Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is seeking a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) to join the team at the Cherokee Mental Health Institute (CMHI). This is a  full-time opportunity with  a possible shift differential of $0.90 per hour for second shift and $1.00 per hour for third shift. We also offer a strong opportunity for advancement, growth, and development.
 
The CMHI team consists of medical providers, social workers, Registered Nurses (RNs), Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), Resident Treatment Workers (RTWs), and Resident Treatment Technicians (RTTs). LPNs contribute to the team by demonstrating technical and professional knowledge of the Nursing process, medication management, handling physician orders, documentation, and behavioral management of patients. Under direct supervision, duties include admission, transfer, and discharge of patients, providing direct nursing care as specified in the patient’s individualized treatment plan, alerting the team to any issues, and supervising or assisting with patient care including bathing, meals, and other activities of daily living.
 
Our LPNs also provide assigned patient education, therapeutic activities, behavioral management interventions, and comply with hospital safety precautions including observation checks, hand-off communication and timely reporting of concerns to the RN staff. There are also opportunities to provide leadership for non-licensed staff, facilitate collaborative work habits and promote team building.
  
CMHI provides active inpatient treatment to adults in need of acute psychiatric care. The facility offers several services including individualized treatment plans. Support for patients with special education needs to continue their education is provided and individuals are encouraged to collaborate with staff members in formulating their own plan. Medication, group counseling, and activities therapies might be included as well.
 
We have a great total compensation package, including:
 

• Iowa Public Employees' Retirement System (IPERS) (Employee contributes 6.29%/State of Iowa contributes 9.44%)
• Retirement Investors Club (RIC) (Employer Sponsored Retirement Plan) (State of Iowa matches up to $75/month)
• Health, Dental and Vision Insurance (See below for additional information)
• Vacation Leave (96 hours/year to begin, and increases with years of service)
• Sick Leave (144 hours/year)
• Paid Holidays (9 days/year)
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Life Insurance ($20,000 paid for by the State of Iowa)
• Long-Term Disability Insurance

 
For additional information on benefits click here.
 
Click here to see how we compare with other employers or offers by using our Total Compensation Calculator.
 
Cherokee Highlights
 
CMHI is located in Cherokee, a city of approximately 5,000 set in the beautiful Little Sioux River Valley in Northwest Iowa. Residents enjoy fishing and canoeing on the Little Sioux River that winds through town, providing a backdrop to a well-developed parks and trails system. In addition, Cherokee has over 1,000 acres of land devoted to parks and outdoor activities like camping, hiking, and horseback riding. Cherokee is the home of the first accredited museum and planetarium in Iowa, Sandford Museum and Planetarium, established in 1951. Cherokee may be the smallest town in the world to have its own symphony orchestra! This 60-member orchestra has been referred to as the “best kept secret in Northwest Iowa.”
 
Cherokee is home to Western Iowa Tech Community College and 1 hour or less from other educational institutions including Morningside College, Northwestern College, Buena Vista University, and Dordt College. This quintessential Iowa town is 1 hour from Sioux City and 2 hours from Omaha. Check out these 10 Reasons to Move to Iowa.
 
The State of Iowa is an EEO/AA Employer
 
HHS values those with “lived experience” and encourages adults who were fostered as youth, foster parents, and/or parents who were in the DHS system to apply. Minorities, women, persons with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply (Hearing and Speech Impaired – Relay Iowa 1-800-735-2942 TDD).  
 
Our agency uses E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify.