Licensed Vocational Nurse II

Texas Health and Human Services; Big Spring (TX); On-site; USD 609,068 - 792,962; Full time

Job summary

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission, Big Spring State Hospital, is seeking a Licensed Vocational Nurse II to provide complex nursing care to individuals with mental health and medical needs. You will perform basic and complex nursing tasks, administer medications, and support interdisciplinary care under RN supervision.

Ideal candidates hold an LVN license in Texas, with 6+ months of LVN experience, and a willingness to work flexible shifts including nights and weekends.

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited LVN program.
• Minimum six months’ experience as an LVN; twelve months preferred.
• Six months of experience working with persons with mental illness preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provides highly complex vocational nursing work to patients with complex mental health, behavioral and medical diagnoses.
• Administers medications and treatments orally, rectally, internally, or by injection.
• Collects specimens for laboratory work and performs health screenings.
• Instructs psychiatric nursing assistants and other staff on how to provide service and care that support the individual’s needs.
• Performs technical nursing procedures such as wound care, breathing treatments, and other procedures in accordance with state regulations.
• Monitors individuals’ weight, diet, meals, vital signs and overall health status after medication administration.
• Documents and reports treatment and observations in the electronic health record or paper chart accurately and timely.
• Fosters interdisciplinary collaboration and communication among the care team.
• Provides training and mentorship to new LVN staff and psychiatric nursing assistants.
• Assists with infection control, quality assurance, and therapeutic nursing programs.
• Responds to emergency situations and follows hospital safety and infection control procedures.
• Participates in disaster response, recovery, or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation when required.

Skills

Nursing care standards

CPR & emergency procedures

Electronic health records

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Education

LVN diploma

Tools

Health record systems

Job description

Date: Jul 15, 2026

Location: BIG SPRING, TX

Job Title: Licensed Vocational Nurse II
Agency: Health & Human Services Commission
Department: Administrative AcuteCare Psych Nursing
Posting Number: 18989
Closing Date: 10/13/2026

Compensation: $4,548.00 - $5,921.16 per month (Monthly Pay)

Shift: Regular Night and Weekend; Additional shift options: Days, Evenings, Nights, Weekends

Telework: Not Eligible

Travel: Up to 5%

Employment Type: Regular, Full Time, Non‑Exempt

Job Overview

Licensed Vocational Nurse II at Big Spring State Hospital. Provides complex vocational nursing care to individuals with mental health, behavioral, and medical diagnoses. Performs basic and complex nursing tasks, collects specimens, administers medications, instructs staff, and supports interdisciplinary care. Works under RN supervision with opportunity for overtime and shift variations.

Essential Job Functions

• Provides highly complex vocational nursing work to patients with complex mental health, behavioral and medical diagnoses.
• Administers medications and treatments orally, rectally, internally, or by injection.
• Collects specimens for laboratory work and performs health screenings.
• Instructs psychiatric nursing assistants and other staff on how to provide service and care that support the individual’s needs.
• Performs technical nursing procedures such as wound care, breathing treatments, and other procedures in accordance with state regulations.
• Monitors individuals’ weight, diet, meals, vital signs and overall health status after medication administration.
• Documents and reports treatment and observations in the electronic health record or paper chart accurately and timely.
• Fosters interdisciplinary collaboration and communication among the care team.
• Provides training and mentorship to new LVN staff and psychiatric nursing assistants.
• Assists with infection control, quality assurance, and therapeutic nursing programs.
• Responds to emergency situations and follows hospital safety and infection control procedures.
• Participates in disaster response, recovery, or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation when required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of nursing care standards, procedures, and patient care principles.
• Knowledge of emergency procedures and equipment, including CPR.
• Reasoning skills to identify problems and consider appropriate resolutions.
• Computer skills for operating health record systems.
• Ability to provide patient care to individuals with complex medical, mental health, and behavioral issues.
• Ability to maintain and prepare records, and use an electronic health record system.
• Effective communication and instructional skills.
• Ability to interact appropriately with individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities, family members, and staff.
• Maintains current CPR certification; strength and flexibility to perform CPR and TIPS.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications

• Licensed vocational nurse in the state of Texas or a state that recognizes reciprocity through the Nurse Licensure Compact.
• Valid Texas driver license required if transporting patients; otherwise provide certified driving record if holding an out‑of‑state license.

Initial Screening Criteria

• Graduation from an accredited LVN program.
• Minimum six months’ experience as an LVN; twelve months preferred.
• Six months of experience working or volunteering directly with persons with mental illness preferred.

Additional Eligibility and Requirements

• Pass a fingerprint criminal background check, pre‑employment drug screen, and registry checks (CANRS, Nurse Aid, Medication Aide, Employee Misconduct, LEIE).
• All applicants must be at least 18 years of age; specific center applicants require 21 years.
• Compliance with HHSC immunization policy and state hospital operating procedures related to immunizations.
• Flexibility in work hours, overtime, and extended hours may be required.