
Dedicated Licensed Vocational Nurse skilled in providing exceptional patient care across acute and subacute environments. Proficient in medication administration and wound care, ensuring safety and efficiency in treatment processes. Actively contributes to a collaborative team, enhancing patient experiences and outcomes through effective communication and empathy.
Continuous observation of assigned patients for safety, symptom changes, self-harm risk, and rule compliance.
Conduct regular checks (visual, one-to-one, as required) and immediate intervention for decompensation or crisis.
Record and report behavioral and clinical observations to nursing and treating clinicians.
Prepare and administer psychotropic and other prescribed medications per facility policy and state law.
Maintain accurate MARs (medication administration records) and document refusals, omissions, and adverse reactions.
Monitor for side effects, interactions, and changes in efficacy; report and escalate concerns promptly.
Track mood, thought content, cognitive status, insight/judgment, impulsivity, aggression, and compliance with treatment.
Use standardized observation tools and incident reporting systems to document behavior trends and acute changes.
Participate in weekly treatment team reviews and contribute observations for treatment planning.
De-escalate acute agitation using verbal techniques; implement approved emergency interventions (e.g., time-out, protective holds, seclusion) per policy when necessary.
Follow use-of-force, restraint, and seclusion protocols; complete required documentation and debriefing.
Assist patients with activities of daily living, therapeutic group participation, and skill-building consistent with IRP goals.
Encourage engagement in cognitive, behavioral, and rehabilitation activities to support competency restoration and recovery.
Understand that patients are convicted but legally unfit to stand trial; maintain appropriate security procedures and documentation relevant to court-ordered treatment.
Coordinate with legal liaisons and forensic clinicians when clinical status affects legal competency, court reporting, or conditional release planning.
Maintain timely, accurate progress notes, incident reports, and handoff communication between shifts.
Communicate effectively with nursing staff, psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, security, and custody staff as applicable.
Participate in treatment team meetings, care planning, and discharge/forensic readiness planning.
Attend required trainings, competency refreshers, and staff development.
Minimum qualifications and skills
Required certifications and trainings
Working conditions and physical demands
Performance metrics / expectations
Professional attributes
Notes specific to Napa State Hospital (forensic context)