Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN)

Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) Job Description

Position Summary

The Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) provides nursing services and direct patient care within a residential behavioral health and substance use disorder treatment environment under the supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN), physician, or licensed provider. The LVN supports medication management, withdrawal monitoring, patient assessment, documentation, and implementation of individualized treatment plans in compliance with California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) regulations, nursing standards, and Integrated Behavioral Health Group policies and procedures.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Provides direct nursing care and monitoring within scope of licensure and under appropriate clinical supervision.
• Performs and documents vital signs, CIWA/COWS assessments, pain assessments, behavioral observations, and other required clinical monitoring.
• Administers medications and treatments as ordered and documents administration, effectiveness, and adverse reactions in accordance with policy and regulatory standards.
• Maintains medication inventory, storage, narcotic counts, medication destruction records, and Medication Administration Records (MARs).
• Assists with admission assessments, medication reconciliation, and implementation of physician and psychiatric provider orders.
• Monitors patients for withdrawal symptoms, behavioral changes, medical concerns, suicide risk, and safety issues, promptly reporting significant findings.
• Helps implement individualized nursing care plans and treatment interventions.
• Provides patient education on medications, recovery, health conditions, and treatment recommendations.
• Collaborates with physicians, nursing staff, therapists, utilization review, and multidisciplinary team members on patient care and discharge planning.
• Maintains timely, accurate, and objective clinical documentation.
• Ensures compliance with infection control practices, medication protocols, HIPAA requirements, and facility safety standards.
• Responds appropriately to medical and behavioral emergencies within scope of practice.
• Participates in staff meetings, training, and quality improvement activities.
• Performs other assigned duties within scope of licensure.

Qualifications

Education & Licensure

• Graduate of an approved vocational nursing program required.
• Current and unrestricted California LVN license required.
• Current CPR/BLS certification required.

Experience

• At least one year of experience in behavioral health, substance use disorder treatment, detoxification, psychiatric care, or a related healthcare setting is preferred.
• Experience with withdrawal management and detoxification protocols is also preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of behavioral health disorders, substance use disorders, detoxification protocols, and trauma-informed care.
• Knowledge of medication administration, side effects, contraindications, and safe medication practices.
• Familiarity with DHCS regulations, HIPAA standards, infection control, and nursing scope of practice requirements.
• Ability to recognize and respond to medical and psychiatric emergencies.
• Strong communication, organizational, and documentation skills.
• Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary treatment team.