LVN II

Texas Health & Human Services Commission • Waco, TX

3d • $4,548 - $5,921 • Onsite

About The Position

The LVN II performs highly complex vocational nursing work at Waco Center for Youth, a psychiatric residential treatment facility serving adolescents ages 13 through 17 with emotional difficulties and/or behavioral problems. The position provides care, treatment, and general welfare support to individuals with complex mental health, behavioral, and medical diagnoses. The LVN performs routine and non-routine nursing tasks, collects laboratory specimens, conducts health screenings, carries out technical nursing procedures, and helps instruct and train nursing and direct-care staff. The LVN works under the general supervision of a Registered Nurse, with moderate latitude to use initiative and independent judgment, and assists RNs with protocols and programs intended to improve health and safety.

The role includes administering medications and treatments, monitoring individuals’ health and vital signs, maintaining accurate medical records, communicating observations to the care team, responding to emergencies, and supporting infection control and quality assurance. The position is full-time and not eligible for telework. Work may involve day, evening, night, weekend, rotating, extended, or overtime shifts; additional pay may be available for evening, night, and weekend work. Travel may be up to 15%.

Requirements

• Graduation from a licensed vocational nursing program.
• At least six months of employment experience as an LVN.
• Current licensure to practice as an LVN 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.
• Valid Texas driver’s license, or obtain one within 90 days of hire, with an eligible driving record; must be able to drive state vehicles and golf carts.
• 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 individuals or staff in emergencies.
• Reasoning skills to identify problems and consider appropriate resolutions.
• Computer and applicable software skills, and ability to use an electronic health record system after training.
• Skill in patient care and treatment.
• Ability to provide care to a wide range of individuals with complex medical, mental health, and/or behavioral health issues.
• Ability to prepare and maintain records.
• Ability to communicate effectively and instruct others.
• Ability to interact appropriately with individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities, their families, and staff.
• Must pass required fingerprint criminal background, pre-employment drug, registry, and other applicable pre-employment checks.
• Must be at least 21 years of age to work at Waco Center for Youth.
• Must comply with HHSC immunization policy and State Hospital immunization procedures.

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 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 other medical professionals with examinations and patient care.
• Perform complex and technical 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 following medications, treatments, and procedures.
• Document treatments and observations accurately and promptly in electronic or paper medical records; recognize symptoms of illness and report them to the RN or Primary Care Provider.
• Communicate relevant information orally and in writing to RNs and other treatment team members to support care decisions.
• Instruct Psychiatric Nursing Assistants and other staff in providing care and monitoring individuals following procedures or treatments.
• Mentor new LVNs and assist the RN Supervisor with on-the-job nursing instruction and training.
• Assist RNs with protocols, procedures, and programs that improve the health and safety of staff and individuals.
• Implement infection-control measures, contribute to quality assurance programs and therapeutic nursing programs, and 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, including extended shifts and overtime when required.
• Participate in disaster response, recovery, or Continuity of Operations activities, which may require a different shift or work location.
• Perform other duties assigned to support efficient operation of the patient care unit.

Benefits

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

What This Job Offers

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