Licensed Vocational Nurse II

Texas Health & Human Services Commission • Big Spring, TX

13d • $4,548 - $5,921 • Onsite

About The Position

The Licensed Vocational Nurse II performs highly complex vocational nursing work at Big Spring State Hospital, providing care, treatment, and support for individuals with complex mental health, behavioral, and medical diagnoses. The role performs routine and non-routine nursing tasks, technical procedures, specimen collection, health screenings, medication administration, and treatments. The nurse monitors individuals’ health and documents and reports observations, while supporting safe, recovery-oriented care and following facility, state, and agency policies.

The position works under the general supervision of a Registered Nurse, with moderate latitude to use initiative and independent judgment. It includes instructing and mentoring nursing assistants and newly hired LVNs, assisting RNs with protocols and quality and safety initiatives, and collaborating with interdisciplinary care teams. The position may involve emergency response, disaster response or continuity-of-operations duties, work at other hospital locations, alternate shifts, overtime, and extended hours. It is not eligible for telework and may be eligible for additional pay for evening, night, and weekend work.

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.
• Strength and flexibility to safely perform CPR and TIPS.
• Knowledge of nursing care standards, procedures, techniques, and principles of appropriate patient care.
• Knowledge of emergency procedures and equipment, including CPR, and ability to assess and care for residents or staff in emergencies.
• 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, instruct others, and appropriately interact with individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities, their family members, and staff.
• Skill in operating computers and applicable software, and in the care and treatment of patients.
• If transporting patients, possess a valid Texas driver license or obtain one within 90 days after hire; 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.
• Comply with HHSC immunization policy and state hospital immunization-related operating procedures.
• Be at least 18 years of age for employment at a state-operated facility.
• Flexibility in work hours may be required; overtime and extended hours may be required.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

• Provide care, treatment, and for the general welfare of hospital residents 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 with examinations and patient care.
• Perform complex nursing procedures, including wound care and breathing treatments, in accordance with facility and state regulations.
• Collect laboratory specimens and conduct 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, and report symptoms or pertinent information to the RN or Primary Care Provider.
• Communicate and collaborate with interdisciplinary team members to support treatment decisions and continuity of care.
• Instruct psychiatric nursing assistants and other staff in monitoring individuals after treatments and procedures; train and mentor new LVNs and direct-care staff.
• Assist RNs with implementing protocols, procedures, and programs to improve health and safety; support infection control, 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, maintain unit inventory, and order supplies through appropriate channels.
• Respond to emergencies and follow hospital safety and infection-control procedures.
• Attend work regularly and comply with assigned or rotating schedules, extended shifts, overtime, and other duties as assigned.
• Participate in disaster response, recovery, or Continuity of Operations activities when required, potentially at an alternate location or on an alternate shift.

Benefits

• 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees.
• Defined benefit pension plan.
• Generous time off benefits.
• Opportunities for career advancement.
• Additional pay may be available 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