LVN II

Join the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and be part of a team committed to creating a positive impact in the lives of fellow Texans. At HHSC, your contributions matter, and we support you at every stage of your life and work journey.

About the role

Would you thrive in an environment where you learn and grow personally and professionally while helping make a positive impact on people’s lives? Do you appreciate being around dependable, trustworthy, hard-working team players? HHSC is dedicated to building an atmosphere where employees feel valued and supported while providing specialized care for Texans in need.

HHSC operates ten psychiatric hospitals, two youth residential treatment facilities, and thirteen state-supported living centers. The psychiatric hospitals are hubs of excellence for forensic mental health and complex psychiatric care, all accredited by The Joint Commission. They provide state-of-the-art, recovery-oriented, science-based treatment.

The LVN II performs highly complex vocational nursing work, providing care, treatment, and general welfare for individuals at the State Hospital (SH) with complex mental health, behavioral, and medical diagnoses. This role involves performing routine and non-routine nursing tasks, collecting specimens, conducting health screenings, instructing staff, and assisting Registered Nurses (RNs) with protocols and programs to improve health and safety. Works under general supervision of an RN with moderate latitude for initiative and independent judgment.

This position may be eligible for additional pay for work performed on evenings, nights, and/or weekends. Other duties include actively participating in disaster response, recovery, or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation, which may require alternate shift patterns or locations.

Responsibilities

• Administers medications and treatments orally, rectally, internally, or by injection.
• Assists medical staff (RNs, Physicians, Advanced Practice Registered Nurses, Physician’s Assistants) in examining and caring for patients.
• Makes rounds and works in other hospital locations as needed.
• Performs complex technical nursing tasks and procedures in accordance with HHSC, hospital, and state regulations.
• Trains and instructs new LVN staff, including acclimating them to individuals and describing their needs and preferences.
• Performs wound care, breathing treatments, and other complex nursing procedures.
• Collects specimens for laboratory examination and conducts screening tests as requested.
• Monitors individuals’ weight, diet, meals, and vital signs.
• Monitors individuals’ health status after medication administration, treatments, and procedures.
• Instructs Psychiatric Nursing Assistants on monitoring individuals post-treatment or procedure.
• Documents and reports treatments and observations accurately and timely in medical records.
• Recognizes symptoms of illness and reports them to RNs and/or Primary Care Providers.
• Fosters interdisciplinary collaboration and communicates pertinent information to the treatment team.
• Serves as a resource/mentor for new LVNs and assists RNs with training and implementation of protocols.
• Assists the Infection Control Nurse in preventing disease spread and implementing quality assurance programs.
• Collects data for RN/Primary Care Provider and provides education to individuals about procedures and treatments.
• Ensures supplies are available for procedures and maintains unit inventory.
• Responds to emergency situations to ensure individual safety and follows hospital safety procedures.
• Performs other duties as assigned to ensure efficient operation of the patient care unit.

Requirements

• Graduation from an LVN program.
• Minimum six months’ employment experience as an LVN; twelve months preferred.
• Six months’ experience working or volunteering directly with persons with mental illness is preferred.
• Must possess a valid Texas driver’s license or obtain it within 90 days of hire to drive a state vehicle. Out-of-state applicants must provide a certified driving record.
• Licensed to practice as an LVN in Texas (or a state that recognizes reciprocity through the Nurse Licensure Compact).
• Must maintain current CPR certification and be physically able to perform Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Therapeutic Intervention (TIPS).
• Must pass a fingerprint criminal background check, pre-employment drug screen, and registry checks (CANRS, Nurse Aide, Medication Aide, Employee Misconduct, LEIE).
• Males aged 18-25 must be registered with the Selective Service.
• Applicants must be at least 18 years old; Waco and Terrell Center for Youth applicants must be 21.
• Flexibility in work hours, including overtime or extended hours, may be required.
• Compliance with HHSC immunization policy and State Hospital procedures is required (e.g., hepatitis B, measles, mumps, rubella, varicella, influenza).

Skills

• Knowledge of nursing care standards, procedures, and techniques.
• Knowledge of emergency procedures and equipment (e.g., CPR).
• Skill in problem-solving and reasoning to identify and resolve situations.
• Skill in operating computers and applicable software.
• Skill in patient care and treatment for individuals with complex medical, mental health, and behavioral health issues.
• Ability to prepare and maintain records, including electronic health records.
• Ability to communicate effectively and instruct others.
• Ability to interact appropriately with individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities, their families, and staff.

Benefits

• 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees.
• Defined benefit pension plan.
• Generous time-off benefits.
• Numerous opportunities for career advancement.

Pay

$4,548.00 - $5,921.16 per month.

Schedule

• Full-time, regular position.
• Evening shift.
• Not eligible for telework.
• Up to 15% travel may be required.

Location

Waco Center for Youth, 3501 N 19th St, Waco, TX. This is a psychiatric residential treatment facility serving teenagers ages 13 through 17 with emotional difficulties and/or behavioral problems. The facility is accredited by The Joint Commission and operates under a recovery-oriented, science-based treatment philosophy.