The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD ("The HARRIS CENTER") is looking for a Licensed Vocational Nurse to join our team. The LVN will practice under the direction/supervision of a Registered Nurse/Physician. The LVN will assist in the determination of predictable healthcare needs of consumers, will perform nursing services as assigned and within the scope of practice for the Licensed Vocational Nurse under the Texas Nurse Practice Act. Duties will be assigned based on level of training, education, experience and licensure.

Your role in Action:

• Utilizes a four step systematic process (nursing process) to deliver consumer services. This process includes assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation.
• 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 consumer assignments. Performs diagnostic tests, administers medications, sets up equipment and applies therapeutic treatments.
• Documents relevant information regarding nursing care in consumer records, charts and reports. Documents observations of consumer signs, symptoms, test results, behaviors and response to medications and treatments. Complies with established Agency policies and procedures and accrediting/regulatory bodies and performance contract requirements for documentation
• Informs, explains and educates consumers and family members regarding medications, relevant treatment information, and disease processes. Provides pertinent health information at an appropriate level and includes meaningful literature to support understanding.
• Provides nursing care with a focus on consumer, environmental and technical safety.
• Assigns specific tasks, activities and functions and maintain appropriate supervision of other LVN's and unlicensed personnel in structured health care settings for consumers with predictable health care needs in accordance with program design and structure.
• Demonstrates behaviors that promote development of positive outcomes in relation to the practice of vocational nursing.
• Utilizes a problem-solving approach as the basis for decision making in practice, including reporting relevant information to supervising Registered Nurse or Physician.
• Provides health education, disease process and medication information regarding consumer health care needs to non-licensed staff.
• Provides ethical nursing care in a confidential, caring, non-judgmental, non-discriminatory manner.
• Performs related work as assigned. Adapts to changing work requirements.
• Complies with agency policies and procedures accrediting/regulatory bodies and performance contract documentation requirements.

What qualifications you will need:

• Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) from one year College
• 1 year (12 months) of licensed nursing experience (not including clinical hours required for education) preferred.
• Mental health/ behavioral health/ mental retardation experience preferred.
• Knowledge of Texas Board of Nurse Examiners Nurse Practice Act and nursing care standards of practice.
• Knowledge of applicable pharmacy rules and regulations.
• Knowledge of and ability to apply crisis intervention techniques.
• Understanding of Standard Precautions and infection control procedures for dealing with sharp instruments, needles, blood and body fluids.
• Understanding of good body mechanics to avoid injury.
• Effective communication skills (verbal and written).
• Effective data collection skills.
• Positive interpersonal skills.
• Good organizational skills with the ability to prioritize.
• Demonstrates initiative and self-direction.
• Able to coordinate well with others and work effectively as a team member.
• Able to use all related medical equipment, machines, monitors and computer applications.
• Demonstrates strong time management skills.
• Able to complete task and assignments independently.
• Demonstrates clinically sound decision making.

What we have to offer:

The HARRIS CENTER offers competitive salary, excellent benefits package, retirement plans with company matching, prior service credit towards generous PTO accrual, outstanding wellness programs and professional development.

Employees can also take advantage of business casual dress code, corporate discounts, and gym memberships. New hire referral bonus, discounts are also available on an optional basis. These include mobile phone service, fitness centers and other wellness amenities.

What else you should know:

This posting is associated with position #9643 and 9645

About us:

The HARRIS CENTER is the state-designated Local Mental Health Authority and Local Intellectual and Developmental Disability (IDD) Authority serving Harris County, Texas. As the largest behavioral and developmental disability care center in Texas, The HARRIS CENTER provided care to over 79,000 people in fiscal year 2019 and has an annual budget of over $275 million.

As part of its mission to transform the lives of people with behavioral health and IDD needs in the third largest county in the United States, The HARRIS CENTER provides a full continuum of services at 86 different sites across Harris County. In addition, services are provided in more than 42 different languages as well as sign language in order to better serve what is one of the most diverse and multi-cultural communities in the nation.

By utilizing the unique expertise of its more than 2,300 employees, The HARRIS CENTER is committed to meeting the behavioral health and IDD needs of Harris County residents and giving them hope to live to their fullest potential.