Licensed Vocational Nurse- Psych (2NE)

Department of Veterans Affairs

Under the direction of the Registered Nurse (RN), Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) functions as a member of the nursing team and assists the Registered Nurse in the care of patients. The incumbent functions as LVN, under close supervision and refers issues/questions to supervisors, and other health care professionals and is directed by the RN in the delivery of care of patients in acute, sub-acute or chronic states of illness.

• The LVN's duties include but are not limited to; Provides nursing care, performs clinical procedures according to specialty, technical procedures and ancillary services for patients. The LVN performs a variety of personal care or nursing care activities. The LVN helps each patient attain optimal physical, physiological, emotional and social well-being. Also: Demonstrates the knowledge and skill necessary to learn to provide care based on physical, psychological, educational, safety, and related criteria appropriate to the age of the patient served in their assigned area. Provides patient monitoring, observation, and documentation (such as vital signs, I's & O's, meals, obtaining patient weight, etc.) Provides input to colleagues, Team Leader/Charge Nurse for making assignments for the incoming tour. Listens attentively to reports and SBAR notes pertinent items and asks for clarification when unsure of content. Formulate a work schedule based on prioritization of patient care needs. Responds to all safety alarms, rapid responses, and codes on the unit/area assigned. Will facilitate as a sitter for patients endorsing SI, HI, wheelchair use, or medical monitoring. Assist patients with ADLs and meals as required, maintaining as much independence as possible. Preserve patient safety, confidentiality, and respect for the patient/family/significant other's rights. Immediately reports observations and knowledge of abuse or neglect of patients and loss or damage of government property. Assist with admissions, discharges, transfers, and death procedures. Assist with transporting patients to procedures, between wards, and at discharge. Provides respectful care that maintains individuality, dignity, and self-esteem. Practice universal precautions and infection control techniques. Uses equipment safely and uses proper body mechanics. Duties require extensive standing and walking, bending, lifting, stooping, stretching, pulling, and similar activities using safe patient handling techniques. Performs Environmental safety rounds in the milieu to ensure unit/patient rooms are safe. (Halls are clear, with no broken equipment, beds in the low locked position, no tripping hazards, and no restricted contraband in patient rooms). Practice safe medication use, Five Rights, and safe medical waste disposal. Administers medications as needed, evaluates the effectiveness of PRNs, and reports any adverse side effects of medications to primary RN on time. Accurately documents nursing care, nursing interventions, and patient response for assigned patients in CPRS, ICCA, and bedside/unit paperwork (including, but not limited to q15, minute safety rounds, hourly contraband checks, and additional safety checks as needed following visitation/groups). Complete the belongings sheet, assist with all patient admissions/transfers/discharges to the unit, and notifies the RN/Charge Nurse of necessary findings/remaining requirements. Report to the Charge Nurse, Nurse Manager, and NOD for any patient safety events, including initiating a Joint Patient Safety Report (JPSR) and Disruptive Behavior Reporting System (DBRS). Preferred Experience: -One year of vocational nursing experience preferred, with experience in acute inpatient psychiatric/mental health, behavioral health, or a comparable high-acuity clinical setting highly desirable. -Experience providing care to patients with acute psychiatric conditions, behavioral dysregulation, suicidal or self-harm risk, aggression, or other complex behavioral health needs. -Demonstrated experience with therapeutic communication, de-escalation, crisis intervention, and maintaining a safe therapeutic environment. -Experience administering medications, monitoring medication effectiveness and adverse reactions, obtaining vital signs, and recognizing and promptly reporting changes in a patient's physical or behavioral condition. -Experience working effectively as part of an interdisciplinary team and communicating relevant patient information to registered nurses and other members of the treatment team. -Familiarity with suicide prevention, patient observation levels, contraband/hazardous-item precautions, and behavioral health safety practices preferred. Work Schedule: Mon-Fri 0630-1900 with alternating weekends and holidays. May change depending on the needs of the facility. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

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