Licensed Vocational Nurse - Correctional Health - West

Full Time

PRIMARY PURPOSE

Responsible for providing total nursing care for assigned patients, under the guidance of a Registered Nurse, in order to ensure quality care.

MINIMUM SPECIFICATIONS

Education

• Must be a graduate of an accredited school of vocational nursing and/or licensed by the Texas Board of Nursing as a Licensed Vocational Nurse; or have a valid Compact LVN License.

Experience: None.

Certification/Registration/Licensure

• Must have current, valid LVN license or temporary LVN license from the Texas Board of Nursing; or, valid Compact LVN license.
• Must have current healthcare provider BLS for Healthcare Providers certification from one of the following:
• American Heart Association
• American Red Cross
• Military Training Network

Skills or Special Abilities

• Provides care to assigned patient population in accordance with the current State of Texas Nurse Practice Act, established protocols, multidisciplinary plan of care and clinical area specific standards.
• Must be able to communicate effectively with all levels of staff, management, patient, and families.
• Must be able to demonstrate patient centered/patient valued behaviors.
• Must be able to demonstrate knowledge of appropriate nursing skills.

Responsibilities

• Screens and prioritizes patients with regard to medical problems, ensuring that appropriate treatment is delivered in a timely manner per physician orders and established policies and procedures.
• Assists with inpatient/clinic coordination and flow of patients to include patient treatments as directed by physician and nursing/medical staff, and/or discharge activities.
• Maintains and implements knowledge of all the rules, regulations, policies, procedures, guidelines, laws, and Joint Commission standards that impact and govern nursing processes and ensures that their work practices are in compliance.
• Identifies and meets educational needs of patients and families by communicating and distributing appropriate information as needed. Reinforces patient/family education teaching that was initiated by RN or NP. May participate in community outreach activities (such as health fairs, community collaborations or outreach clinics) as assigned.
• Assists with precepting (training, motivating, and supervising) new employees and students as directed by supervisor.
• Completes appropriate written and computer documentation according to established procedures and guidelines.
• Consults with other team members as required and provides nursing care which demonstrates patient centered/patient valued care while anticipating and accommodating patients, families, physicians, and other system staff to ensure the workflow is coordinated and patients receive timely and appropriate treatment.
• Ensures that appropriate supplies are available for individual patient care by gathering all necessary items together in advance. May assist with ordering and stocking supplies as needed.
• Responsible for cleaning and sterilizing both patient areas and medical instruments to ensure an appropriate healthcare environment.
• Identifies ways to improve work processes and improve internal and external customer satisfaction. May assist with developing annual goals and objectives for the nursing area that support the mission and objectives. Makes recommendations to supervisor, implements and monitors results as appropriate in support of the overall goals, objectives and mission of Parkland.
• Stays abreast of the latest developments, advancements, and trends in the field of nursing by attending seminars/workshops, reading professional journals, and maintaining LVN licensure. Integrates knowledge gained into current work practices.
• Sets up patient appointments and referrals for further testing and follow-up care as needed.
• Assists in transporting patients as needed.