LVN - Nurse

Purpose:

Mary Lee Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing quality care, services, and housing to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). The Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) plays an essential role in promoting the health, safety, independence, and overall well-being of the individuals served. Under the clinical supervision and direction of a Registered Nurse (RN), the LVN provides direct nursing care, performs focused nursing assessments, administers prescribed medications and treatments, monitors health conditions, and assists in implementing individualized nursing care plans. The LVN collaborates with healthcare providers, interdisciplinary team members, and direct support personnel to coordinate medical services, provide health education, and ensure continuity of care. All nursing services are provided in accordance with the Texas Nursing Practice Act, Texas Board of Nursing standards, applicable Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) regulations, the Texas Administrative Code (TAC), and Mary Lee Foundation policies and procedures.
 

Responsibilities: 

• Provides safe, compassionate, and individualized nursing care to clients under the direction and supervision of the Director of Nursing (DON), in accordance with the Texas Nursing Practice Act, Texas Board of Nursing standards, and Mary Lee Foundation policies and procedures.
• Performs focused nursing assessments, monitors clients’ health status, identifies changes in condition, and promptly communicates significant findings or concerns to the Director of Nursing and appropriate healthcare providers.
• Participates in the implementation, monitoring, and modification of individualized nursing care plans in collaboration with the Director of Nursing and interdisciplinary treatment team.
• Assists in coordinating medical services and ongoing healthcare needs, including routine and specialty appointments, laboratory testing, diagnostic procedures, referrals, and follow-up care.
• Participates in client admissions, transitions, hospitalizations, and discharges by assisting with medication reconciliation, collecting relevant medical information, and communicating healthcare needs to the Director of Nursing and treatment team.
• Serves as a liaison between clients, families, guardians, healthcare providers, and interdisciplinary team members to promote continuity of care and timely communication of medical information.
• Administers prescribed medications and treatments in accordance with physician orders, applicable nursing standards, and organizational policies. Monitors therapeutic responses, recognizes potential adverse effects, and reports concerns to the Director of Nursing.
• Assists with medication management, including reviewing medication orders, coordinating prescription refills, communicating with pharmacies, maintaining accurate medication records, and identifying medication discrepancies requiring follow-up.
• Collaborates with the Director of Nursing and other nursing personnel to provide and reinforce medication education appropriate to each client’s individual abilities, including medication purpose, potential side effects, refill procedures, and safe self-administration practices.
• Assists with the preparation and coordination of medical clinics, annual assessments, routine health screenings, and other required healthcare evaluations to ensure timely completion and accurate documentation.
• Provides guidance, instruction, and reinforcement of established healthcare procedures to direct support professionals and other unlicensed personnel, consistent with the LVN’s scope of practice and RN-established care plans and delegation protocols.
• Monitors staff adherence to established medication administration procedures, nursing instructions, and client-specific healthcare protocols. Reports identified concerns, errors, or deviations to the Director of Nursing and appropriate management personnel.
• Assists in coordinating routine care assignments and monitoring assigned tasks performed by unlicensed personnel, as permitted by the Texas Board of Nursing, without independently delegating nursing tasks reserved for an RN.
• Maintains accurate, timely, and complete nursing documentation, including medication administration records, treatment records, nursing notes, changes in client condition, medical appointments, and communication with healthcare providers.
• Promotes a safe, sanitary, and therapeutic environment while identifying potential health and safety risks and implementing appropriate interventions within the LVN’s scope of practice.
• Responds appropriately to medical concerns and emergencies by providing nursing interventions within the LVN’s scope of practice, initiating established emergency protocols, and notifying Director of Nursing and appropriate medical personnel.
• Collaborates with the interdisciplinary treatment team to support individualized healthcare goals, promote client independence, and maintain continuity of care across Mary Lee Foundation programs.
• Adheres to all applicable federal and state regulations, Texas Board of Nursing requirements, and Mary Lee Foundation policies and procedures, including standards established by HHSC and other regulatory agencies.
• Participates in staff meetings, nursing department initiatives, quality improvement activities, and ongoing training to support safe and effective client care.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the supervising RN or designated management personnel, provided such duties remain within the LVN’s legal scope of practice, demonstrated competency, and organizational policies.

Qualifications: 

• Valid Licensed Vocational Nurse license through the Texas Board of Nursing Maintains an active Texas LVN license, required certifications, and compliance with continuing nursing education requirements.
• Nursing skills as defined as generally accepted standards of practice
• Valid CPR certification or ability to obtain one within the first 30 days of hire
• Strong interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality
• Strong organizational skills, ability to prioritize, and high attention to detail

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel classified in this position.