The Licensed Vocational Nurse/Licensed Psych Tech is responsible for providing patient care to individuals with physical, behavioral and/or emotional conditions in an assigned psychiatry unit, by carrying out individualized treatment plans that have been established for each patient. Administers oral and injectable medications. Will monitor patients’ physical and emotional well-being and report to registered nurse and medical staff. Will participate in rehabilitation and treatment programs and assist with personal hygiene. Develops and leads individual and group educational sessions as part of specific therapeutic goals. Encourages patients to participate in social, recreational, and other therapeutic activities that enhance interpersonal skills and develop social relationships. Conducts effective patient/family teaching.
Located in the heart of the San Fernando Valley, Van Nuys Behavioral Health (also known as Southern California Hospital at Van Nuys) is a 57-bed psychiatric hospital that provides acute inpatient and outpatient mental health services on a voluntary basis to adults. As an acute inpatient and outpatient psychiatric facility, Southern California Hospital at Van Nuys provides services designed to help a patient’s psychological well-being. These services include round-the-clock nursing care, daily medical management by internists and psychiatrists, as well as daily group therapy led by social service staff and recreation therapy staff.
- Under RN supervision, provides care to patients in a behavioral health crisis and/or medical patients, including assistance with personal hygiene, medical health crisis, medication administration, and maintaining a safe and clean environment. Takes and records measures of patient’s general physical condition, vitals, etc. Performs specimen collection. Administers patient treatments or procedures in a safe, effective and age-appropriate manner, and in compliance with all policies/regulations. Accurately evaluates and documents the patient/family response to care.
- Collaborates with members of the health care team to develop treatment plans and objectives for patients. Will appropriately document, intervene, advocate and evaluate patients and appropriately maintain patient records/charts/documents in an accurate and thorough manner. Ensures Infection Control procedures and HIPAA compliance.
- Observes patients’ physical condition and behavior, including one-on-one observation for at-risk patients. Recognizes adverse psychological reactions to care and reports significant changes. Provides proactive interventions and therapeutic communication.
- Restrains violent, potentially violent, or suicidal patients by verbal, and physical means as required and in accordance with established policy.
- Conducts effective patient & family teaching in a timely manner and provides appropriate resources. Documents education in accordance with established procedures.
Minimum Education: Graduate of an Accredited School of Vocational Nursing or Psychiatric Tech required.
Minimum Experience: Ability to read, write and communicate effectively in English. Ability to work variable shifts including evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays. Ability to maintain flexibility and composure in a constantly changing environment. Recent behavioral health experience in an Acute Psychiatric setting preferred. Bilingual skills to communicate effectively with patients and families preferred.
Req. Certification/Licensure: Current Licensure as a Vocational Nurse or Psychiatric Tech in the State of California required. AHA Basic Life Support required. Current Management of Assaultive Behavior Certification required. Hospital Fire and Life Safety Card (Los Angeles City Employees only) required. De-escalation certification upon hire; Upon recertification, SAMA Certification required. SAMA Certification upon hire preferred.