Licensed Vocational Nurse II

Texas Health & Human Services Commission • Rusk, TX

2d • $4,548 - $5,921 • Onsite

About The Position

The Licensed Vocational Nurse II performs highly complex vocational nursing work at Rusk State Hospital, providing care, treatment, and general welfare support to individuals with complex mental health, behavioral, and medical diagnoses. The nurse performs routine and non-routine nursing tasks, technical procedures, health screenings, and specimen collection, and monitors individuals’ health and responses to medications and treatments. The role works under the general supervision of a Registered Nurse, with moderate latitude to use initiative and independent judgment.

The nurse provides direction, instruction, and on-the-job training to psychiatric nursing assistants, direct-care staff, and newly hired LVNs; collaborates with RNs and other members of the treatment team; and assists with protocols, safety and infection-control measures, quality assurance, and therapeutic nursing programs. The role maintains accurate medical records, educates individuals about procedures and medications in accordance with their recovery plans, and ensures necessary supplies are available. The position is full-time, not eligible for telework, and assigned to a regular night shift, with additional evening and day shifts listed. Work hours may be flexible, rotating, extended, or overtime as needed. The position may involve travel up to 5% and work at alternate shifts or locations during disaster response or continuity-of-operations activation.

Requirements

• Graduation from an accredited LVN program.
• At least six months of employment experience as an LVN.
• Licensed to practice as a vocational nurse in Texas or in a state that recognizes reciprocity through the Nurse Licensure Compact.
• Maintain current CPR certification.
• 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 and instruct others.
• Ability to interact appropriately with individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities, their family members, and staff.
• Skill in patient care and treatment, computer operation and applicable software, and reasoning to identify problems and consider appropriate resolutions.
• Ability to safely perform CPR and TIPS, requiring strength and flexibility.
• If transporting patients, possess a valid Texas driver license or obtain one within 90 days of hire to drive a state vehicle; applicants with an out-of-state license 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 to be considered for employment at a state-operated facility.
• Comply with HHSC immunization policy and state hospital operating procedures related to immunizations.
• Work flexible hours as required and be available for overtime or extended hours when required.

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 support to 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 and technical nursing procedures, including wound care and breathing treatments, in accordance with facility and state regulations.
• Collect specimens for laboratory examination and perform requested screening tests.
• Monitor individuals’ weight, diet, meals, vital signs, and health status after medications, treatments, and procedures.
• Recognize symptoms of illness and accurately report them to the RN or Primary Care Provider.
• Document and report treatments and observations in the individual’s electronic health record or paper chart in accordance with hospital procedures.
• Communicate relevant information orally and in writing to RNs and other treatment-team members.
• Instruct psychiatric nursing assistants and other staff in care and monitoring that supports individuals’ needs.
• Train and mentor newly hired LVNs, including helping them understand individuals’ needs and preferences.
• Assist RNs with implementing protocols, procedures, and programs that improve staff and individual health and safety.
• Assist the Infection Control Nurse with measures to prevent the spread of disease and help implement quality assurance and therapeutic nursing programs.
• Collect data for the RN or Primary Care Provider.
• Educate individuals about procedures and treatments, including the purpose of medications, 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.
• Attend work regularly and perform other assigned duties, including supporting disaster response, recovery, or Continuity of Operations activation when required.

Benefits

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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree