Licensed Vocational Nurse II

Texas Health & Human Services Commission • Austin, TX

4d • $4,548 - $5,921 • Onsite

About The Position

The Licensed Vocational Nurse II performs highly complex vocational nursing work at the Austin State Supported Living Center, providing care, treatment, and general welfare support to residents with complex medical, mental health, and/or behavioral health issues. The role performs routine and non-routine nursing tasks to promote residents’ health, collects laboratory specimens, conducts screenings, and performs technical nursing procedures in accordance with facility and state regulations. The nurse instructs direct support professionals and other staff on care that supports residents’ medical needs, and helps train new LVNs and direct care staff.

The position assists Registered Nurses with implementing protocols, procedures, and programs to improve the health and safety of residents and staff. It works under the general supervision of an RN, with moderate latitude for initiative and independent judgment. Work is scheduled for evenings, with possible rotating schedules, extended shifts, overtime, on-call coverage, and work in other facility locations as operational needs require. The position is not eligible for telework and may require travel up to 5%.

Requirements

• Graduation from a licensed vocational nurse (LVN) program.
• Current CPR certification must be maintained.
• Must be licensed to practice as an LVN in Texas or in a state that recognizes reciprocity through the Nurse Licensure Compact, or hold a temporary permit to perform supervised nursing duties while awaiting licensure.
• 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.
• Reasoning skills to identify problems and consider appropriate resolutions.
• Computer and applicable software skills.
• Skills in patient care and treatment.
• Ability to care for 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.
• Strength and flexibility to safely perform CPR.
• Must pass fingerprint-based criminal background checks, a pre-employment drug screen, and required registry checks.
• Must be at least 18 years old to be considered for employment at a state-operated facility.
• Must be willing to work weekends and holidays; flexibility in work hours, overtime, and/or extended hours may be required.
• Males ages 18–25 must be registered with the Selective Service.

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

• 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.
• Make rounds or home visits as needed and work in other locations at the state supported living center when required.
• Perform complex nursing procedures, including tracheostomy care, gastrostomy/jejunostomy care, wound care, and breathing treatments.
• Collect laboratory specimens and conduct screening tests requested by laboratory personnel.
• Monitor residents’ weight, diet, feedings, vital signs, and health status after treatments and procedures.
• Instruct direct support professionals on post-treatment monitoring and other care procedures.
• Document and report treatments and observations accurately and promptly in electronic or paper medical records.
• Recognize symptoms of illness and report them to the RN and/or Primary Care Provider.
• Communicate pertinent information with interdisciplinary team members to support treatment decisions.
• Mentor new LVNs and assist the RN Supervisor with on-the-job nursing instruction and training.
• Assist RNs with protocols and programs to improve the health and safety of residents and staff.
• Implement infection-control measures and assist with quality assurance and therapeutic nursing programs.
• Collect data for the RN or Primary Care Provider.
• Provide residents with information and education about procedures and treatments in accordance with their care plans.
• Position residents correctly before treatments and assist or instruct staff in turning or repositioning residents when needed.
• Maintain inventory and ensure supplies are available and units or homes are properly stocked; order supplies through appropriate channels.
• Respond to emergencies and follow facility safety and infection-control procedures.
• Work in the clinic or laboratory, assist with patient scheduling, or accompany residents to off-site activities or appointments requiring nursing attendance.
• Provide treatment to HHS employees injured in the course and scope of employment.
• Participate in disaster response, recovery, or Continuity of Operations activities, potentially at an alternate location or on an alternate shift.
• 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.
• Free continuing education units (CEUs) and updated resources through Lippincott access for nurses.
• The position may be eligible for additional pay for work performed on evenings, nights, weekends, or maximum-security locations.

What This Job Offers

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