LVN-Behavioral Health

Loma Linda University Health•Loma Linda, CA

About The Position

The Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) is IV Therapy and Blood Withdrawal Certified in California and carries out responsibilities under the supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN). The LVN provides direct and indirect, age-specific and developmentally appropriate patient care as designated within the established multidisciplinary care plan and as ordered. Duties are performed within the LVN scope of practice and in accordance with Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital (LLUCH) and department policies, procedures, protocols, techniques, and guidelines in a fast-paced behavioral health unit. The LVN seeks clarification when necessary and partners with the RN to provide quality, whole-person, patient-centered care in accordance with the established professional practice model (Duffy's Quality-Caring Model). The LVN assists the RN in gathering data to develop and update individualized multidisciplinary patient care plans, reports observations about patient progress toward care-plan goals and expected outcomes, and immediately notifies the RN of abnormal findings or changes in patient condition. The role responds to triggers and risk factors that may escalate patient behavior and takes appropriate action to maintain safety. The LVN also works with the behavioral health care team to provide patient education and assist with discharge. The position requires professionalism, strong interpersonal skills, and contributions to a caring and cooperative environment for a culturally diverse workforce and patient population. Other duties may be assigned as needed.

Requirements

Graduate of a school of Vocational Nursing.
Minimum of one year of experience as an LVN.
Active California Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) license.
Basic Life Support (BLS) certification issued by the American Heart Association.
California Blood Withdrawal certification.
Knowledge of the California LVN scope of practice.
Demonstrated competencies in clinical nursing activities as outlined by the LVN board.
Knowledge of behavioral health illnesses and treatment.
Basic knowledge of healthcare regulations and accreditation.
Ability to read, write legibly, and speak English with professional quality.
Ability to use computers, printers, and software necessary for the position, including Microsoft Office, Outlook, an electronic event reporting program, and the organization's electronic medical record.
Ability to operate and troubleshoot equipment used for the position.
Ability to perform patient care activities using proper body mechanics and safety precautions.
Ability to comprehend and follow instructions; communicate positively, effectively, and professionally; follow policies consistently; remain calm and courteous under pressure; collaborate; accept direction; think critically; use good judgment; and problem-solve with licensed team members as necessary.
Ability to perform duties under RN supervision, perform basic math functions, manage multiple patient assignments, organize and prioritize workload, recall information accurately, and pay close attention to detail.
Ability to distinguish colors and smells as necessary for patient care; hear general conversation in person and by telephone and distinguish workplace and patient-care sounds; discern temperature variances through touch; and see well enough to read computer screens, medical records, and necessary written documents.
Ability to exhibit professional behavior at all times.

Nice To Haves

Behavioral health experience.
Spanish language skills.

Responsibilities

Provide direct and indirect, age-specific and developmentally appropriate patient care as designated in the multidisciplinary care plan and as ordered.
Perform duties within the LVN scope of practice and according to hospital and department policies, procedures, protocols, techniques, and guidelines.
Partner with the RN to provide whole-person, patient-centered care.
Assist the RN with gathering data for development and updating of individualized multidisciplinary patient care plans.
Report observations of patient progress toward care-plan goals and expected outcomes.
Immediately notify the RN of abnormal findings and changes in patient condition.
Respond to triggers and risk factors that may escalate patient behavior and take appropriate action to maintain patient safety.
Work with the behavioral health care team to provide patient education and assist with discharge.
Seek information and clarification about duties and responsibilities when necessary.
Contribute to a caring and cooperative work environment for a culturally diverse workforce and patient population.
Perform other duties as needed.