Licensed Practical Nurse

Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services; Virginia (MN); On-site; USD 55,519 - 76,505; Full time

Job summary

Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services in Virginia is seeking a Licensed Practical Nurse for Catawba Hospital. Responsibilities include data collection for care plans, administering medications, and delivering age-specific patient care in a behavioral health setting.

The role requires an active LPN license and emphasizes accurate record-keeping, adherence to treatment plans, and collaborative nursing support.

Qualifications

• Must have a valid LPN license issued by the Virginia Department of Health Professions Board of Nursing.
• Clinical knowledge of practical nursing, medication administration, psychiatric disorders, and developmental processes.
• Ability to implement planned nursing care and provide guidance to other staff.

Responsibilities

• Collects and reports data for patient care plans.
• Delivers patient care age-specifically for assigned patients.
• Transcribes and administers medications and treatments and evaluates patient response.
• Observes and reports adverse drug reactions in a timely manner.
• Assists patients with activities of daily living (ADL).
• Maintains accurate medical records and participates in behavioral guidelines.

Skills

Clinical nursing knowledge

Medication administration

Psychiatric care

Developmental care

Education

LPN license

Job description

Title: Licensed Practical Nurse

State Role Title: Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses

Hiring Range: $55,439 - $76,505

Pay Band: 3

Agency: Dept Behavioral Health/Develop

Location: Catawba Hospital

Agency Website: https://dbhds.virginia.gov/facilities/catawba/

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

Collects and reports data for the development of patient plan of care to the Registered Nurse.

• Completes documentation in the medical record.
• Delivers patient care that is age-specific for assigned patients.
• Follows Physician’s Orders and Treatment Plans.
• Transcribes and administers medication and treatments and evaluates patient response as defined in policy and procedure.
• Observes and reports medication events in a timely, accurate manner (Adverse Drug Reaction and medication variances).
• Assists patient with activities of daily living (ADL) within the guidelines of policies and procedures.
Identifies and reports patient behavioral and physical change in a timely and accurate manner.
• Provides education to patients and families with appropriate documentation in the medical record.
• Keeps accurate and timely records for the development of behavioral interventions.
• Actively participates in the implementation of behavioral guidelines.
• Performs assignments utilizing principles of Recovery Model.

Operational Responsibility

• Initiates and participates in activities that improve patient care and implements changes as directed.
• Assists Registered Nurse with implementation of unit milieu.
• Assists Registered Nurse to supervise Nursing Assistants and Patient Care Assistants in-patient care delivery and interventions with written documentation.
• Identifies need for and maintains a safe and therapeutic environment for patients.
• Assists in on-unit education and development of staff.

Education and Skill Development

• Attends all mandatory in-services.
• Completes 12 hours of training to meet training needs and developmental plan.
• Shares information from committees, workgroups, PI Teams and in-services.

Minimum Qualifications

Must have a valid LPN license issued by the Virginia Department of Health Professions Board of Nursing. LPN-As are encouraged to apply.

Clinical knowledge of principles and practices of practical nursing, medication administration, psychiatric disorders, and developmental processes. Ability to implement planned nursing care and provides guidance to other staff. Demonstrate competence as defined on Competency Assessment.

Additional Considerations

• Mental health and/or long-term care experience is preferred.

Background Investigation

All applicants are subject to an extensive background investigation and a pre-employment drug screening. This investigation may include fingerprint checks (State Police, FBI), local agency checks, Department of Social Services/Child Protective Services checks, employment verification, and verification of education relevant to the position.

Under Virginia Code

• 37.2-314 and 37.2-408.1, the Department of Behavioral Health & Developmental Services (DBHDS) cannot employ or utilize as volunteers, individuals convicted of specific ("barrier") crimes or those with pending "barrier" charges.

Reasonable Accommodations

Reasonable accommodations are available to individuals with disabilities during the application and/or interview process in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require assistance or accommodation, please notify Human Resources at during business hours (8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.).

Equal Opportunity

The Commonwealth of Virginia is committed to conducting all aspects of human resource management without regard to race (or traits historically associated with race, including hair texture, hair type, and protective hairstyles such as braids, locks, and twists), sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, veteran status, political affiliation, disability, genetic information, and pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions.* There shall be no retaliation against anyone making allegations of violations of this policy.

Veteran Preference

DBHDS is a Virginia Values Veterans (V3) certified employer and provides hiring preference to qualified veterans and service members. We highly encourage veterans, active members of the Virginia National Guard, and U.S. Military Reserve members to apply and respond accordingly on the state application.

Benefits

DBHDS offers a comprehensive benefits package, including your choice of health plans, paid life insurance, retirement plans, 14 paid holidays in 2026, annual leave, family personal leave, sick leave, employee discount programs, and more!

Inclusion Statement

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note

Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.