Licensed Vocational Nurse I

Company: Texas Health & Human Services Commission
Location: Vernon
Posted on: June 10, 2021

Job Description:

Are you ready to be professionally challenged? Are you looking to be part of a dynamic team of engaged and committed professionals? Then the Health and Specialty Care System (HSCS) may be just the place for you! The HSCS is comprised of nine psychiatric hospitals located throughout the state, and one youth residential psychiatric center in Waco. The HSCS is a hub of excellence for forensic mental health and complex psychiatric care, with all facilities accredited by The Joint Commission. The hospitals provide state-of-the-art treatment that is recovery-oriented and science-based. Whether in a direct-care or support role, your contribution will make a difference in the life of a Texan.

The LVN I works from 7:00 pm to 7:00 am at the Multiple Disabilities Program (MDP).

The LVN I works under the direct supervision of a Registered Nurse to provide care and treatment, and to promote the general welfare of those served. Responsibilities include: acknowledging and verifying physician's orders, administering medications, assisting with sick call, providing and/or monitoring treatments, performing screening tests as ordered, collecting specimens for laboratory examination, and scheduling necessary appointments/consultations. The LVN I maintains accountability for controlled medications and for the security of assigned keys. He/she implements established patient/family education plans, provides individual and/or group teaching for patients with specific health maintenance goals, prepares nursing and medical summaries, and meets the documentation requirements as outlined in policy. The LVN I participates in the provision of appropriate psychiatric rehabilitation, models and supports a proactive, recovery oriented approach to treatment with a commitment to a social learning model of care. The LVN I attends change of shift report and communicates relevant information to support continuity of care. He/she is knowledgeable of individual Recovery Plans and actively seeks ways to assist patients to meet their goals as well as communicates vital information to the treatment team in relation to progress or lack thereof, i.e. medication and/or consent refusals. Serves as a preceptor/mentor for LVN students and new nurses. In the absence of the RN, may assume responsibility for patient care and management of the unit, within their scope of practice with RN support via telephone, and immediate on-site availability as needed.

He/she must understand that duties, location of work, and shift pattern are subject to change, as determined by administration, to meet the needs of the hospital.

Completion of work requires moderate supervision with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. The LVN I has no financial responsibility but is accountable for assigned property.

HIPAA Access: Health Care: PHI 1-B. This employee has full access to a limited set of records in accordance with HIPAA regulations.

Essential Job Functions:

1. Attends work on a regular basis and may be required to work a specific shift schedule or, at times, even a rotating schedule, extended shift and/or overtime in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.

2. Provides on-going care and treatment to promote the general welfare of those served. Responsibilities include: acknowledging and verifying physician's orders, ensuring a clean and orderly medication administration area, administering medications, assisting with sick call, providing and and/or monitoring treatments, performing screening tests as ordered, collecting specimens for laboratory examination, and scheduling necessary appointments/consultations.

3. Maintains accountability for controlled medications and for the security of assigned keys.

4. Provides individual and group education, for patients/families in relation to specific health maintenance goals and in relation to medication management.

5. Prepares nursing and medical summaries, and meets the documentation requirements as outlined in policy.

6. Attends change of shift report and communicates relevant information to support continuity of care.

7. Participates in the provision of appropriate psychiatric rehabilitation, models and supports a proactive, social learning and recovery oriented approach to treatment. Communicates vital information to the treatment team in relation to progress or lack thereof. Knowledgeable of individual recovery plans and actively seeks ways to assist patients to meet their goals.

8. Serves as a preceptor/mentor for LVN students and new nurses.

9. In the absence of the RN, may assume responsibility for patient care and management of the unit, within their scope of practice with RN support via telephone, and immediate on-site availability as needed.

10.Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency's obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.

Knowledge Skills Abilities:

Peer Review/Standards of Care

Medication Management:

a. Psychopharmacology

b. Medication Administration

c. Medication Errors

d. Transcription of Orders

e. Order Entry

f. Consents

g. MediMAR

h. Pyxis

Technical Skills:

a. Glucometer

b. Oxygen Administration

c. TB/Exposures

d. TST Screening

e. CPR

f. TIPS

g. Urine hCG

h. Ear Lavage

i. EKG

j. Anticoagulants

k. Wound Care

l. Restraint/Seclusion

m. Pat Down/Metal Detector

Computer Skills LAN

Group Process/Teaching

a. Medications

b. Disease Processes

c. Health Promotion

Psychiatric Rehabilitation

a. Therapeutic Communication Skills

b. Psychiatric Disorders

c. Milieu Management

d. Psychiatric Symptoms (Delusions, Hallucinations, Aggression, Suicidal)

e. Aggression Management

f. Enhanced Observations

Age Specific

a. Growth & Development

b. Child/ Adolescents

c. Geriatrics

(Aging, Aging and bone fractures, Nutritional considerations, Dementia management of the cognitively impaired)

Registration or Licensure Requirements:

Licensed to practice as a Licensed Vocational Nurse in the State of Texas; or is a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) in a party state that recognizes reciprocity through the Nurse Licensure Compact as described in Art. 4528b of the Nurse Practice Act. Initial Selection Criteria:

Must be licensed as a licensed vocational nurse by the State of Texas or a state that recognizes reciprocity through the Nurse Licensure Compact. Additional Information:

The License Vocational Nurse I (LVN I) will work a variable shift on the unit assigned.

Applicants must pass a fingerprint criminal background check, pre-employment drug screen, and registry checks including the Client Abuse/Neglect Reporting System (CANRS), Nurse Aid, Medication Aide and Employee Misconduct, and HHS OIG list of Excluded Individuals/Entities. Males between the ages of 18-25 must be registered with the Selective Service.

All applicants must be at least 18 years of age to be considered for employment at a state-operated facility.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, healthcare workers are considered to be at significant risk for acquiring or transmitting hepatitis B, measles, mumps, rubella, varicella (chicken pox), tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), and influenza. All of these diseases are vaccine-preventable. As a result, state hospital policy requires employees be vaccinated according to their level of contact with patients. In the event you choose to not be immunized for the influenza virus, you may be required to wear a mask and take other protective measures.

All new hire candidates will be required to receive COVID-19 medical screening (nasal test) as part of the due diligence process.

MOS Code:

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to: 68C, 290X, 46FX, 46NX, 46SX, 46YX. All active duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information see the Texas State Auditor's Military Crosswalk at http://www.hr.sao.state.tx.us/Compensation/JobDescriptions.aspx.

HHS agencies use E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.

I-9 Form - Click here to download the I-9 form.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.

Keywords: Texas Health & Human Services Commission, Wichita Falls , Licensed Vocational Nurse I, Other , Vernon, Texas