PSYCHIATRIC LICENSED VOCATIONAL NURSE - HOC BPSR

Neighborhood House Association•San Diego, CA

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Neighborhood House Association (NHA) is a non-profit organization. This position is funded in whole or in part by State and Federal Government funds, and ongoing employment is contingent upon the continued receipt of these funds. The Psychiatric Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) provides professional nursing care to mentally ill and emotionally disturbed clients on an outpatient basis, under the general direction of the Registered Nurse Manager.

Requirements

High school diploma/GED required.
At least two years of full-time psychiatric vocational nursing experience in a psychiatric facility; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
Valid Licensed Vocational Nurse license issued by the state of California.
Current CPR certification.
Proof of clear TB test.
Knowledge of professional nursing principles, procedures and techniques used in the care and treatment of psychiatric patients.
Knowledge of social, psychological and physical factors of mental and emotional disorders.
Knowledge of medical and psychological terminology.
Knowledge of control, preparation and administration of medications.
Knowledge of State of California laws and regulations for the nursing profession.
Knowledge of regulations pertaining to psychiatric nursing and the treatment of the mentally and emotionally disturbed patient.
Knowledge of theories, principles and techniques of group and individual psychotherapy.
Knowledge of organization and procedures of mental health treatment facilities and the use of multi-disciplinary treatment teams.
Knowledge of symptoms and behavior patterns of emotionally disturbed and mentally ill patients.
Knowledge of medical and psychiatric emergency procedures.
Knowledge of community resources.
Ability to apply professional nursing care principles and procedures in the evaluation and treatment of psychiatric patients.
Ability to develop interpersonal therapeutic relationships with psychiatric patients.
Ability to keep accurate written charts and records of patient activities and progress.
Ability to comply with laws, rules, regulations, protocols and procedures, including security requirements, applicable to psychiatric facilities.
Ability to use professional judgment to ascertain and to apply appropriate intervention techniques with patients in crisis.
Ability to work cooperatively with medical and mental health professionals in a multi-disciplinary treatment setting.
Ability to assist in formal and informal individual and group counseling.
Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing, with patients, their families and fellow staff members.
Ability to participate with in-service training and education.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual preferred.
Bilingual candidates will be required to pass a bilingual competency test prior to their hire date.
On occasion may require transportation of clients in personal vehicle.

Responsibilities

Provides professional nursing care to mentally ill outpatients.
Performs intake psychiatric interview and assessment.
Consults with psychiatrists and other mental health staff in designing appropriate treatment plans for clients and in ongoing treatment of patients.
Initiates and continues treatment plans.
Ensures that all lab tests are completed.
Administers, monitors the use of and notes reactions to psychotropic drugs and other medications.
Assesses clients in crisis situations and facilitates prompt resolution including administering medication, counseling, etc.
With physician authorization, orders medications and refills as appropriate.
Informs and/or instructs patients and/or family members about the nature of the illness, any preventive measures, the medications prescribed and possible side effects, etc.
Assists the patient to understand and accept the need for treatment.
Collaborates with other nurses and program team members, family members, and, in some cases, hospitals, board and care facilities, pharmacists, conservators, etc.
Attends, participates in and provides information about assigned patients in daily meetings of nurses, weekly staff conferences and other case consultations.
Requests assistance and guidance from management and professional staff when necessary to address patient issues and problems.
Works with family members, conservators, etc. to ensure medication compliance by providing information and instruction.
Communicates and/or follows-up with pharmacists and hospitals.
Performs various administrative functions involved in patient care.
Updates appropriate components of client charts.
Completes admittance and other necessary paperwork.
Enters necessary data and information; obtains and reviews medical records.
Other duties assigned by the GM and Program Director.

Benefits

15 Holidays Days
401(K) Retirement 6% Match
Paid Vacation and Sick Leave
Tuition Reimbursement up $2,500
2 Personal Days
Group Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
Agency-Paid Life Insurance and Long-Term Disability Insurance
Live Well Program
4 Paid Days Annual Bereavement (Note Total of 5 days of bereavement leave per loss)
Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSAs)
Voluntary Benefits: Life and AD&D Accident, Short-Term Disability, and Critical Illness Insurance
Free Employee Assistance Program (EAP)