Full -time (NOC): LVN/LPN

Discovery Mood & Anxiety Program; Orange (CA); On-site; USD 37,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

Discovery Mood & Anxiety Program seeks a compassionate LVN/LPN to deliver patient-centered nursing care within a multidisciplinary behavioral health setting in Orange, CA. You will monitor vital signs, assist with assessments, and safely administer medications under supervision.

The role emphasizes accurate documentation, incident reporting, and collaboration with RNs and physicians to support dropout prevention, recovery, and patient safety. On-site, full-time schedule with shift coverage.

Qualifications

• + Must be a graduate of an approved nursing program with current state licensure.
• + One year experience in mental health, substance use, or eating disorders preferred.
• + Knowledge of medications, indications, dosage ranges, side effects, and toxicity.
• + Current Basic Life Support (CPR and First Aid) certification.
• + Obtain CPI certification within 90 days of hire.
• + Obtain Serv Safe certification within 90 days of hire if applicable.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct nursing care to a diverse behavioral health population in a safe, therapeutic environment.
• Support patient assessments by collecting clinical data within LVN/LPN scope.
• Perform vital signs, basic assessments, and approved procedures to inform care planning.
• Observe, document, and promptly report changes in mental/physical status or safety risks.
• Respond to emergencies and escalate concerns to licensed providers as needed.
• Administer medications as prescribed and document responses within required timelines.
• Maintain accurate MAR and ensure compliance with organizational policies.
• Enter medication orders into EMR accurately and timely.
• Verify and secure medications brought by patients, families, or providers.

Skills

Compassionate care

Vital signs assessment

Medication administration

Team collaboration

Documentation & compliance

Emergency response

Education

Licensed LVN/LPN

Nursing diploma

BLS/CPR certification

CPI certification (within 90 days)

Serv Safe certification (within 90 days)

Tools

EMR / MAR documentation

Job description

Position Summary:

The LVN/LPN provides compassionate, patient-centered nursing care to individuals experiencing addiction, eating disorders, and co-occurring mental health conditions. Working under the supervision of a Registered Nurse or licensed provider, the LVN/LPN supports safe medication administration, monitors patient health status, and contributes to a collaborative, multidisciplinary treatment environment. This role is essential in promoting patient safety, dignity, and recovery across the continuum of care.

Essential Job Functions:

Patient Care & Clinical Support

• Provide direct nursing care to a diverse behavioral health population, fostering a safe, therapeutic, and recovery-oriented environment.
• Support patient assessments by collecting relevant clinical data within LVN/LPN scope of practice.
• Perform vital signs, basic assessments, and approved procedures to monitor patient health and inform care planning.
• Observe, document, and promptly report changes in mental status, physical condition, or safety risks.
• Respond appropriately to emergencies and elevate concerns to licensed providers as needed.

Medication Administration & Management

• Administer medications as prescribed, including PRNs, in accordance with scope of practice and organizational policy.
• Document medication administration, patient response, and effectiveness within required timelines.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date Medication Administration Records (MAR).
• Perform medication counts, reconciliation, and auditing processes to ensure compliance and safety.
• Enter medication orders into the electronic medical record (as directed) with accuracy and timeliness.
• Verify and secure medications brought in by patients, families, or providers in accordance with policy.

Collaboration & Patient Education

• Collaborate with Registered Nurses, physicians, psychiatrists, and interdisciplinary team members to support coordinated care.
• Communicate key updates, including new admissions and changes in patient status, to appropriate team members.
• Reinforce patient education related to medication adherence and safe medication use within LVN/LPN scope.

Documentation & Compliance

• Maintain accurate, timely, and compliant clinical documentation using approved terminology and standards.
• Document incidents, medication errors, and safety concerns in alignment with organizational protocols.
• Adhere to all state, federal, and organizational regulations, including privacy and confidentiality requirements.
• Follow all policies, procedures, and compliance standards, including the Code of Conduct and Corporate Compliance Policy.

Professional Practice

• Deliver care using the nursing process (data collection, planning, implementation, evaluation) under RN or provider supervision.
• Demonstrate professionalism, reliability, and accountability in all aspects of the role.
• Maintain current knowledge of applicable regulations, best practices, and clinical standards.
• Participate in required trainings, competency validations, and ongoing professional development.
• Support program needs and perform additional duties as assigned.

Residential Treatment Only:

• Provides transportation services including patient transportation/supervision, medical appointments, etc. (must be pre-qualified to drive a company vehicle)

Substance and Mental Health Use Disorder Division:

• Monitoring of CIWA/COW scores for patients on detoxification protocols.
• Knowledge of detoxification medication, withdrawal symptoms, and medical complications that can occur in detox.
• Provide assistance to Utilization Review in communicating pertinent nursing information

Eating Disorder Division:

• Sits with patients for a minimum of one meal or snack per week but as needed to cover the program schedule
• Will work during meal periods to provide supervision and support to patients.
• Must refrain from comments and actions that directly contradict the CFD Clinical Model and Dietary CARE model.
• Full adherence to the Center for Discovery policies and procedures.
• Maintains NG Tube and administration of bolus feeds, where applicable

Knowledge, Education, Experience:

• Must be a graduate of an approved nursing program with a current licensure from an appropriate state licensing board in good standing.
• Preferred: Experience as a staff nurse, preferably in the field of chemical dependency and/or behavioral health.
• Knowledge of industry standards: organization, theory, principles, and research processes, accreditation and regulatory standards, ability to assess clinical care requirements based on nursing principles, scope of practice.
• Knowledge of medications, indications, dosage ranges, side effects, and potential toxicity.
• One year experience preferred working in mental health, substance use, or eating disorders field.
• Possess and maintain a current Basic Life Support (CPR and First Aid) certification.
• Obtain CPI certification within 90 days of hire.
• Eating Disorder and Mental Health Division: Obtain Serv Safe certification within 90 days of hire if applicable.

Employment Status: full time
Schedule: Sun-Tues 1900-0730
Work Location: On Site - Orange, CA
Compensation: Pay Range: $27-32hr.