Behavioral Health Licensed Practical Nurse
Newark, New York
DeMay Living Center

Job Opportunity: Behavioral Health Nurse (LVN / LPN)

Location: Newark, New York
Employment Type: Travel/Contract
Contract Length: 13 weeks

Job Overview

• Unit Type: Skilled Nursing Facility / Nursing Home, Locked Unit
• Average Daily Census: 20 patients
• Bed Count: 20 beds
• Nurse-to-Patient Ratios:

  • Days: 1:20
  • Weekends: 1:20
• Weekend Coverage: Every other weekend
• Float Requirement: Yes, as needed
• Local candidates must live more than 75 miles away
• EPIC electronic health record system experience required
• First-time travelers accepted

Required Experience & Skills

• Minimum 2 years of experience as an LVN / LPN in behavioral health or related setting
• Skills include:

  • Behavior management techniques
  • Managing assaultive behavior
  • De-escalation protocols
  • Blood glucose monitoring/testing
  • Intake and output monitoring
  • Isolation precautions
  • Specimen labeling
  • Vital sign monitoring

Required Certifications & Licenses

• Current and valid LVN / LPN license for New York
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification (AHA provider/instructor/RQI accepted)
• Advanced certifications as required by unit (may include ACLS, PALS, NRP, TNCC, EFM)
• State license primary source verification required within 30 days of start
• NURSYS verification required within 30 days of start

Health & Compliance Requirements

Candidates must complete the following health-related requirements and lab work within 5 days of signing the contract:

• Physical exam (within 1 year, updated annually)
• Fit mask test (annual)
• Negative TB test or chest X-ray (within 1 year)
• TB questionnaire (in lieu of annual TB test renewal)
• Immunizations or titers for:

  • Rubeola (Measles)
  • Mumps
  • Rubella
  • Hepatitis B
  • Varicella
• Drug screening (within 30 days of start)
• Seasonal flu vaccination or signed declination during flu season
• Eye exam (Snellen, within 1 year)
• COVID vaccination copy preferred but not required

Background & Verification

• Government-issued photo ID required
• 7-year criminal background check (including felony checks) within 3 months of start
• EPLS/GSA/SAM and HHS/OIG checks required within 3 months and updated monthly
• Education verification from primary source required
• Foreign equivalency evaluation if applicable
• Transcript/diploma verification if no education verification on file
• Employment verification of at least 2 past employments
• References required for some candidates (2 references within 3 years)
• State-specific requirements including:

  • NYS Nurse Aide Registry (within 3 months for long-term care)
  • Fingerprinting and disciplinary action searches for certain units
  • Sex offender registry check within 30 days of start
  • Medicaid exclusion list check within 3 months and updated monthly

Additional Information

• Orientation safety manual acknowledgment required
• Medication/pharmacology competency exams as required
• Color blindness testing required once
• Clear, passport-style photo for badge required

Prior Travel Experience

• First-time travelers accepted; prior travel experience is not required

Requirements/Qualifications

• Valid LPN / LVN license in New York
• Minimum 2 years of behavioral health nursing experience
• Behavioral health experience within the last year
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification issued by the American Heart Association
• Experience managing assaultive behavior
• Proficiency in de-escalation protocols
• Experience with EPIC electronic health record system

This position offers an opportunity to work in a behavioral health locked unit within a skilled nursing environment, requiring strong clinical skills, certifications, and compliance with health and background checks.