Licensed Vocational Nurse II - Mental Health Acute (Unit C)

The County of Riverside - Riverside University Health System (RUHS) - Medical Center is seeking a Licensed Vocational Nurse II to join its team at Arlington Campus located in Riverside.

Under supervision and direction of a registered nurse, nurse practitioner, or physician, the incumbent will be responsible for observing behavioral changes, assisting with crisis intervention, demonstrating responsibility for proper administration, monitoring, and managing of medications, displaying knowledge of adverse side effects, indications of use, and contraindications of medications; performing nursing duties within the scope of the Nurse Practice Act for vocational nursing in the care of patients in a hospital inpatient setting or outpatient clinic of a hospital, Public Health or Mental Health clinic; and performing other work as required.

The ideal candidate has strong basic English writing skills, excellent communication abilities, outstanding organization, thrives in a team-oriented environment, and demonstrates a high level of patience, tolerance, and understanding when supporting individuals with complex needs and behavioral challenges.

Professional Experience Requirements

• At least 1 year of successful LVN experience, preferably in behavioral health, mental health, and/or substance abuse programs
• Basic computer skills (Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and Electronic Health Records)

Required Valid Licenses and Certificates:

• California Vocational Nurse's License issued by the California Board of Vocational Nurse and Psychiatric Technician Examiners
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification issued by the American Heart Association
• CPI

Copies of ALL certifications must be uploaded to your profile as an attachment at the time of submitting your application to be considered.

Work Schedule: 3/12 night shift (actual shift hours may be discussed during the interview process).

The schedule is subject to change based on operational needs. See Schedule, Overtime, Standby/On-Call, and Travel Obligations under APPLICATION INFORMATION for details.

Meet the Team! At Riverside University Health System Medical Center, nursing is more than a job, it’s an opportunity to make a real difference in a vibrant and diverse community. Nationally recognized for its forward-thinking and innovative approach to patient care, RUHS Medical Center is also a proud teaching hospital and one of the top employers in the region.

Our 439-bed facility is a designated Level I Trauma Center, Primary Stroke Center, and home to the region’s only Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). Here, you’ll gain valuable experience across a wide range of specialties, including trauma care, stroke, pediatrics, and critical care.

We are committed to your professional growth, offering continuous education, training, and career development programs in a collaborative, supportive, and rewarding environment. Whether you’re an experienced nurse or just starting your career, RUHS Medical Center provides unparalleled opportunities to learn, grow, and make a meaningful impact.

Could you see yourself making a difference here?

Discover more about RUHS Medical Center at

Key Responsibilities

• Provide nursing care to patients within the scope of the Nurse Practice Act for vocational nursing; prepare patients for physicians, physician assistants and nurse practitioners, and care for patients during treatment; administer medications using subcutaneous, intramuscularly, intradermal, subdermal, and/or oral methods.
• Take temperature, pulse, respiration and blood pressure of patients as necessary; apply and change dressings and cares for wounds; may collect specimens for laboratory analysis; assist physicians, registered nurses, and mid-level providers in performing examinations, tests, respiratory care and other treatments including minor surgical procedures, PAP smears and colposcopies.
• Perform venipuncture, injections of medications including biological immunizations for pediatrics and adults, including the provision of Tuberculin skin tests, Coccidioidin skin tests, and Histoplasmin skin tests in the course of a tuberculosis control program.
• Perform documentation as required within the scope of the Nurse Practice Act for vocational nursing, and established rules of charting; chart treatments and medications and maintain pertinent medical records; collect data from patients to ensure scheduling with appropriate services; maintain clinical records, reports and charge tickets; review charts to determine type of treatment the patient may require and assure proper clinic scheduling and continuity of care.
• Counsel, advise and educate patients regarding proper health care methods; set clinic appointments per established policies and procedures; refer patients for specialty care to outside agencies utilizing knowledge of payor source to ensure appropriate referrals to outside agencies and programs.
• Assist physicians, registered nurses, and mid-level providers in the administration of special treatments, examinations, and intravenous therapy; chart treatments and medications and maintain pertinent medical records according to established practice by the Nurse Practice Act for vocational nursing, policies, and procedures.
• Assist physicians, registered nurses, and mid-level providers in the administration of medical records; assist in the data collection, preparation, and implementation of patient care plans; participate in patient education and rehabilitation programs and document data appropriately.
• Observe patients' condition and behavior, and report significant changes to the supervisor.
• May act under supervision and direction of a physician, registered nurse or mid-level provider as a nursing leader over health services assistants, certified medical assistants, office assistants and other LVNs, as assigned.

Licensed Vocational Nurse II:

Experience: At least one year of successful experience as an LVN, preferably in a public health clinic environment.

Knowledge of:

Current principles, techniques and procedures used in vocational nursing within the scope of the Nurse Practice Act for vocational nursing; medical terminology, acute care procedures and equipment; medication administration and any policies and procedures of the setting assigned.

Ability to:

Skillfully perform the full range of vocational nursing duties and responsibilities within the scope of the Nurse Practice Act for vocational nursing; learn and follow policies and procedures for the setting assigned; establish and maintain effective working relationships with physicians, mid-level providers, registered nurses, patients, and co-workers; complete and maintain reports and patient records; make observations of situations accurately and report them so effective action can be taken according to rules of documentation and policies and procedures.

Other Requirements:

License: Possession of a valid California Vocational Nurse's License issued by the California Board of Vocational Nurse and Psychiatric Technician Examiners. Possession of a valid Basic Life Support (BLS) certification issued by the American Heart Association for professional healthcare providers.

Physical Requirements:

Constant walking, standing, and bending during rounds and patient interactions; lifting up to 25-50 lbs; ability to assist with lifting, transferring, and physically intervening during behavioral emergencies or medical events, all unassisted with or without reasonable accommodation.