Nurse, Licensed Vocational

POSITION OBJECTIVE/SUMMARY:

The Licensed Vocational Nurse performs individualized nursing care for patients/families under the direction of an RN. Uses and practices basic assessment data collection, participates in planning, executes interventions in accordance with the Treatment Plan and contributes to evaluation of outcomes. .

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION:

• A valid Licensed Vocational Nursing License from California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians
• A minimum of one year experience working with emotionally or mentally disturbed patients, preferable recent experience in an acute inpatient psychiatric setting;
• Experience and ability to work with multi-cultured, multiethnic populations
• Demonstrated use of crisis intervention skills, teamwork and communication skills in the management of care for high level acuity psychiatric patients in a fast-paced environment
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification for Healthcare Providers
• Maintenance of CPR Certification

GENERAL STATEMENT OF FUNCTIONS:

1. Attends change of shift report to obtain and/or provide the most recent data regarding patient progress.
2. Performs basic nursing procedures such as administering medications, treatments including oral medications, hypodermic injections, intramuscular injections, taking & charting height, weight, vision screening, pain level, temperature, pulse, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and respiration.
3. Mandated to report and/or refer abnormal values to the RN for follow-up
4. Nursing rounds every 15 mins for all patients, inclusive of documenting patient status during rounds.
5. Attends Treatment Team meetings and provide updates regarding patient behavioral observations, medication refusals, abnormal vital signs or other concerns as a result of performed basic assessment and data collection performed and/or per chart record.
6. Employs any necessary emergency procedures or medications to treat patient under RN or provider directive.
7. Maintains records and administers medications as prescribed by physician and responsible for accurate record keeping of all medications. Document adverse medication reactions and/or side effects in patient record and inform Nurse II and patient’s provider and administer and treat as required and within designated scope.
8. Communicates with Nurse II regarding PRN’s required for patients.
9. Assists with and/or conduct special nursing groups, as indicated.
10. Keeps Charge Nurse/Supervisor/Unit Manager informed frequently of need for new orders, changes in treatment plan, and patient progress updates since change of shift report.
11. Assists to create a therapeutic environment applying mental health principles and encourage patient to participate in and supervise on the unit group. Assist rehabilitation therapists in occupational, recreational, and social skills building activities.
12. Motivates patients to develop self reliance in activities of daily living such as maintaining a well groomed appearance, making their beds, keeping clothing, and their personal areas clean.
13. Demonstrates ability to practice patient compassion, cultural humility, crisis intervention skills, teamwork, professionalism, and strong communication skills (verbal and written), with patients, family, and other healthcare providers within the inpatient unit.
14. Assists with special assignments as directed by Nurse II or Nursing Management.
15. Adheres to Mandated Reporter requirements for child, elder, or dependent adult abuse

POSITION SCOPE:

Per California Code of Regulations Title 16 Division 25 Chapter 1 entitled, “Vocational Nurses”; section 2518.5 Scope of Vocational Nursing Practice:

The licensed vocational nurse performs services requiring technical and manual skills which include the following:

1. Uses and practices basic assessment (data collection), participates in planning, executes interventions in accordance with the care plan or treatment plan, and contributes to evaluation of individualized interventions related to the care plan or treatment plan.
2. Provides direct patient/client care by which the licensee:
   1. Performs basic nursing services as defined is subdivision a)
   2. Administers medications
   3. Applies communication skills for the purpose of patient/client care and education; and
   4. Contributes to the development and implementation of a teaching plan related to self-care for the patient/client.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Physical: Moderate which includes standing or walking most of the time, with bending, stooping, squatting, twisting, and reaching. Includes: occasionally lifting objects weighing over 25 pounds, and frequent lifting of 10-25 pounds.

• Examination: Examination will include:

• an oral interview consisting of an exchange of information in which candidates are rated on a pass or fall basis covering training;
• personal fitness; and
• general ability to perform the duties of this position.

Candidates must achieve a passing score of 75% or higher to be added to the eligible register.

• Shift: In order to ensure quality care and full staffing, shift changes may be necessary. Every effort will be made to provide reasonable notice.

Competencies:

• Analytical Thinking - Able to breakdown raw information and undefined problems into specific, workable components that in-turn clearly identifies the issues at hand. Makes logical conclusions, anticipates obstacles, and considers different approaches to the decision-making process.
• Attention to Detail – Accomplishes tasks through concern for all the areas involved, no matter how small. Monitors and checks work or information and plans and organizes time and resources efficiently.
• Communication Effectiveness – Clearly conveys information and ideas through a variety of media to individuals or groups in a manner that engages the audience and helps them understand and retain the message.
• Compliance – Ensures compliance and examines patient information to insure that they comply with company and industry regulations, and service policies and procedures.
• Flexibility – Exhibits openness to change and new information; adapts behavior or work methods in response to new information, changing conditions, or unexpected obstacles; effectively deals with ambiguity.
• Insurance Knowledge – Understands and is able to communicate general mental health insurance policies (including Medicare and Medicaid) and information and direct those with questions where to seek answers and resolution.
• Multi-tasking – Handles multiple projects or tasks simultaneously and creates linkages between all involved parties. Utilizes time management, setting priorities and managing ambiguity skills.
• Reconciling Information – Filters and evaluates information; weighs conflicting information from several sources and reconciles the differences.
• Report Generation - Gathers and disseminates appropriate level of information, formulates it into a formal report that is complete, accurate and thorough for the intended audience.
• Technical Capability – Applies and demonstrates technical capacity for job specific technical requirements including software technology, applications, judgment and procedures to achieve position requirements and organizational needs.
• Thoroughness - Demonstrates attention to detail and accuracy. Defines and organizes tasks, responsibilities, and priorities. Takes responsibility for timely completion.