Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN)

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS • Alice, TX

1d • $3,410 - $4,252 • Hybrid

About The Position

The LVN I will work under the direction and supervision of the nurse supervisor to provide comprehensive public health nursing services throughout region 11. Responsibilities include but are not limited to coordinating services to perform immunization and surveillance duties as assigned. Perform moderate and complex nursing tasks and public health work. Administer vaccines to infants, children and adults under the DSHS guidelines and nursing standards in compliance with policies and procedures. Responsible for ensuring proper storage, handling, and inventory of the vaccines. Collect data for surveillance investigations and submit reports for vaccine preventable diseases. Have knowledge of medications, vaccines, side effects, adverse reactions and techniques of administering medications. Complete documentation and data entry daily. Conduct in-services and orientations for TVFC providers, as needed. Provides comprehensive nursing care in coordination with TB, CHI, and STD programs. Maintain an acceptable driving record that meets the standards developed by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and safely operate either a state-owned vehicle or personal vehicle to conduct state business in accordance with DSHS Policy OS-3901, Fleet Operations and Management & Procedures, and Texas motor vehicle, traffic and driving licensing law. May be required to work other than normal business hours to respond to public health emergencies, disease outbreaks, health fairs, screenings, and meetings/trainings. Actively participate and/or serve in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Current Texas Vocational Nurse License, in good standing
• Licensure Current BLS/CPR Certification
• Must have a valid Class C Texas driver’s license or equivalent licenses from another state
• Completion of a License Vocational Nursing program from an accredited school required

Nice To Haves

• Bilingual English/Spanish speaking.
• Application indicates the willingness to travel
• One year of experience in vaccine management is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provides public health nursing services to clients with a range of simple to complex health needs in Region 11.
• Conduct and coordinate immunization clinics for under immunized infants, children, and adults in the undeserved communities.
• Works in a clinical setting and travels to administer vaccines according to DSHS guidelines, which may include home visits.
• Follows requirements for eligibility, vaccine administration, documentation, and confidentiality.
• Responsible for administration of vaccines and medications.
• Conducts appropriate screening tests.
• Collects specimens for laboratory examination and performs routine laboratory tests on samples.
• Completes reports and documentation in accordance with nursing practices.
• Documents appropriately in electronic health record.
• Travels to coordinate and participate in activities to inform, educate, and motivate the public in English and Spanish about the importance and safety of immunizations.
• Distributes and ensures patient understanding of the Vaccine Information Statement (VIS) which inform the parents and recipients about the risks and benefits of vaccines.
• Complies with vaccine management guidelines.
• Responsible for assuring the proper handling and storage of vaccine.
• Maintains accurate vaccine inventory and temperature logs for the refrigerator and freezer.
• May be activated after hours, including weekends and holidays, in response to temperature excursion notification Sensaphone System on refrigerator and/or freezer vaccine storage units.
• Transfers vaccines as needed, completes biological report, and maintains accurate documentation on VAOS, IMMTRAC2, CMIS, and PIOS.
• Updates information in the system to ensure that at least 95% of children under 6 years of age are in the registry.
• Promotes IMMTRAC2 among parents and providers.
• Assists to reconcile questionable matches in IMMTRAC2.
• Coordinates with TB, STD, and CHI programs to provide comprehensive care to the clients in the community.
• Assist with direct observation therapy when needed.
• Offers point of care STD testing to clients at risk.
• Collects and submits specimens for positive POC STD test to central lab.
• Provides community on child fatality prevention education and regular contributions to DSHS newsletter.
• Works with CHI to promote car seats, swim safety, bully prevention, suicide prevention, and healthy plate education.
• Applies epidemiological principles and methods to assess, prevent, and control disease.
• Investigates and documents suspected Vaccine Preventable Disease cases in the community in accordance with the DSHS Surveillance Manual.
• Travels to follow-up on reports of serious adverse events following immunizations.
• Assists with Perinatal Hepatitis B and VPD case investigations throughout Region 11.
• 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.

Benefits

• Insurance coverage and other benefits available through the State of Texas Group Benefits Plan administered by the Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree