LICENSED VOCATIONAL NURSE

The Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) plays a pivotal role at Camp Hope, PTSD Foundation of America, contributing significantly to our mission by delivering safe and proficient nursing care. Operating under the guidance of licensed personnel, the LVN ensures the well-being and safety of residents in adherence to federal, state, and local regulations, and in alignment with the established policies and procedures of Camp Hope.

Within the Wellness Center and related areas, the LVN serves as a crucial healthcare professional, providing patient care and education under the direct supervision of registered nurses, advanced practice registered nurses, physician assistants, physicians, dentists, or podiatrists. Employing the nursing process, the LVN addresses the physical, social, psychological, and spiritual needs of patients, adhering to a systematic approach that delivers individualized, goal-directed nursing care.

Responsible for assisting in the identification of predictable healthcare needs among clients in structured healthcare settings, the LVN plays a key role in managing common, well-defined health problems with predictable outcomes. Through a dedicated focus on the nursing process, the LVN contributes to the holistic well-being of individuals in our care.

Duties: Licensed Vocational Nurse functions as a member in various Care Lines. The incumbent provides a wide range of clinical services to the veteran who demonstrates complex clinical judgment under the direct supervision and regular observation of a registered nurse or provider. Primary duties include, but are not limited to:

• Perform routine direct patient care and execute complex therapeutic procedures under the guidance of the RN Care Coordinator or charge nurse.
• Observe and document physical and/or emotional changes resulting from prescribed medications or treatments, promptly reporting any deviations from normal to the RN or MD/DO.
• Recognize acute patient distress and initiate appropriate emergency interventions.
• Conduct patient screening and preventive therapy as per Clinical Practice Guidelines and through the use of Clinical Reminders.
• Recognize and provide therapeutic intervention for patients’ self-destructive behaviors or changes in mental status.
• Maintain equipment and create a therapeutic environment to prevent injury to self or others.
• Observe medication calls, following physician's orders according to Wellness Center policy and Therapeutic Methods. Observe self-administration, count, and document as per Camp Hope Wellness Policy.
• Identify urgent or emergent patient care situations, seek assistance from the RN and/or MD/DO, and initiate appropriate emergency interventions.
• Understand human behavior, patient motivations, and reactions to situations.
• Establish constructive relationships with patients, fostering positive interactions, communication, and socialization skills.
• Perform support duties for complex diagnostic tests and procedures, including patient preparation and monitoring.
• Document, record, and report pertinent information in the patient's electronic medical record, ensuring confidentiality per Camp Hope Wellness Center policy.
• Make sound decisions concerning patient care and seek assistance when faced with emergent or unusual situations.
• Monitor supply inventory and maintain sanitation and organization in the wellness center.
• Observe, document, and communicate/report to the Staff any clinical, physical, unit personnel, or other issues affecting client care.
• Report status changes and concerns to the immediate supervisor and healthcare provider as directed.
• Communicate effectively with all departments to ensure total quality client care.
• Consult, follow, and document nursing care with sufficient detail according to facility policy and procedures.
• Record client symptoms, responses, and progress concisely, accurately, and completely.
• Safely and accurately perform vital signs, diabetic/glucose monitoring, electrocardiograms, phlebotomy/labs, and other applicable skills.
• Identify and interpret results of basic nursing assessments, taking appropriate nursing action within the LVN scope of practice.
• Participate in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of nursing care within the objectives, standards, and policies of PTSD/Camp Hope and the licensing board.
• Communicate and collaborate with the multidisciplinary team, including medical staff, administration, clinicians, Programs, Food Service/Dietitians, and milieu personnel.
• Take reasonable care and precautions to ensure high client safety standards and a therapeutic environment within the LVN's scope of practice, optimizing patient understanding of their condition and care requirements.

Work Schedule: Weekdays, Weekends; Holidays; Flexible; On Call, and availability to provide coverage in emergency services as needed. Further work schedule will be discussed during the interview.
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Basic Requirements:

• Citizenship: Citizen of the United States or approved work visa.
• Education: Graduate of a school of practical or vocational nursing approved by the Texas Board of Nursing.
• Preferred Experience: Two years of current experience in a clinic and/or hospital.
• English Language Proficiency: Licensed practical or vocational nurses appointed to direct patient care positions must be proficient in [both] spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d).

Requirements:

• Graduation from an approved Licensed Practical/Vocational Nursing Program is required.
• Three (3) or more years of nursing experience within inpatient/outpatient, psychiatric/medical clinical areas of service are preferred.
• Knowledge of and experience with psychotropic/medical medications and residents' Self-Medication Administration Procedures.
• Ability to apply nursing standards and practice within the PTSD Recovery/Medical Setting.
• Valid current practical/vocational nursing license from the state or from a nurse compact state, where applicable, and without stipulations.
• Basic Life Support from a hospital-based American Heart Association (AHA) approved program; other certificates as required by unit/Wellness Center.
• CPR training (available upon hire and offered by the facility if needed).
• Experience operating various medical equipment, including but not limited to computers, Vital Signs Monitor, Glucose Monitor devices, and other unit/Wellness Center-specific medical equipment.
• General knowledge of safe medication self-administration.
• Competency in Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Word).
• Obtain First Aid, CPR, and AED Certifications within the first 30 days of employment.
• Working knowledge and professional application of HIPAA and OSHA regulations.
• Commitment to self-care activities encompassing self-preservation of mind, body, soul, and spirit to maintain safety and competence.
• Must consistently maintain confidentiality.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Communication Skills: Above Average Verbal (Heavy Public Contact)
• Fluent in English; writing and speaking highly required.
• Making Rounds or effectively communicating with clients' providers to provide updates on health or treatment outcomes.
• Knowledge of VVC/Telehealth Appointments
• Initial Intake Assessment of all new residents and communicating any concerns that might jeopardize the client’s adherence to Camp Hope policy and procedure and the need to refer the client to another level of care if needed.
• Making appointments; future and tracking clients' appointments.
• Supervise/Observe clients during Self-Medication administration per Wellness Center Policy and procedures.

Physical Requirements:

• Heavy lifting, 50 pounds and over.
• Moderate carrying, 50 pounds and over.
• Walking (1-2 hours), standing (2-6 hours), reaching above shoulder; use of fingers, good dexterity (both hands required)
• Prolonged walking/sitting, prolonged standing; repeated bending.
• Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously
• Near and far vision correctable to 20/20; ability to distinguish basic colors.
• Depth perception, hearing (aid permitted)
• Occasional exposure to air and blood-borne pathogens and may be required to wear specialized personal protective equipment and exposure to outdoor weather conditions.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Compensation: The PTSD Foundation offers the following:

• Salary: $49,920 - $56,160
• Medical, Dental and Vision benefits
• Life Insurance
• Other benefits