Psych Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) - Corrections West Tower (Part-Time) Nights
Dallas, TX, US
Interested in a career with both meaning and growth? Whether your abilities are in direct patient care or one of the many other areas of healthcare administration and support, everyone at Parkland works together to fulfill our mission: the health and well-being of individuals and communities entrusted to our care. By joining Parkland, you become part of a diverse healthcare legacy that’s served our community for more than 125 years. Put your skills to work with us, seek opportunities to learn and join a talented team where patient care is more than a job. It’s our passion.
This position will be based at the Lew Sterrett Justice Center with the shift of 6 PM - 6:30 AM.
Primary Purpose
Responsible for providing total nursing care for assigned patients, under the guidance of a Registered Nurse, in order to ensure quality care.
Minimum Specifications
Education
Must be a graduate of an accredited school of vocational nursing and/or licensed by the Texas Board of Nursing as a Licensed Vocational Nurse, or have a valid Compact LVN License.Experience
NoneEquivalent Education and/or Experience
NoneCertification/Registration/Licensure
- Must have a current, valid LVN license or temporary LVN license from the Texas Board of Nursing; or, a valid Compact LVN license.
- Must have a current healthcare provider CPR course completion card from one of the following:
- American Heart Association
- American Red Cross
- Military Training Network.
Skills or Special Abilities
- Provides care to the assigned patient population in accordance with the current State of Texas Nurse Practice Act, established protocols, multidisciplinary plan of care, and clinical area-specific standards.
- Must be able to communicate effectively with all levels of staff, management, patient, and families.
- Must be able to demonstrate patient centered/patient-valued behaviors.
- Must be able to demonstrate knowledge of appropriate nursing skills.
Responsibilities
- Screens and prioritizes patients with regard to medical problems, ensuring that appropriate treatment is delivered in a timely manner per physician orders and established policies and procedures.
- Assists with inpatient/clinic coordination and flow of patients to include patient treatments as directed by physician and nursing/medical staff, and/or discharge activities.
- Maintains and implements knowledge of all the rules, regulations, policies, procedures, guidelines, laws, and Joint Commission standards that impact and govern nursing processes and ensures that their work practices are in compliance.
- Identifies and meets educational needs of patients and families by communicating and distributing appropriate information as needed. Reinforces patient/family education teaching that was initiated by RN or NP. May participate in community outreach activities (such as health fairs, community collaborations or outreach clinics) as assigned.
- Assists with precepting (training, motivating, and supervising) new employees and students as directed by supervisor.
- Completes appropriate written and computer documentation according to established procedures and guidelines.
- Consults with other team members as required and provides nursing care which demonstrates patient centered/patient valued care while anticipating and accommodating patients, families, physicians, and other system staff to ensure the workflow is coordinated and patients receive timely and appropriate treatment.
- Ensures that appropriate supplies are available for individual patient care by gathering all necessary items together in advance. May assist with ordering and stocking supplies as needed.
- Responsible for cleaning and sterilizing both patient areas and medical instruments to ensure an appropriate healthcare environment.
- Identifies ways to improve work processes and improve internal and external customer satisfaction. May assist with developing annual goals and objectives for the nursing area that support the mission and objectives. Makes recommendations to supervisor, implements and monitors results as appropriate in support of the overall goals, objectives and mission of Parkland.
- Stays abreast of the latest developments, advancements, and trends in the field of nursing by attending seminars/workshops, reading professional journals, and maintaining LVN licensure. Integrates knowledge gained into current work practices.
- Sets up patient appointments and referrals for further testing and follow-up care as needed.
- Assists in transporting patients as needed.
Parkland Health and Hospital System prohibits discrimination based on age (40 or over), race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, disability, national origin, marital status, political belief, or veteran status. As part of our commitment to our patients and employees’ wellness, Parkland Health is a tobacco and smoke-free campus.
Nearest Major Market:DallasNearest Secondary Market:Fort WorthJob Segment:LVN, Nursing, Patient Care, Registered Nurse, Healthcare Administration, Healthcare
Freqently Asked Questions
In Dallas correctional settings, a Psych Licensed Vocational Nurse focuses on mental health care tailored for incarcerated individuals. Unlike general nursing roles, this position requires managing psychiatric symptoms within secure environments, collaborating closely with RNs and mental health professionals, and adhering to strict safety protocols unique to correctional healthcare.
Psych Licensed Vocational Nurses in Texas can progress by gaining experience in psychiatric care and pursuing further certifications or RN licensure. Opportunities include specializing in mental health units, taking on supervisory roles, or transitioning into nurse practitioner programs focusing on psychiatric mental health to enhance clinical responsibilities.
Night shifts in correctional healthcare demand strong observational skills, crisis intervention capabilities, and clear communication with multi-disciplinary teams. Psych LVNs must also be adept at managing patient safety during vulnerable hours and maintaining detailed documentation to support continuity of care in a secure environment.
Parkland Careers encourages ongoing professional development by facilitating access to workshops, seminars, and resources necessary for maintaining LVN licensure and CPR certifications. This support ensures nurses remain compliant with Texas Board of Nursing standards and are equipped with the latest mental health nursing practices.
Working at Lew Sterrett Justice Center involves navigating correctional healthcare's complexities, including managing patients with serious psychiatric conditions in a secure setting. Challenges include balancing patient privacy with security protocols, handling emergencies during overnight shifts, and adapting to the facility’s fast-paced, multidisciplinary environment.
Dallas has seen an increasing need for Psych LVNs due to rising awareness of mental health in correctional populations. This trend is driven by expanded healthcare services in jails and prisons, emphasizing psychiatric care, which creates more openings for LVNs specialized in psych nursing within local justice facilities.
Psych Licensed Vocational Nurses in Dallas typically earn between $45,000 and $55,000 annually, depending on experience and shift differentials. Night shifts at correctional facilities, such as Parkland, may offer additional compensation reflecting the specialized skills and demanding work hours involved.
At Parkland Careers, Psych Licensed Vocational Nurses are trained to prioritize empathetic, patient-valued care despite the constraints of correctional environments. This includes respecting patient dignity, fostering therapeutic communication, and collaborating with healthcare teams to ensure comprehensive mental health support.
Parkland’s Psych LVN role involves care within a correctional justice center, emphasizing security, legal compliance, and managing a unique patient demographic. In contrast, private clinics typically focus on outpatient care with more flexibility and fewer safety restrictions, altering daily routines and patient interaction dynamics.
Parkland Careers requires Psych LVNs to hold current CPR certification from recognized providers such as the American Heart Association or American Red Cross. This ensures readiness for emergencies, aligning with Texas Board of Nursing mandates and the specialized demands of psychiatric nursing in correctional settings.
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