Licensed Vocational Nurse II
About The Position
The Licensed Vocational Nurse II performs highly complex vocational nursing work at Kerrville State Hospital, providing care, treatment, and general welfare for individuals with complex mental health, behavioral, and medical diagnoses. The position performs routine and non-routine nursing tasks, technical procedures, health screenings, and specimen collection, and works under the general supervision of a Registered Nurse with moderate latitude for initiative and independent judgment. The LVN administers medications and treatments, monitors individuals’ health and vital signs, documents and reports observations, and communicates with interdisciplinary team members. The role also instructs and mentors psychiatric nursing assistants, new LVNs, and other direct-care staff; assists RNs with protocols, training, infection control, quality assurance, and therapeutic nursing programs; and provides information and education to individuals about procedures and treatments. The position may require work across hospital locations, rotating or alternate shifts, overtime, extended hours, and participation in disaster response or continuity-of-operations activities. It is not eligible for telework. Additional pay may be available for evening, night, weekend, or maximum-security work.
Requirements
- Graduation from an accredited LVN program.
- At least six months of employment experience as an LVN.
- Current licensure as a vocational nurse in Texas or 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 principles of patient care.
- Knowledge of emergency procedures and equipment, including CPR, and ability to assess and care for individuals or staff during emergencies.
- Skill in operating computers and applicable software, and ability to use an electronic health record system after training.
- Skill in patient care and treatment; ability to care for individuals with complex medical, mental health, and behavioral health issues.
- Ability to prepare and maintain records, communicate effectively, instruct others, and interact appropriately with individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities, their families, 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 of age for employment at a state-operated facility.
- Comply with HHSC immunization policy and state hospital immunization procedures.
- Flexibility in work hours may be required, including overtime and extended hours.
Nice To Haves
- Twelve months of employment experience as an LVN is preferred.
- Six months of experience working or volunteering directly with persons with mental illness is preferred.
Responsibilities
- Provide care, treatment, and general welfare for individuals with complex mental health, behavioral, and medical diagnoses.
- Perform routine and non-routine nursing tasks and technical procedures, including wound care and breathing treatments, in accordance with facility and state regulations.
- Administer medications and treatments orally, rectally, internally, or by injection, and assist medical staff with examinations and patient care.
- Collect laboratory specimens and conduct appropriate screening tests when requested.
- Monitor individuals’ weight, diet, meals, vital signs, and health status after medications, treatments, and procedures.
- Document and report treatments and observations accurately and promptly in electronic health records or paper charts; recognize and report symptoms of illness to an RN or Primary Care Provider.
- Communicate relevant information to interdisciplinary team members to support treatment decisions.
- Train and instruct new LVNs and psychiatric nursing assistants, and serve as a resource or mentor for new LVNs and direct-care staff.
- Assist RNs with protocols, procedures, programs, on-the-job training, quality assurance, therapeutic nursing programs, and staff and individual health and safety initiatives.
- Assist the Infection Control Nurse in implementing measures to prevent the spread of disease.
- Provide individuals with information and education about procedures and treatments in accordance with their recovery plans.
- Ensure required 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.
- Work in other hospital locations as needed and participate in disaster response, recovery, or Continuity of Operations activities when assigned.
- 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
- Possible additional pay for work on evenings, nights, weekends, or maximum-security locations
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
