must be able to stand and walk for the majority of a scheduled shift; ability to respond rapidly to medical emergencies.
• Physically capable of performing CPR/BLS; must maintain current certification.
• Occasional lifting of up to 30 lbs. (clients requiring assistance, medical supplies).
• Must be able to work rotating shifts including days, evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays as assigned.
• May be floated to any program level (Detox, Residential, PHP, IOP) based on census and staffing needs.
• Use of standard personal protective equipment (PPE) required in applicable clinical situations.

ADA / REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION

Imagine Recovery is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Employees requiring accommodations should notify Human Resources prior to their start date or as soon as the need is identified.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Imagine Recovery is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

**Join us to be part of a dedicated team committed to delivering exceptional patient-centered care! Your skills will help improve lives every day while advancing your professional journey in a vibrant addiction recovery environment.**

Pay: From $25.00 per hour

Expected hours: 12.0 – 36.0 per week

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance

Work Location: In person