Licensed Vocational Nurse II

Texas Health & Human Services Commission • CARLSBAD, TX

2d • $4,548 - $5,921 • Onsite

About The Position

The Licensed Vocational Nurse II performs highly complex vocational nursing work for individuals residing at a State Supported Living Center who may have complex medical, mental health, or behavioral health needs. The position provides care, treatment, and support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including those who are medically fragile or have behavioral challenges. The LVN performs routine and non-routine nursing tasks, follows facility and state requirements, and works under the general supervision of an RN with moderate latitude to use initiative and independent judgment. The role may involve work across homes or other facility locations, on different shifts, and in a clinic or laboratory. It may also involve on-call service, overtime, extended hours, and alternate assignments during emergency or continuity-of-operations events.

The LVN administers medications and treatments, performs technical procedures, monitors individuals’ health, collects specimens, documents care, and communicates observations to the treatment team. The nurse also instructs direct support professionals and other staff, mentors and helps train newly hired LVNs, supports RNs with health and safety programs, and responds to emergencies. The position is based at the San Angelo State Supported Living Center in Carlsbad, Texas, and is not eligible for telework. Travel may be up to 5%.

Requirements

• Graduation from a licensed vocational nurse (LVN) program.
• Current license to practice as a vocational nurse in Texas or in a state that recognizes reciprocity through the Nurse Licensure Compact, or a temporary permit to perform supervised nursing duties while awaiting licensure.
• Knowledge of nursing care standards, nursing procedures and techniques, and principles and processes for providing appropriate patient care.
• Knowledge of emergency procedures and equipment, including CPR, and ability to assess and care for residents or staff in emergency situations.
• Reasoning skills to identify problems and consider appropriate resolutions.
• Ability to operate computers and applicable software, and to use an electronic health record system after training.
• Skill in the care and treatment of patients and ability to provide care to people with complex medical, mental health, 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 family members, and staff.
• Maintain current CPR certification and have the strength and flexibility to safely perform CPR.
• Pass required fingerprint criminal background, pre-employment drug screening, and registry checks.
• Be at least 18 years old to be considered for employment at a state-operated facility.
• Males ages 18–25 must be registered with the Selective Service.
• Be willing to work weekends and holidays; flexibility in work hours, overtime, and extended hours may be required.
• Employees are subject to random drug testing.

Nice To Haves

• Prior employment experience as an LVN.
• Experience working or volunteering directly with people with intellectual or other developmental disabilities.
• Experience using an electronic health record system.

Responsibilities

• Attend work regularly and follow assigned or rotating shift schedules; work extended shifts, overtime, or on-call rotations as operational needs require.
• Administer medications and treatments orally, rectally, internally, or by injection, and assist RNs, physicians, advanced practice registered nurses, and physician assistants with examinations and care.
• Perform technical nursing tasks and procedures in accordance with HHSC, facility, and state regulations, including tracheostomy care, gastrostomy/jejunostomy care, wound care, and breathing treatments.
• Make rounds or home visits as needed and work at other State Supported Living Center locations as required.
• Collect specimens for laboratory examination and perform requested screening tests.
• Monitor individuals’ weight, diet, feedings, vital signs, and health status following treatments and procedures; recognize symptoms of illness and report them to an RN or primary care provider.
• Instruct direct support professionals and other staff on individual care needs and post-treatment monitoring; train and acclimate newly hired LVNs to nursing functions, individuals, and their needs and preferences.
• Document treatments and observations accurately and promptly in electronic health records or paper charts, in accordance with facility procedures and protocols.
• Communicate relevant information orally and in writing with interdisciplinary team members, including RN case managers, to support treatment decisions.
• Mentor new LVNs and assist the RN Supervisor with on-the-job nursing instruction and training.
• Assist RNs with protocols, procedures, and programs intended to improve the health and safety of individuals and staff; support infection control, quality assurance, and therapeutic nursing programs, and collect data for the RN or primary care provider.
• Explain procedures and treatments to individuals in accordance with their care plans, including medication names and purposes.
• Position individuals correctly for treatments and, when needed, assist or instruct staff in turning or repositioning them.
• Maintain inventory, ensure supplies are available and the home or unit is properly stocked, and order supplies through appropriate channels.
• Respond to emergencies and follow facility safety and infection-control procedures.
• Perform other assigned duties, including clinic or laboratory work, patient scheduling, accompanying individuals off-site when nursing attendance is needed, and providing treatment to HHS employees injured in the course and scope of employment.
• Participate in agency disaster response or recovery and Continuity of Operations activities when assigned, potentially working an alternate shift or location.

Benefits

• 100% paid employee health insurance for eligible full-time employees.
• Defined benefit pension plan.
• Generous time-off benefits.
• Career advancement opportunities.
• Free continuing education units (CEUs) and updated resources through Lippincott access for nurses.
• Additional pay may be available for work performed on evenings, nights, weekends, and maximum security locations.

What This Job Offers

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