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Brief Job Description:

Would you thrive in an environment where you learn and grow personally and professionally all while helping make a positive impact on people’s lives? Do you appreciate being around others like yourself who are dependable, trustworthy, hard workers who believe in the value of each other, teamwork, and inclusivity? HSCS is dedicated to building a diverse community atmosphere where employees feel valued, supported, and accepted while providing specialized care for Texans in need. If providing hope and healing through compassionate, innovative, and individualized care interest you, we welcome your application for the position below.

Performs routine vocational nursing work. Provides for the care, treatment, and general welfare of individuals residing at the SH who have complex medical, mental health and/or behavioral health issues. Performs basic and routine nursing tasks to promote the health of the individuals within the assigned areas and assigned shift. Instructs direct support professionals and other staff on how to provide service and care that support the individual’s medical needs. Performs technical nursing procedures according to facility and state regulations. Keeps informed of and follows all agency, SH, and unit policies and procedures. Assists other nursing staff in acclimating and orienting new LVNs to nursing functions at the SH. Works under the direction and moderate supervision of a Registered Nurse with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Performs other duties as assigned. Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

Attends work on a regular basis and may be requested to work a specific shift schedule or, at times, even a rotating schedule, extended shift and/or overtime in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.

Administers medications and treatments orally, rectally, internally, or by injection. Assists other medical staff, such as Registered Nurses (RNs), Physicians, Advanced Practice Registered Nurses, and Physician Assistants, in examining and caring for patients. Makes rounds and/or home visits as needed and works in other locations at the SH as needed. Demonstrates competency in performing technical nursing tasks and procedures in accordance with HHSC, SH, and state regulations. Assists in acclimating and orienting new LVN staff to perform nursing functions at the SH, including introducing them to the individuals, and describing their needs and preferences.

Preforms basic and routine nursing tasks according to facility and state regulations. Under the guidance, supervision, and/or direction of a registered nurse, builds the skills necessary to competently perform more technical nursing procedures necessary to meet the health needs of the patients at the SH. These include but are not limited to tracheostomy care, gastrostomy/jejunostomy care, wound care, and breathing treatments.

Monitors individuals’ weight, diet, mealtimes, and vital signs. Monitors individuals’ health status after treatments and procedures. Instructs direct support professionals on how to monitor individuals after a treatment or procedure using instruction sheets such as that used for post-sedation monitoring of signs and symptoms.

Timely and accurately documents and reports pertinent treatments and observations in the individual’s medical record (electronic health record or paper chart) in accordance with SH procedures and protocols.

Fosters interdisciplinary collaboration and integration. Communicates pertinent information orally and in writing to other team members, such as the RN Case Manager, in order to ensure the treatment team has the best information possible to make decisions.

Responds to emergency situations to ensure safety of individuals. Follows safety and infection control procedures of the SH.

Collects specimens for laboratory examination and conducts appropriate screening tests when requested by lab personnel.

Provides information and education to individuals, in accordance with their care plan, when performing procedures and treatments such as explaining the name and purpose of a particular medication and explaining why the individuals is taking the medication.

Ensures the patient is positioned correctly prior to providing a treatment and, when necessary, assists and/or instructs other staff in turning/repositioning individuals to administer treatments.

Ensures that supplies are available, in advance, to provide the required procedure or treatment. Takes inventory and ensures the home/unit is properly stocked. Orders supplies through appropriate channels when they are needed.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of nursing care standards, nursing procedures and techniques, and of the principles and processes used in providing appropriate patient care.

Knowledge of emergency procedures and emergency equipment, i.e., CPR, TIPS, and ability to assess and care for patient or staff members in emergency situations.

Skills in using reasoning to identify problems and in considering appropriate resolution of situations.

Skill in the operation of computers and applicable computer software.

Skill in the care and treatment of patients.

Ability to provide patient care to a wide variety of individuals with complex medical, mental health, and/or behavioral health issues.

Ability to prepare and maintain records and to use an electronic health record system once trained.

Ability to communicate effectively and to instruct others.

Must maintain current CPR certification. Must have strength and flexibility to safely perform Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

Licensed to practice as a licensed vocational nurse in the state of Texas or a state that recognizes reciprocity through the Nurse Licensure Compact.

Issued a temporary permit to perform supervised nursing duties awaiting licensure.

Initial Screening Criteria:

Graduation from a LVN program.

Experience working or volunteering directly with persons with mental illness preferred.

Additional Information:

Applicants must pass a fingerprint criminal background check, pre-employment drug screen, and registry checks including the Client Abuse/Neglect Reporting System (CANRS), Nurse Aid, Medication Aide and Employee Misconduct, List of Excluded Individuals/Entities (LEIE). Males between the ages of 18-25 must be registered with the Selective Service.

All applicants must be at least 18 years of age to be considered for employment at a state-operated facility. Waco Center for Youth applicants must be 21 years of age.

Flexibility in work hours may be required for this position. The position may be required to work overtime and/or extended hours.

Compliance with HHSC immunization policy and state hospital operating procedures related to immunizations is required. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, healthcare workers are considered to be at significant risk for acquiring or transmitting hepatitis B, measles, mumps, rubella, varicella (chicken pox), tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), and influenza. All these diseases are vaccine preventable. As a result, state hospital policy requires employees be vaccinated according to their level of contact with individuals. In the event you choose to not be immunized for the influenza virus, you may be required to wear a mask and take other protective measures.

Review our Tips for Success when applying for jobs at DFPS, DSHS and HHSC.

Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans:

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information please see the Texas State Auditor’s Job Descriptions, Military Crosswalk and Military Crosswalk Guide at Texas State Auditor's Office - Job Descriptions.

ADA Accommodations:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHSC and DSHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.

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