Licensed Vocational Nurse II

Texas Health & Human Services Commission•San Antonio, TX

1d•$4,548 - $5,921•Onsite

About The Position

The Licensed Vocational Nurse II performs highly complex vocational nursing work on the Maximum Security Unit at San Antonio State Hospital. The nurse provides care, treatment, and support for individuals with complex mental health, behavioral, and medical diagnoses, performing routine and non-routine nursing tasks during the assigned shift. The role works under the general supervision of a Registered Nurse, with moderate latitude to use initiative and independent judgment. The position is not eligible for telework and requires 12-hour shifts, either 7:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. or 7:00 p.m.–7:00 a.m.; the posting lists a regular night shift and also identifies first- and third-shift schedules. Travel may be up to 10%. Additional pay may be available for work performed in maximum security locations. The LVN administers medications and treatments, performs technical nursing procedures, collects specimens, conducts screenings, monitors individuals’ health, documents and reports observations, and helps ensure individuals’ safety. The nurse communicates and collaborates with the interdisciplinary treatment team, assists Registered Nurses with protocols and quality and safety programs, and instructs or mentors new LVNs and direct-care staff. The role also supports emergency response and may require alternate shift or location assignments during disaster response, recovery, or Continuity of Operations activation.

Requirements

Graduation from an accredited LVN program.
At least six months of employment experience as an LVN.
Current licensure to practice as a licensed vocational nurse in Texas or in a state that recognizes reciprocity through the Nurse Licensure Compact.
Maintain current CPR certification and have the strength and flexibility to safely perform CPR and TIPS.
Knowledge of nursing care standards, procedures, techniques, and the principles and processes of appropriate patient care.
Knowledge of emergency procedures and emergency equipment, including CPR, and ability to assess and care for residents or staff in emergency situations.
Ability to provide care to individuals with complex medical, mental health, and behavioral health issues.
Ability to prepare and maintain records and to use an electronic health record system after training.
Ability to communicate effectively, instruct others, and appropriately interact with individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities, their family members, and staff.
Skill in patient care and treatment, computer and applicable software operation, and reasoning to identify problems and consider appropriate resolutions.
If transporting patients, possess a valid Texas driver license or obtain one within 90 days after hire to drive a state vehicle; out-of-state license holders must provide an original certified driving record, and an eligible driving record is required under HHSC Fleet Management policy.
Pass applicable fingerprint criminal background, pre-employment drug-screen, and registry checks.
Be at least 18 years old for employment at a state-operated facility.
Comply with HHSC immunization policy and state hospital procedures related to immunizations.
Flexibility in work hours may be required, including overtime or extended hours.

Nice To Haves

Twelve months of employment experience as an LVN is preferred.
Six months of experience working or volunteering directly with people with mental illness is preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide care, treatment, and general welfare support to individuals with complex mental health, behavioral, and medical diagnoses.
Administer medications and treatments orally, rectally, internally, or by injection, and assist RNs, physicians, advanced practice registered nurses, and physician assistants with examinations and patient care.
Perform complex technical nursing procedures, including wound care and breathing treatments, according to facility and state regulations.
Collect laboratory specimens and conduct appropriate screening tests when requested by laboratory personnel.
Monitor individuals’ weight, diet, meals, vital signs, and health status after medication administration, treatments, and procedures.
Document treatments and observations accurately and promptly in electronic or paper medical records; recognize symptoms of illness and report them to an RN or primary care provider.
Communicate pertinent information to the interdisciplinary team and foster collaboration to support treatment decisions.
Instruct psychiatric nursing assistants and other staff on care and monitoring, and train, mentor, and help acclimate newly hired LVNs.
Assist RNs with protocols, procedures, programs, infection-control measures, quality assurance, and therapeutic nursing programs; collect data for the RN or primary care provider.
Provide individuals with information and education about procedures and treatments in accordance with their recovery plans.
Ensure supplies are available, take inventory, stock the unit, and order supplies through appropriate channels.
Respond to emergencies and follow hospital safety and infection-control procedures.
Attend work regularly and comply with assigned schedules, which may include rotating schedules, extended shifts, overtime, or alternate assignments.
Participate in or support disaster response, recovery, or Continuity of Operations activities as assigned.