LVN

Statement of Purpose

The Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) assesses patients and provides nursing care in accordance with physicians’ orders and treatment objectives and as instructed by supervisor. The LVN works under the supervision of an RN.

Major Tasks, Duties and Responsibilities

• Make presentations and facilitate educational groups & sessions.
• Assist in the assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of the nursing care plan.
• Assess and document patient treatment progress, medical or behavioral changes, and unusual incidents.
• Monitor patient management and treatment. May be assigned to provide continual observation of confused patients.
• Safely and accurately administer medications.
• Identify and assist in management of emergencies.
• Obtain and record vital signs.  Chart routine information, vital signs, and daily activities.
• Monitor and document withdrawal symptoms.
• Conduct medication audits and destroy outdated medications per policy
• Assist with orientation, admission, transfer, and discharge of patients.
• Follow directions and orders of physicians and registered nurses.
• Teach and monitor patients and staff for compliance with COVID-19 safety protocols.
• Interact with patients to support their participation in the program.  May provide educational sessions or other groups for patients.
• Coordinate other healthcare needs of the patient outside the facility.
• Provide clerical support as directed by nursing staff.  Keep charts in order with all forms properly identified. 
• Order inventory and stock supplies in the unit.

LVN Competencies and Performance Expectations

All LVN’s are expected to:

• Assist in the assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of the nursing care plan
• Audit medication room and destroy medications as needed per policy
• Monitor patient care and treatment
• Know and understand withdrawal management
• Participate in nursing assessments
• Adhere to professional standards
• Maintain health and safety standards of facility; Observe universal precautions, including correct handling of blood borne pathogens, storage of lab specimens, and disposal of infectious wastes.
• Comply with confidentiality requirements at all times.
• Maintain familiarity with BHS policies and procedures and other applicable regulations; performs job duties accordingly.
• Attend meetings and participates in committees as assigned.
• Identify a crisis.  Demonstrate appropriate techniques for interventions, including AMA, behavioral issues, suicide threat, code green, and contraband on the unit.
• Recognize the symptoms associated with chemical dependency and detoxification.
• Recognize personal biases working within diverse populations.  Maintain cultural sensitivity at all times.

Prerequisite Qualifications

Following are the qualifications required to perform the essential functions of this position.  Qualifications may be subject to modification based on the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Bilingual abilities may be required within certain BHS programs.

High school diploma or equivalency. Completion of LVN training program. 

Active, current LVN license required.

Vision, hearing, manual dexterity, and eye-hand coordination must be adequate for performance of job duties.  Able to sit at desk, use keyboard, write, and physically perform other job duties.  Able to move about the facility to observe clients and staff.

Specific qualifications may vary based on assignment. The supervisor will initial those items on the following list, which apply and write N/A to indicate those qualifications, which are not applicable:

_____ Class “C” California Driver’s License

_____  Personal vehicle with liability insurance for reimbursable mileage, generally short distances.

_____ CPR certification obtain within 90 days of employment and maintain current

thereafter.

_____ Medication training required within 30 days of employment.

_____ Bi-lingual (specify: ___________________)

_____ Develop computer skills adequate to perform EHR/word processing duties                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         within 90 days of employment.

_____ Other

The above statements reflect the general duties considered necessary to describe the principal functions of the job as identified and shall not be considered as a detailed description of all the work requirements which may be inherent in the position.