Licensed Vocational Nurse III

Texas Health & Human Services Commission•San Antonio, TX

20d•$4,867 - $6,336•Onsite

About The Position

The Licensed Vocational Nurse III performs advanced vocational nursing work for individuals at San Antonio State Hospital who have complex medical, mental health, and/or behavioral health needs. The role provides routine and specialized nursing care, administers medications and treatments, collects specimens, conducts screenings, monitors individuals’ health, and documents care. The nurse works under the limited supervision of a Registered Nurse, with considerable latitude to use initiative and independent judgment. The position also provides direction, training, and oversight to LVNs and direct care staff; collaborates with RNs and other healthcare team members; and assists with protocols, safety, infection control, and quality improvement activities. It is a day-shift position, scheduled 7:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m., with assignment to a unit based on hospital needs. The role is not eligible for telework and may require schedule flexibility, overtime, extended hours, or alternate shift/location assignments during disaster response or continuity-of-operations activation.

Requirements

Graduation from an accredited LVN program.
At least 12 months of employment experience as an LVN.
Current licensure to practice as a vocational nurse 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.
Knowledge of nursing care standards, procedures, techniques, and principles of appropriate patient care.
Knowledge of emergency procedures and equipment, including CPR and TIPS, and ability to assess and care for patients and/or staff in emergencies.
Knowledge of applicable state and federal laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures related to state hospitals and intermediate care facilities for individuals with mental health issues, or the ability to acquire that knowledge quickly.
Reasoning skills to identify problems and consider appropriate resolutions.
Computer and applicable software skills, including ability to use an electronic health record system.
Ability to organize, coordinate, and evaluate nursing activities and health-service delivery; interpret policies, procedures, and healthcare regulations; recognize patterns of medical necessity; and plan, assign, or oversee others’ work.
Ability to interpret regulations and communicate them effectively orally and in writing.
Ability to care for a wide variety of individuals with complex medical, mental health, and/or behavioral health issues.
Ability to prepare and maintain records, communicate effectively, and instruct others.
Pass required fingerprint criminal background, pre-employment drug, and registry checks.
Be at least 18 years old for employment at a state-operated facility.
Comply with HHSC immunization policy and state hospital immunization-related operating procedures.

Nice To Haves

At least 18 months of employment experience as an LVN.
Six months of experience working or volunteering directly with people with mental illness.
Six months of experience training, teaching, or leading others.

Responsibilities

Provide advanced routine and non-routine nursing care to individuals with complex medical, mental health, and behavioral health needs.
Administer medications and treatments, perform rounds, and carry out complex technical procedures, including tracheostomy, gastrostomy/jejunostomy, wound care, and breathing treatments.
Collect laboratory specimens and conduct requested screening tests.
Monitor individuals’ weight, diet, mealtimes, vital signs, health status, and signs and symptoms of illness before and after treatments or procedures.
Document treatments and observations accurately and promptly in electronic or paper medical records, and report symptoms and pertinent information to the RN and/or Primary Care Provider.
Collect data for RNs and Primary Care Providers and communicate relevant information to members of the interdisciplinary healthcare team.
Instruct direct support professionals and other staff in providing care and monitoring individuals after treatments or procedures.
Train new LVNs, support their orientation and on-the-job learning, observe their work, provide feedback, and serve as a continued resource.
Monitor, oversee, and assign work to LVNs as needed, and provide feedback to supervisors.
Evaluate nursing intervention outcomes and provide input to healthcare team members.
Assist RNs with protocols, procedures, and programs intended to improve the health and safety of staff and individuals.
Assist with infection control, quality assurance, therapeutic nursing programs, and facility quality assurance/quality improvement initiatives; participate in committees as requested.
Respond to emergencies, support individual safety, and use de-escalation procedures as appropriate.
Follow facility safety, infection-control, agency, state hospital, and unit policies and procedures.
Provide educational and safety training to hospital staff when requested.
Participate in disaster response, recovery, or Continuity of Operations activities as assigned; such duties may involve a different shift pattern or location.
Perform other duties as assigned.