Under direction of the Program Manager of Crisis Residential within federal, state and local guidelines performs entry-level vocational nursing work. Work involves providing for the care, treatment, and general welfare of clients of the crisis residential unity.

The medical professional will provide nursing services to the clients of the crisis residential services. These services include, but are not limited to, functioning as a member of the Interdisciplinary Team, providing direct nursing services at crisis residential unit. The medical professional will have a thorough knowledge of the applicable standards of care for the mental health programs. All client and program needs will be communicated to the RN or designee. The medical professional is to maintain ethical standards of nursing and consumer confidentiality at all times. Works under moderate supervision, with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Education, Training and Experience (including licensure and certification)

High School diploma or equivalent, current LVN license with the Texas Board of Nurse Examiners. Six months to one year of experience with persons with mental illness is required. This experience may have been obtained while working with individuals that have a mental illness in a venue other than a mental health facility. Prefer experience in experience with individuals that have a dual diagnosis of mental illness and substance abuse.

REGISTRATION, CERTIFICATION, LICENSURE OR OTHER QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must be licensed as a licensed vocational nurse by the State of Texas or in another state that recognizes reciprocity through the Nurse Licensure Compact.

• All job specific training must be completed within 30 days of hire.
• Must maintain a valid Texas driver's license, auto liability insurance and a driving record acceptable to the Centers insurance requirements.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of nursing procedures and techniques and of the principles and processes used in providing appropriate individual care.
• Skill in using reasoning to identify problems, in considering appropriate resolution of situations, and in the operation of computers and applicable computer software.
• Ability to provide individual medical care, to prepare and maintain records, to communicate effectively, and to train others.

Essential Duties include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

1. Provides direct mental health nursing care to CRU individuals served under the LVN role as follows:
2. Review lab results and follow Abnormal Lab Procedure
3. Orders medication for individuals as ordered by the physician.
4. Monitors medication compliance and adherence to treatment.
5. Administers medications as ordered by physician.
6. Refers individuals s for medical services on an "as needed" basis.
7. Collects pertinent data related to individuals care by doing focused mental and physical assessments and notifies the RN to obtain further assignments regarding said individual's care.

1. Completes all documentation.
2. Complete all documentation in an accurate and timely fashion within 24 hours of services received.
3. Ensures all documentation is completed and filed in accordance with DCMHMR and DSHS policy and procedure as well as follows TAC requirements.
4. Records all vital signs and laboratory results at time of service.

1. Practices communicable disease control.
2. Knows and practices universal precautions following the DCMHMR Infection Control Policy
3. Identifies and assesses individuals with communicable disease and reports to the physician and appropriate medical authorities.
4. Knows and utilizes infection control policy and procedures for DCMHMR.
5. Notifies Infection Control Nurse or designee of suspected and/or confirmed cases of communicable diseases.
6. Records individuals' symptoms, complaints, and/or problems during nursing appointment and medication education. Documents individuals' understanding of education and expected outcome.
7. Answers other state agency requests in a timely fashion and without breaking the individual's confidentiality.
8. Completes incident reports within 24 hours of occurrence.
9. Ensures release of information is signed prior to answering correspondence to community agencies.

1. Attends all scheduled CRU team meetings and training sessions that are required for the position.
2. Works cohesively with every member of the CRU Team to ensure maximum individuals served benefit.

1. Respond to other duty assignments in a timely fashion and without complaint. Will adhere to the policy and procedures of DCMHMR.

1. Complete Food Handlers training and ensure it is up to date. Prepare, prep and/or monitor meals as assigned.