Licensed Vocational Nurse - Inpatient

Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) Position at Ocean View Psychiatric Health Facility

Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) at Ocean View Psychiatric Health Facility play a vital role in delivering high-quality care to adult patients in an acute inpatient psychiatric setting. Under the supervision of the Director of Nursing and direct oversight of the Charge RN, LVNs provide essential nursing services in accordance with clinical protocols, safety standards, and regulatory requirements.

LVNs may function as medication nurses or floor nurses, with responsibilities including medication administration, monitoring adverse reactions, assisting with admissions and discharges, and maintaining timely and accurate documentation. This role also involves active participation in treatment team meetings and the development of individualized care plans. A strong commitment to patient safety, professional communication, and collaborative teamwork is essential to success in this position.

Key Responsibilities

• Administer medications accurately and maintain medication room/cart per clinical best practices and regulations
• Monitor patients for adverse drug reactions; report observations to physicians, pharmacists, and charge nurses
• Perform nursing activities as assigned within scope of practice and under RN supervision
• Assist with patient admissions and discharges
• Complete and maintain thorough documentation in the medical record within established time frames
• Participate actively in treatment team meetings
• Knowledge of medication side effects, normal dosages, and contraindications for all administered medications
• Perform clinical procedures as directed by physicians

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduate of an accredited Licensed Vocational Nursing (LVN) program
• Active and unrestricted LVN license issued by the State of California
• Ability to pass a facility-administered medication test during orientation and prior to independently administering medications
• Demonstrated competency in behavioral health nursing and patient care techniques
• Ability to provide safe, effective care to adult psychiatric patients in an inpatient setting
• Understanding of psychiatric regulations, HIPAA, patient rights, and applicable accreditation standards (e.g., The Joint Commission, Title 22)
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience in a behavioral health, healthcare, or hospital setting (role-specific equivalent acceptable)
• Demonstrated ability to remain calm, composed, and effective in high-stress or crisis situations
• Strong teamwork and collaboration skills across disciplines and departments.
• Demonstrated sound professional judgment; clinical judgment where applicable to licensure/role
• Proficiency in the use of computers and standard keyboard functions for data entry and electronic documentation
• Effective verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to read, write, and communicate fluently in English
• Current CPR, BLS, and First Aid certification, or ability to obtain within 90 days of employment

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate degree in nursing, behavioral health, or a related field preferred
• Current phlebotomy certification
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in a behavioral health, healthcare, or related human-services setting (role-specific equivalent acceptable)
• Prior experience using Electronic Health Records (EHR) systems for documentation and coordination of care
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Teams) and/or cloud-based communication platforms (e.g., Slack, Zoom)
• Bilingual in English and Spanish, or other languages commonly spoken by the patient population
• Crisis prevention/intervention training (e.g., HWC, CPI, PMAB) or de-escalation certification
• Familiarity with trauma-informed care principles and culturally responsive practices
• Leadership experience or demonstrated capacity to mentor others (if applicable to the role)

Benefits

• $2.00/hour shift differential for eligible NOC (overnight) shifts
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance for qualifying employees
• 401(k) retirement savings plan
• Supportive, team-oriented work environment
• Opportunities for professional growth, training, and advancement within the organization

Physical & Environmental Requirements

• Frequent walking, standing, sitting, twisting, and bending are required.
• Must possess adequate auditory capacity to communicate clearly and follow verbal instructions.
• May be required to lift and carry objects weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to safely assist with the physical management, lifting, or repositioning of adult patients, including those who may be physically resistive or assaultive, potentially weighing 100 pounds or more, in accordance with facility safety protocols and training.
• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to operate standard office and/or clinical equipment requiring repetitive hand movements, manual dexterity, and fine finger coordination, including the use of computers, telephones, and related devices.

Special Conditions

• Employment is contingent upon successful completion of Live Scan fingerprinting, background check clearance, and verification of required licenses, certifications, and education
• Satisfactory completion of professional reference checks
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States; Ocean View does not provide visa sponsorship for certain roles unless otherwise specified.
• Compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations, including California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS), The Joint Commission, and HIPAA standards
• Compliance with all required health screenings and immunizations in accordance with regulatory guidelines and facility policy, which may include tuberculosis (TB) testing, N95 fit testing, annual trainings, and proof of vaccination for certain communicable diseases
• Availability to work evenings, weekends, holidays, or variable shifts as needed, based on operational or patient care needs.
• Demonstrate understanding and be compliant with Patients' Rights, LPS Statutes, and Seclusion and Restraint Protocols.