What are the responsibilities and job description for the Licensed Vocational Nurse - Full Time position at Harris County?
About the Division:
The Health Services division of the HCJPD is responsible for the medical, psychological, and treatment programs within the agency. The services operated within this division include the medical staff that assess and treat youth in the detention center and post-adjudicated facilities. In addition, the division has mental health therapists who provide crisis counseling, and individual, group and family therapy to youth both in the detention center and under community supervision. Lastly, the Health Services division oversees the four specialty courts that operate within the agency to help address some of the underlying factors that may be impacting a youth’s functioning.
About the Position:
This position provide safe and effective medical care for all youth in custody. The LVN will practice under the direction/supervision of a Registered Nurse/Physician, providing support to the overall functioning of the medical department. The LVN will assist in the determination of predictable health care needs of youth in custody, by utilizing the Nursing Process which includes assessment, planning, intervention and evaluation of care. This individual will operate in accordance with the Nurse Practice Act, agency policies, procedures, standing orders, physician orders and the overall treatment plan. Specific duties will be assigned based on level of training, education, experience and licensure.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Provide nursing care with a focus on resident's needs, environmental and technical safety; utilizing a four step systemic process (Nursing Process) to deliver patient care. This includes assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation. Utilizes a problem solving approach as the basis for decision making in practice, including reporting relevant information to supervising Registered Nurse and/or Physician.
- Performs technical nursing skills, within the scope of practice for a LVN, and in accordance with agency policies and procedures for individual and/or multiple resident assignments. Performs diagnostic tests, administers medications, sets up equipment and applies therapeutic treatments.
- Documents relevant information regarding nursing care in patient records, charts and reports. Documents observations of residents signs, symptoms, test results, behaviors, and response to medications and treatments.
- Informs, explains and educates residents and family members/guardians regarding medications, relevant treatment information, and disease process. Provides pertinent health information, at an appropriate level, and includes meaningful literature to support understanding.
- Demonstrates behaviors that promote development of positive outcomes in relation to the practice of vocational nursing, and provides ethical nursing care in a confidential, caring, non-judgmental, non-discriminatory manner.
- Assigns specific tasks, activities and functions and maintains appropriate supervision of unlicensed personnel in a structured health care setting for residents with predictable health care needs in accordance with program design and structure.
Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer
https://hrrm.harriscountytx.gov/Pages/EqualEmploymentOpportunityPlan.aspx
If you need special services or accommodations, please call (713) 274-5445 or email ADACoordinator@bmd.hctx.net
Experience:
- Minimum of two (2) years of licensed nursing experience. (not including clinical hours required for education)
Licensure and Certification:
- Licensed by the Texas Board of Nurse Examiners.
- Current CPR certification.
- Knowledge of scope and standards of vocational nursing practice where applicable.
- Knowledge of Texas Board of Nurse Examiners Nurse Practice Act and nursing care standards of practice.
- Knowledge of applicable pharmacy rules and regulations.
- Understanding of Standard/Universal Precautions and infection control procedures for dealing with sharp instruments, blood and body fluids and communicable diseases.
- Knowledge and understanding of indications for treatments rendered including medications and the expected outcome, possible side effects and how to identify adverse reactions.
- Understanding of departmental and Agency Policies and Procedures including Standing Orders for care.
- Comprehension of how to use proper body mechanics to avoid injury to self, peers or residents.
- Maintains current licensure and continuing education requirements as established by the Texas Board of Nurse Examiners.
- Abides by Texas Board of Nurses Professional Conduct rules.
- Demonstrates and follows the Nurse Practice Act
- Abides by Harris County Code of Ethics.
- Demonstrates positive interpersonal skills.
- Maintains patient confidentiality, without breaching regulations/guidelines/laws pertaining to the sharing of protected health information.
Additional Requirements:
- Upon receiving a conditional job offer, every applicant undergoes a criminal background check and drug screening.
- Employees who hold this position are required to possess and maintain a valid Texas Driver's license. Employee must maintain liability insurance in at least the minimum amounts required by law.
- Certified copies of transcripts of educational credentials and/or college credits will be required during hiring process.
- All applicants are required to present evidence of a tuberculosis (TB) skin test. In the event of a positive test, the applicant will be required to provide additional documentation.
- Every employee is subject to random testing for drug and alcohol or if there is a reasonable suspicion to believe that the employee is under the influence of a substance prohibited by this policy while in the course and scope of employment.
- If public emergency is declared by county, staff could be assigned to other duties and/or facilities and/or under the supervision of another county department.
- Must be at least 21 years old.
- This position involves working with challenging youth where use of crisis intervention and de-escalation strategies may be necessary to ensure the safety of both youth and staff.
NOTE: Qualifying education, experience, knowledge and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. "See Resume" will not be accepted for qualifications.
- Minimum of at least one (1) year of working with adolescents and/or correctional care nursing experience.
About Harris County Juvenile Probation (HCJPD)
The Harris County Juvenile Probation Department (HCJPD) is committed to the protection of the public utilizing intervention strategies that are community-based, family-oriented, and least restrictive while emphasizing responsibility and accountability of both parent and child. HCJPD provides supervision and services to youth between the ages of 10 and 17, who are under the jurisdiction of the Juvenile Court. HCJPD is the largest juvenile probation department in Texas with approximately 1,100 employees and over 3,500 youth referred to the department annually.
Make an Impact: Working for HCJPD gives you the opportunity to continue to serve your community and be a positive role model for young people. Our pace of work enables fast learning and fosters an environment where you can make a positive impact.
Professional Growth: We are committed to growing the capabilities of our staff. We are building a learning community where you can work with diverse individuals, explore new ways of thinking, and expand your capabilities. Our employees are Juvenile Justice Practitioners who share their knowledge to enhance each other’s growth.
Harris County Juvenile Probation Department - Be an Agent of Change:
Position Type and Typical Hours of Work:
Regular Full-Time | This is considered an essential staff position.
Shifts - Day, Evening, Nights, Weekend
- Hours will be discussed during departmental interview
Salary:
$68,848.00 - $83,886.40 Annually
- Depends on Qualifications
- This position required occasionally exerting up to 50 pounds of force and/or up to 20 pounds frequently, and/or 10 pounds of force consistently to move objects. It is a secure residential facility that provides care for youth who live on-site.
Location:
- HCLA (9120 Katy Hockley Rd. Katy, TX 77493)
- JDC (1200 Congress, Houston, TX 77002)
Employment is contingent upon passing a background check and drug screen.
Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.
Salary : $68,848 - $83,886
