LVN/LPN

Discovery Behavioral Health; Tacoma (WA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Discovery Behavioral Health in Tacoma, WA is seeking a dedicated LVN/LPN to provide patient-centered nursing care for individuals with addiction, eating disorders, and comorbid conditions. You will work under supervision to support safe medication administration and monitor health status within a multidisciplinary team.

The role emphasizes clinical documentation, adherence to policies, and ongoing professional development.

Qualifications

• Graduate of an approved nursing program with current state licensure in good standing.
• Experience in behavioral health or chemical dependency preferred.
• Knowledge of medications, dosages, side effects, and potential toxicity.
• CPR and First Aid certification; CPI within 90 days of hire.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct nursing care to a diverse behavioral health population.
• Perform vital signs and basic assessments to inform care planning.
• Administer medications as prescribed and document responses.
• Maintain MAR and reconcile medications to ensure safety.
• Collaborate with RNs, physicians, psychiatrists, and interdisciplinary team members.
• Document incidents and safety concerns per organizational policies.
• Follow privacy, confidentiality, and regulatory requirements.
• Deliver care under RN or provider supervision.
• Support transportation for residential treatment as needed (pre-qualified).

Skills

Nursing care

Medication administration

Clinical documentation

Team collaboration

Education

Licensed LVN/LPN

CPR/First Aid

Tools

EMR systems

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

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

Schedule: Mon-Fri 3pm-11:30pm

Work location: Tacoma, WA

Compensation range: $33-41 hourly