Licensed Vocational Nurse I

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Join the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and be part of a team committed to creating a positive impact in the lives of fellow Texans. At HHSC, your contributions matter, and we support you at each stage of your life and work journey. Our comprehensive benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees, a defined benefit pension plan, generous time off benefits, numerous opportunities for career advancement and more. Explore more details on the Benefits of Working at HHS webpage. Would you thrive in an environment where you learn and grow personally and professionally all while helping make a positive impact on people’s lives? Do you appreciate being around others like yourself who are dependable, trustworthy, hard workers who believe in the value of teamwork? HSCS is dedicated to building an atmosphere where employees feel valued and supported while providing specialized care for Texans in need. HSCS is comprised of nine psychiatric hospitals, one youth residential treatment facility, and thirteen state supported living centers. The psychiatric hospitals are a hub of excellence for forensic mental health and complex psychiatric care, with all facilities accredited by The Joint Commission. They provide state-of-the-art treatment that is recovery-oriented and science-based. If providing hope and healing through compassionate, innovative, and individualized care interests you, we welcome your application for the position below. Performs routine vocational nursing work. Provides for the care, treatment, and general welfare of individuals residing at the SH who have complex medical, mental health and/or behavioral health issues. Performs basic and routine nursing tasks to promote the health of the individuals within the assigned areas and assigned shift. Instructs direct support professionals and other staff on how to provide service and care that support the individual’s medical needs. Performs technical nursing procedures according to facility and state regulations. Keeps informed of and follows all agency, SH, and unit policies and procedures. Assists other nursing staff in acclimating and orienting new LVNs to nursing functions at the SH. Works under the direction and moderate supervision of a Registered Nurse with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Performs other duties as assigned. 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. This position may also be eligible to earn additional pay for work performed on maximum security locations.

Requirements

Knowledge of nursing care standards, nursing procedures and techniques, and of the principles and processes used in providing appropriate patient care.
Knowledge of emergency procedures and emergency equipment, i.e., CPR, TIPS, and ability to assess and care for patient or staff members in emergency situations.
Skills in using reasoning to identify problems and in considering appropriate resolution of situations.
Skill in the operation of computers and applicable computer software.
Skill in the care and treatment of patients.
Ability to provide patient care to a wide variety of individuals with complex medical, mental health, and/or behavioral health issues.
Ability to prepare and maintain records and to use an electronic health record system once trained.
Ability to communicate effectively and to instruct others.
Must maintain current CPR certification.
Must have strength and flexibility to safely perform Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).
Licensed to practice as a licensed vocational nurse in the state of Texas or a state that recognizes reciprocity through the Nurse Licensure Compact.
Or
Issued a temporary permit to perform supervised nursing duties awaiting licensure.
If transporting patients, must possess a valid Texas driver license or obtain it no later than 90 days after hire date to drive a state vehicle. Applicants with an out-of-state driver license must provide an original certified driving record from the state of driving licensure. Eligible driving record required based on HHSC Fleet Management policy.
Graduation from an LVN program with Nursing Accreditation or Permit by Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) formally known as National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC).
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, List of Excluded Individuals/Entities (LEIE). 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.
Compliance with HHSC immunization policy and state hospital operating procedures related to immunizations is required.

Nice To Haves

Six months of experience working or volunteering directly with persons with mental illness preferred.

Responsibilities

Attends work on a regular basis and may be requested 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.
Administers medications and treatments orally, rectally, internally, or by injection.
Assists other medical staff, such as Registered Nurses (RNs), Physicians, Advanced Practice Registered Nurses, and Physician Assistants, in examining and caring for patients.
Makes rounds and/or home visits as needed and works in other locations at the SH as needed.
Demonstrates competency in performing technical nursing tasks and procedures in accordance with HHSC, SH, and state regulations.
Assists in acclimating and orienting new LVN staff to perform nursing functions at the SH, including introducing them to the individuals, and describing their needs and preferences.
Preforms basic and routine nursing tasks according to facility and state regulations.
Under the guidance, supervision, and/or direction of a registered nurse, builds the skills necessary to competently perform more technical nursing procedures necessary to meet the health needs of the patients at the SH.
These include but are not limited to tracheostomy care, gastrostomy/jejunostomy care, wound care, and breathing treatments.
Monitors individuals’ weight, diet, mealtimes, and vital signs.
Monitors individuals’ health status after treatments and procedures.
Instructs direct support professionals on how to monitor individuals after a treatment or procedure using instruction sheets such as that used for post-sedation monitoring of signs and symptoms.
Timely and accurately documents and reports pertinent treatments and observations in the individual’s medical record (electronic health record or paper chart) in accordance with SH procedures and protocols.
Fosters interdisciplinary collaboration and integration.
Communicates pertinent information orally and in writing to other team members, such as the RN Case Manager, in order to ensure the treatment team has the best information possible to make decisions.
Responds to emergency situations to ensure safety of individuals.
Follows safety and infection control procedures of the SH.
Collects specimens for laboratory examination and conducts appropriate screening tests when requested by lab personnel.
Provides information and education to individuals, in accordance with their care plan, when performing procedures and treatments such as explaining the name and purpose of a particular medication and explaining why the individuals is taking the medication.
Ensures the patient is positioned correctly prior to providing a treatment and, when necessary, assists and/or instructs other staff in turning/repositioning individuals to administer treatments.
Ensures that supplies are available, in advance, to provide the required procedure or treatment.
Takes inventory and ensures the home/unit is properly stocked.
Orders supplies through appropriate channels when they are needed.
Performs other duties as assigned. 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.

Benefits

comprehensive benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees, a defined benefit pension plan, generous time off benefits, numerous opportunities for career advancement and more

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