Licensed Vocational Nurse II

Texas Health & Human Services Commission • Austin, TX

2d • $4,548 - $5,921 • Onsite

About The Position

The Licensed Vocational Nurse II performs highly complex vocational nursing work at Austin State Hospital, providing care, treatment, and general welfare for individuals with complex mental health, behavioral, and medical diagnoses. The role performs routine and non-routine nursing tasks, collects laboratory specimens, conducts health screenings, and carries out technical nursing procedures under facility and state regulations. The position works under an RN’s general supervision, with moderate latitude to use initiative and independent judgment.

The nurse administers medications and treatments, monitors individuals’ health and vital signs, documents care in medical records, communicates with the treatment team, and responds to emergencies. The role also instructs psychiatric nursing assistants and other staff, mentors and trains newly hired LVNs, and supports RNs with health and safety programs, infection control, quality assurance, and therapeutic nursing programs. The position requires compliance with hospital policies, safety procedures, infection control practices, and applicable immunization requirements. Work is full-time and not eligible for telework. The schedule may include days or evenings, and flexibility, rotating or extended shifts, overtime, and alternate assignments may be required. Travel is up to 5%.

Requirements

• Graduate from an accredited LVN program.
• At least six months of employment experience as an LVN.
• Current license to practice as a vocational nurse in Texas or in a state that recognizes reciprocity through the Nurse Licensure Compact.
• Maintain current CPR certification.
• Ability to safely perform CPR and TIPS, including the required strength and flexibility.
• Knowledge of nursing care standards, procedures, techniques, and principles of patient care.
• Knowledge of emergency procedures and emergency equipment, including CPR, and ability to assess and care for individuals or staff in emergencies.
• Skill in patient care and treatment, computer operation, and applicable computer software.
• Ability to provide care to individuals with complex medical, mental health, and/or behavioral health issues.
• Ability to prepare and maintain records and use an electronic health record system after training.
• Ability to communicate effectively and instruct others.
• Ability to interact appropriately with individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities, their family members, and staff.
• 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 required fingerprint criminal background, pre-employment drug, and registry checks.
• Be at least 18 years old for employment at a state-operated facility.
• Comply with HHSC immunization policy and state hospital immunization-related operating procedures.
• Be registered with Selective Service if male and between ages 18 and 25.
• Meet work-schedule needs, which may include flexibility, overtime, extended hours, rotating schedules, and alternate shift assignments.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

• Provide nursing care, treatment, and support for individuals with complex mental health, behavioral, and medical diagnoses.
• Administer medications and treatments orally, rectally, internally, or by injection.
• Assist RNs, physicians, advanced practice registered nurses, and physician assistants in examining and caring for patients.
• Perform complex nursing procedures, including wound care and breathing treatments, in accordance with facility and state regulations.
• Collect specimens for laboratory examination and conduct requested screening tests.
• Monitor individuals’ weight, diet, meals, vital signs, and health status after medications, treatments, and procedures.
• Document treatments and observations accurately and promptly in electronic or paper medical records, and report symptoms and pertinent information to RNs or primary care providers.
• Communicate and collaborate with members of the interdisciplinary treatment team.
• Instruct psychiatric nursing assistants and other staff on care and monitoring procedures.
• Train, mentor, and assist newly hired LVNs and direct-care staff, including on-the-job instruction and orientation to individuals’ needs and preferences.
• Assist RNs with implementing protocols, procedures, and programs that improve the health and safety of individuals and staff.
• Support infection-control measures, quality-assurance programs, 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, maintain unit stock, and order supplies through appropriate channels.
• Respond to emergencies and follow hospital safety and infection-control procedures.
• Participate in agency disaster response, recovery, or Continuity of Operations activities when required, potentially at an alternate location or on an alternate shift.
• Attend work regularly and perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees.
• Defined benefit pension plan.
• Generous time off benefits.
• Opportunities for career advancement.
• May be eligible for additional pay for work performed in the evenings, nights, and/or weekends.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed