Licensed Vocational Nurse PRN Nights

About the Role

At Oceans Behavioral Hospital Longview, we focus on healing and are passionate about helping adults and seniors manage challenges associated with anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. Utilizing proven, innovative, and progressive therapies, our qualified professionals promote long-term wellness through a range of inpatient and outpatient psychiatric counseling and treatment options.

The Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) provides nursing care for patients experiencing common, well-defined health problems. The LVN functions as a member of the multidisciplinary healthcare team, utilizing the nursing process to implement patient care under the supervision of a registered nurse while making safe, appropriate, and independent decisions within the scope of LVN nursing practice.

All duties are performed in accordance with Joint Commission, Federal and State regulations, Oceans' Mission, policies and procedures, and Performance Improvement Standards.

Responsibilities

• Deliver quality nursing care to assigned patients by collecting data, identifying deviations from normal, and assisting with reassessments under the direction of a registered nurse.
• Accurately and thoroughly document findings in the patient record, identify expected outcomes, and communicate assessment results with other healthcare team members.
• Implement nursing care interventions identified in the individualized multidisciplinary treatment plan, perform nursing procedures/treatments as prescribed by a physician or licensed independent practitioner (LIP), and collaborate with other healthcare providers.
• Conduct specified bedside laboratory tests, wound care, and assist with activities of daily living (ADLs). Promote the patient’s ability to cope, adapt, and solve problems related to illness and stressors.
• Provide supportive, age-appropriate, and culturally acceptable communication and interventions, documenting special needs as required.
• Ensure the safe delivery of medications in accordance with facility policies and physician orders, utilizing established safety procedures and standards.
• Assess patients effectively before and after medication administration, communicate/document prescribed doses accurately, and provide patient education on administered medications.
• Follow up on patient care responsibilities, communicate incomplete assignments and patient needs with other disciplines to ensure continuity of care, and transcribe orders accurately.
• Perform chart audits of transcription according to facility guidelines.
• Utilize nursing knowledge to meet the needs of the facility, patient population, and staff, enhancing evidence-based practice.
• Guide, educate, and provide leadership as a preceptor to new staff.
• Perform other duties and projects as assigned.

Requirements

• Current, valid, and active license to practice as a Licensed Vocational/Practical Nurse in the state of employment or a valid Compact license as applicable.
• High School Diploma or GED required.
• One year of inpatient hospital experience strongly preferred.
• Ability to work in high-stress environments and assess potential for patient escalation.
• Effective oral and written communication skills to consistently achieve positive results with internal and external customers.
• Highly organized with an understanding and sensitivity to serve culturally diverse and special needs populations, including the Chronically Mentally Ill, Geriatric, and chemically dependent individuals.
• Basic knowledge of normal physical and emotional development.
• Critical thinking abilities to apply continuous improvement in patient care.
• Self-confidence and conceptual thinking to lead and direct others.
• Must successfully complete CPR certification and an Oceans-approved behavioral health de-escalation program.

Work Environment

• Subject to frequent interruptions and occasional pressure due to multiple calls and inquiries.
• High-paced and potentially stressful environment; must be able to cope mentally and physically with the atmosphere.
• May experience disagreeable odors, sights, and unpredictable patient behavior.
• Spends approximately 90% or more of the time inside a building that offers protection from weather conditions but not necessarily from temperature changes.