Licensed Vocational Nurse

Job Description

Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) – Inpatient

Department: Inpatient

Schedule: Start date-TBD

12-hour shifts

• NOC: 7:00 PM – 7:30 AM
  
  

Position Summary

Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) at Ocean View Psychiatric Health Facility play a vital role in delivering high-quality care to adult patients in an acute inpatient psychiatric setting. Under the supervision of the Director of Nursing and direct oversight of the Charge RN, LVNs provide essential nursing services in accordance with clinical protocols, safety standards, and regulatory requirements.

LVNs may function as medication nurses or floor nurses, with responsibilities including medication administration, monitoring for adverse reactions, assisting with admissions and discharges, and maintaining timely and accurate documentation. This role also involves active participation in treatment team meetings and the development of individualized care plans. A strong commitment to patient safety, professional communication, and collaborative teamwork is essential to success in this position.

Key Responsibilities

• Administer medications accurately and maintain medication room/cart per clinical best practices and regulations
• Monitor patients for adverse drug reactions; report observations to physicians, pharmacists, and charge nurses
• Perform nursing activities as assigned within scope of practice and under RN supervision
• Assist with patient admissions and discharges
• Complete and maintain thorough documentation in the medical record within established timeframes
• Participate actively in treatment team meetings
• Knowledge of medication side effects, normal dosages, and contraindications for all administered medications
• Perform clinical procedures as directed by physicians
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduate of an accredited Licensed Vocational Nursing (LVN) program
• Active and unrestricted LVN license issued by the State of California
• Ability to pass a facility-administered medication test during orientation and prior to independently administering medications
• Demonstrated competency in behavioral health nursing and patient care techniques
• Ability to provide safe, effective care to adult psychiatric patients in an inpatient setting
• Understanding of psychiatric regulations, HIPAA, patient rights, and applicable accreditation standards (e.g., The Joint Commission, Title 22)
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience in a behavioral health, healthcare, or hospital setting (role-specific equivalent acceptable)
• Demonstrated ability to remain calm, composed, and effective in high-stress or crisis situations
• Strong teamwork and collaboration skills across disciplines and departments.
• Demonstrated sound professional judgment; clinical judgment where applicable to licensure/role
• Proficiency in the use of computers and standard keyboard functions for data entry and electronic documentation
• Effective verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to read, write, and communicate fluently in English
• Current CPR, BLS, and First Aid certification, or ability to obtain within 90 days of employment
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate degree in nursing, behavioral health, or a related field preferred
• Current phlebotomy certification
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in a behavioral health, healthcare, or related human-services setting (role-specific equivalent acceptable)
• Prior experience using Electronic Health Records (EHR) systems for documentation and coordination of care
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Teams) and/or cloud-based communication platforms (e.g., Slack, Zoom)
• Bilingual in English and Spanish, or other languages commonly spoken by the patient population
• Crisis prevention/intervention training (e.g., HWC, CPI, PMAB) or de-escalation certification
• Familiarity with trauma-informed care principles and culturally responsive practices
• Leadership experience or demonstrated capacity to mentor others (if applicable to the role)
  
  

Benefits

• $2.00/hour shift differential for eligible NOC (overnight) shifts
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance for qualifying employees
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with employer contribution options
• Supportive, team-oriented work environment
• Opportunities for professional growth, training, and advancement within the organization
  
  

Physical & Mental Requirements

• Independent body mobility to frequently stand, walk long distance corridors, descend and the ability to bend, stoop and sit for a prolonged time.
• May require significant strength and alertness in a crisis to apply non-violent crisis intervention to containment techniques, or to provide CPR.
• Ability to lift and carry objects weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to safely assist with the physical management, lifting, or repositioning of adult patients, including those who may be physically resistive or assaultive, potentially weighing 100 pounds or more, in accordance with facility safety protocols and training.
• Manual dexterity to reach, grasp, manipulate small objects, and precision instruments to give injections, take pulse and blood pressure; manual dexterity to hand write or use computer keyboard; sufficient vision to read gauges, thermometers, calibrated measuring instruments, labels on medications, and a computer screen; hear and speak well enough to communicate with patients at normal conversation level in person and over the phone.
• May require fit testing for N95 respirator/facemask.
• Demonstrated ability to remain calm, composed, and effective in high-stress or crisis situations.
• Strong teamwork and collaboration skills across disciplines and departments Demonstrated sound professional judgment; clinical judgment where applicable to licensure/role.
  
  

Environmental Requirements

Depending on assignment of position may be required to work in a locked unit with juveniles, formerly incarcerated, and individuals assigned to guardianship who have complex social, and psycho-social needs; may be assigned to evening or night shift, assigned to work weekends, and to work holidays as needed as Ocean View is a 24-hour, 7 day a week facility and coverage is essential; environment can be noisy and sporadically chaotic, and may be exposed to hostile patients and profanity.

Special Conditions

• Employment is contingent upon successful completion of Live Scan fingerprinting, background check clearance, and verification of required licenses, certifications, and education
• Satisfactory completion of professional reference checks
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States; Ocean View does not provide visa sponsorship for certain roles unless otherwise specified.
• Compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations, including California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS), The Joint Commission, and HIPAA standards
• Compliance with all required health screenings and immunizations in accordance with regulatory guidelines and facility policy, which may include tuberculosis (TB) testing, N95 fit testing, annual trainings, and proof of vaccination for certain communicable diseases
• Availability to work evenings, weekends, holidays, or variable shifts as needed, based on operational or patient care needs.
• Demonstrate understanding and be compliant with Patients' Rights, LPS Statutes, and Seclusion and Restraint Protocols.