LVN/LPN

Discovery Behavioral Health; Del Mar (CA); On-site; USD 39,000 - 51,000; Full time

Job summary

Discovery Behavioral Health in Del Mar, CA is seeking an LVN/LPN to provide compassionate, patient-centered nursing care for individuals with addiction, eating disorders, and co-occurring mental health conditions. Under RN supervision, you will assist with safe medication administration, monitor patient status, and contribute to a multidisciplinary treatment team.

The role emphasizes patient safety, dignity, and recovery across the continuum of care.

Qualifications

• Must be a graduate of an approved nursing program with a current licensure in good standing.
• Preferred: experience in behavioral health or chemical dependency nursing.
• Knowledge of medications, dosages, side effects, and toxicity.
• CPR/First Aid certification required; CPI certification within 90 days of hire.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct nursing care to behavioral health patients in a safe, therapeutic environment.
• Assist with patient assessments and vital signs.
• Administer medications per orders and document timely responses.
• Maintain MAR accuracy and conduct medication counts and reconciliation.
• Collaborate with nurses, physicians, psychiatrists, and the care team.
• Support patient education on medication adherence and safety.

Skills

Vital signs

Medication administration

Documentation

Collaboration

Patient education

Detox monitoring CIWA/COW

Education

Nursing program graduate with state licensure

Tools

EMR (electronic medical record)

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.

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

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

Employment Status: Full time, temporary coverage

Schedule: Friday-Sunday 7am-7:30pm

Work Location: Del Mar, CA

Compensation Range: $28-37 hourly