Licensed Vocational Nurse

Job Description

Job Description

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) provides safe, compassionate nursing care to patients with medical and/or behavioral health conditions under the supervision of an RN or physician. The LVN supports care plan implementation, administers medications, and documents patient responses in accordance with the Texas Board of Nursing (BON) Nurse Practice Act, the standards of practice, regulatory standards, and facility policies, ensuring that the unique needs of this patient population are met in a safe and therapeutic environment. This role requires critical thinking, clinical judgment, patient advocacy, and adherence to best practices and regulatory standards.

JOB-SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Service

o Consistently supports and communicates the Mission, Vision, and Values of Nexus Health Systems

o Upholds the Standards of conduct and corporate compliance.

o Demonstrates honest behavior in all matters. To the best of the employee’s knowledge and understanding, complies with all Federal and State laws and regulations.

o Maintains the privacy and security of all confidential and protected health information. Uses and discloses only that information which is necessary to perform the function of the job.

o Adheres to all Nexus Health Systems policies on Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), designed to prevent or detect unauthorized disclosure of Protected Health Information (PHI)

o Collaborates effectively with colleagues and other departments to ensure seamless service delivery.

o Upholds ethical standards, confidentiality, and professionalism in all patient interactions and nursing practices.

• Clinical Excellence

o Provides basic nursing care to adult and/or pediatric patients under the supervision of a registered nurse (RN), advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), or physician.

o Administers medications and treatments as prescribed, ensuring safe and accurate delivery within LVN scope.

o Monitors and assesses patient progress, identifying signs of acute illness, exacerbations of chronic conditions, or behavioral health crises.

o Observes, reports, and documents patient status, including signs of acute illness or behavioral changes, to the supervising RN or provider.

o Participates in the implementation of care plans developed by RNs or providers.

o Reinforces patient and family education as directed by the RN or provider, particularly regarding medications, disease processes, and coping strategies.

o Applies approved de-escalation techniques and supports behavioral health interventions under supervision.

o Communicates effectively with patients, families, and the healthcare team, relaying concerns and updates to the supervising RN or provider.

o Collaborates with the healthcare team to support continuity of care and safe transitions.

o Follows established safety protocols, especially for patients with developmental or behavioral health needs.

o Maintains competency in basic emergency procedures, medication administration, and use of standard medical equipment.

o Collaborates with nursing and other departments to ensure the seamless and effective delivery of care.

o Implements and adhere to established safety protocols, especially for patients with developmental or behavioral health concerns.

o Ensures compliance with infection control standards, documentation requirements, and nursing practices to maintain high-quality care.

o Promotes patient and family engagement in the care process, ensuring informed decision-making and comfort.

o Documents patient care accurately and in a timely manner in accordance with hospital policies, nursing standards, and Texas BON guidelines.

• Patient Experience and Advocacy

o Advocates for patients within the LVN role, ensuring their needs and concerns are communicated to the supervising RN or provider.

o Provides compassionate care and reinforces education to patients and families, promoting understanding and comfort.

o Supports patient and family engagement by facilitating communication and encouraging questions and participation in care decisions.

o Demonstrates sensitivity and respect for diverse patient populations, ensuring inclusive and individualized care.

• Quality Assurance and Compliance

o Ensures all activities adhere to healthcare regulations and organizational policies.

o Participates in quality improvement initiatives to enhance service delivery.

o Promotes a culture of patient safety which results in the identification and reduction of unsafe practices.

o Adheres to the Texas Nurse Practice Act and the standards set by the Texas Board of Nursing, delivering safe, competent, and ethical care.

o Maintains accurate and timely documentation of care provided, patient responses, and communications with the healthcare team.

o Adheres to facility policies and procedures related to safety, infection control, and patient rights.

o Reports unsafe practices or conditions to the appropriate supervisor.

o Acts as a role model for ethical nursing practice, upholding the nursing code of conduct in all interactions and fostering a culture of accountability and professionalism.

o Participates in quality improvement initiatives, identifying areas for care enhancement and helping implement best practices.

• Professional Growth and Continuing Education

o Completes annual education requirements.

o Maintains competency, as evidenced by completion of competency validation requirements.

o Maintains competency and knowledge of current standards of practice, trends, and developments.

o Participates in relevant workshops, seminars, and continuing education courses to stay current with industry trends, healthcare regulations, and best practices.

o Engages in ongoing professional development by pursuing continuing education as required by the Texas BON and hospital policies.

o Maintains current licensure and certifications as required.

o Seeks supervision and guidance when encountering unfamiliar procedures or patient care situations.

• Finance

o Promotes stewardship of hospital resources while ensuring quality patient care.

o Uses medical supplies and equipment efficiently to reduce waste and support cost-effective care.

o Ensures accurate documentation of services provided to support billing and reimbursement processes.

o Collaborates with the healthcare team to support efficient care delivery and reduce unnecessary interventions.

o Abides by hospital policies on resource allocation and report concerns regarding overuse or misuse of supplies or services.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION:

• Licensed Vocational Nursing (LVN) from an accredited school of nursing/nursing program required.

EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum two (2) years working in an inpatient/rehab/acute/post -acute hospital setting preferred.

• At least 1-2 years of experience in pediatric nursing, preferably in an acute care setting.

• Experience working with patients who have medical and/or behavioral health diagnoses is strongly preferred.

SKILLS:

• Solid foundational nursing skills in patient care, including safe medication administration and basic response to changes in patient condition.

• Applies sound clinical judgment within the LVN scope to recognize and report changes in patient status.

• Communicates clearly and respectfully with patients, families, and healthcare team members to support coordinated care.

• Demonstrates effective communication during stressful or crisis situations, escalating concerns appropriately.

• Provides compassionate, patient-centered care while supporting patients with emotional or behavioral challenges.

• Utilizes approved de-escalation techniques and behavioral support strategies under supervision.

• Maintains strong organizational skills to manage routine tasks and patient care responsibilities efficiently.

• Prioritizes care needs effectively in a fast-paced environment under the direction of an RN or provider.

• Collaborates with multidisciplinary teams to support the implementation of care plans.

• Follows established safety protocols, infection control procedures, and facility guidelines.

• Accurately documents care and observations using electronic health record (EHR) systems and standard medical equipment.

LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION:

• Current Licensed Vocational Nursing (LVN) licensure in the state of Texas.

• BLS (Basic Life Support) from American Heart Association//American Red Cross required, must be valid for a minimum of 6 months from date of hire.

• ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) from American Heart Association//American Red Cross required, must be valid for a minimum of 6 months from date of hire, per unit requirement.

• PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support) from American Heart Association//American Red Cross required, must be valid for a minimum of 6 months from date of hire, per unit requirement.

• De-escalation training within 30 days after hire.

• Must maintain current certification in good standing during employment with this facility.