City of Austin - JOB DESCRIPTION

Licensed Vocational Nurse

1. Use a systematic approach to provide individualized, goal-directed nursing care using data collection and focused nursing assessments.
2. Provide general nursing care for ill, injured or convalescent and/or handicapped patients in clinics or private homes.
3. Assist in determining the health status and needs of patients based on interpretation of health related data and preventative health practices.
4. Assist in the formulation of goals/outcomes and plan of care in collaboration with the patient, their families and healthcare team members.
5. Implement teaching plan for patients with common health problems and well-defined learning needs.
6. Assist in the evaluation of the patient's responses and outcomes to therapeutic interventions. 
7. Provide direct nursing care to patients seen in the CHC setting.
8. Participate in the identification of patient needs for referral to resources that facilitate the continuity of care.
9. Distribute oral medications and treatments according to accepted standards of care.
10. Accurately and completely report and document status, care rendered, response to care, provider orders, contacts with patient and/or other healthcare providers.
11. Assist with the orientation of new staff.
12. Participate in implementing changes that lead to improvements in the work setting.
13. Report unsafe care environment and equipment.
14. Participate in qualify assurance activities.
15. Assume accountability for own nursing practice.
16. Complete required trainings.
17. Attend mandatory meetings.

• Knowledge of four steps in a systematic process which include assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation
• Knowledge of data collection tools and techniques of assessment of patients including interviewing
• Knowledge of basic characteristics, concepts and processes related to transmission of communicable diseases including individual risk factors and preventative health practices.
• Knowledge of common medical diagnoses, drug and other therapies and treatments
• Knowledge of verbal and non-verbal modes of communication including information technologies
• Knowledge of fundamental principles of disease prevention, health promotion/restoration
• Knowledge of factors contributing to the maintenance or restoration of health
• Knowledge of basic physiological and psychosocial (spiritual, cultural, gender, developmental level, financial) aspects of nursing interventions
• Skill in obtaining patient history using structured assessment tool
• Skill in promoting a safe, effective care environment
• Skill in using basic therapeutic communication skills when interacting with patients
• Skill in recognizing critical changes in a patient's condition and implementing emergency first aid care
• Ability to identify common actual and potential health care needs of patients
• Ability to report and document assessment data
• Ability to implement nursing interventions to promote health and rehabilitation
• Ability to administer medications and treatments and perform procedures safely
• Ability to assist healthcare team members with examinations and routinely performed procedures
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions
• Ability to communicate appropriately with internal and external customers.
• Ability to follow established policies and procedures

• Graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent

• Licensed as a Vocational Nurse in the State of Texas.
• Must have current healthcare provider Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) course completion card and will be required to maintain a current certification during employment.