NATURE AND SCOPE

Reporting to the Medical Manager or designate and the RN Charge Nurse as required, the Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) plays a key role in providing safe, client-centered care within TRC’s medically supported detox and residential programs.

LPNs care for individuals experiencing substance use and mental health challenges, many of whom present with complex medical and psychological needs. They are accountable for their nursing practice and collaborate closely with the Medical Manager, Medical Director, and interdisciplinary team to support client stabilization and recovery.

Responsibilities include assessing and monitoring client status, documenting observations, administering medications, supporting care plans, and assisting during physician rounds. LPNs also respond to emerging medical concerns and help ensure continuity of care in a fast-paced environment.

LPNs advocate for client safety, promote trauma-informed and harm-reduction practices, and contribute to a respectful and recovery-oriented care setting.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

• Conducting initial intake, nursing assessment, and determining triage level based on client presentation and clinical protocols.
• Psychiatric evaluations for new Clients.
• Assessing Clients daily for level of physical, emotional, and social stability
• Offering guidance throughout treatment for better goal attainment
• Monitoring for change in mood or demeanor, recognition of behavior patterns, behavior changes and communicating with the interdisciplinary team at Thorpe.
• Develops care plans and communicates with the interdisciplinary team.
• Intervening with de-escalation techniques to lead the Client back to safety and stability.
• Providing support to Community Support Workers (CSWs) as appropriate
• Demonstrate the ability to operate health equipment safely.
• Report and document incidents, adverse events and/or near misses according to practice setting guidelines and policies.
• Provides direct nursing care to Clients with a variety of primary care needs including all health complexities with recognition of when it is appropriate to contact the Physician.
• Assesses, monitors, recognizes clients’ needs for substance use withdrawal management ("detox"), post-acute withdrawal syndrome and familiar with treatments for sub-categories with substance use disorder(s).
• LPN’s will complete all required training and education prior to commencement of direct Client care.
• Provides quality Client care to Clients on voluntary inClient unit.
• Performs de-escalation and mental health crisis management.
• Administers medications, provides wound care, monitors Clients for medication efficacy and symptom improvement.
• Responds to overdose emergencies or any other medical emergencies not limited to CRP/defibrillator use, stroke, seizure, heart attack.
• Assists RN with any procedures or processes while remaining inside the LPN scope of practice.
• Participates in controlled and regular medication administration and reconciliation.
• Reports and tracks medication issues
• Reports any medication or Client care discrepancies to Medical Manager.
• In collaboration with the Medical Manager orders and maintains ward stock supplies
• Collaborates with contracted pharmacy as needed.
• Work in collaboration with HCA’s to ensure high quality Client care.
• Oversight and reporting any concerns or discrepancies with HCA practice to the Medical Manager

QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

• Practical Nurse Diploma from a recognized post-secondary practical nurse program

• Maintain a permanent, valid practice permit with the College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Alberta in good standing and without restrictions.

• Basic Life Support (BLS) or First Aid up to date.

• Must be willing to work full scope of practice (including IM/SC/ IV)

• Suboxone and Sublocade training – to be completed within the first three months of employment.

• Experience with CIWA-Ar, COWS, OAT therapies, detox, withdrawal, and basic recovery programming preferred.

• Experience in an addiction centre preferred.

• Ability to use critical thinking skills.

• Team player/able to work independently when needed.

• Able to work 12-hour shifts to include weekends and nights.

• Must provide a valid driver’s license and a current driver’s abstract upon hire.

• Will be required to obtain a Criminal record Check with Vulnerable sector check upon hiring and every 2 years of employment.

• All employees are required to complete Naloxone training, along with other mandatory trainings, within their first three months of employment