Risevoic
LPN
Company : Covenant Health
Location : Knoxville, TN, 37923
Job Type : Full Time / Part Time
Date Posted : 4 January 2026
Overview
Licensed Practical Nurse, Senior Behavioral Health
PRN/OCC, Variable Hours per pay period, Day Shift
Parkwest Overview:
Headquartered in Knoxville, Covenant Health is a community-owned integrated healthcare delivery system and the area’s largest employer.
Parkwest is Covenant Health’s and West Knoxville’s premier medical facility and a top-performing heart hospital, offering our patients world-class treatment with all the convenience and warmth of home.
In addition to providing the area’s leading cardiac services, Parkwest has been nationally recognized for award-winning care throughout our facility. For 2020-21, Parkwest received recognition from U.S. News & World Report as one of the “Top 10” hospitals in Tennessee.
Knoxville located in East Tennessee is the third largest in the state, well-known for its proximity to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and is the home of the University of Tennessee. Go Vols! Living in Knoxville means experiencing all four seasons. Best of all, each of them is pretty mild!
Combine all that with the abundant natural beauty of the surrounding mountains, and you have a city that truly offers something for everyone. Knoxville has a vibrant arts culture, seasonal festivals, top-notch foodie and incredible outdoor recreation. It’s a perfect blend of big-city amenities and Southern charm.
Senior Behavioral Health:
Our 16-bed Senior Behavioral Unit serves older adults ages 55 and older. We focus on the mental, emotional, and physical well-being of each patient. Our team provides services for a wide range of psychiatric diagnosis including Dementia, Depression, Suicide, Schizophrenia, and Bipolar Disorders. We provide stabilization in an acute care setting involving EKGs, daily labs, intravenous fluids or antibiotics. Our unit constructs individualized treatment plans working in collaboration with physicians, families, Recreational, Physical and Occupational Therapists, and Social/Case workers. Our goal is to ensure that the patient lives life to the fullest as they age. Patients are encouraged to participate in group therapy everyday with fun and motivating activities. We take pride in creating a safe environment for both patients and staff.
Educational opportunities are always encouraged to develop best practice skills including certifications, seminars, and de-escalation classes. Positive and energetic traits are a must for this fast-paced, team-centered unit. Team members include RN’s, LPN’s, CNA/PCA’s and Health Unit Coordinators who work together to provide exceptional care. Scheduling is a six-week period. Staff work 3 days per week, 12-hour shifts, and every other weekend.
We have a supportive environment and an orientation tailored to your needs. If you are looking for a work “home” then you have found the right floor! If you are passionate about Senior Behavior Health and putting patients first apply today!!
Position Summary:
The LPN/LVN will provide nursing care under supervision of a registered nurse, within an assigned unit.
Recruiter: Kathleen Rice || Apply@covhlth.com
Responsibilities
- Initiates admission database and history, and in collaboration with the RN implements patient and family teaching and care needs.
- Practices in compliance with all regulatory standards and adheres to all hospital policy and procedures in the performance of duties.
- Performs and prioritizes nursing care tasks.
- Accurately follows the nursing plan of care and pertinent medical orders in collaboration and under direction of a RN.
- Observes and reports nursing interventions and patient responses, and documents in a timely, concise and legible manner.
- Recognizes, responds, and reports changes in patient conditions to RN Team Leader.
- Participates in unit specific quality assurance activities and patient care conferences as requested.
- Demonstrates principles of infection control; collaborates with infection control nurse to ensure safety of patients, visitors, and personnel.
- Assists in orienting new employees or students to unit routines.
- Administers IV venipuncture and parenteral fluids per established hospital protocol.
- Follows policies, procedures, and safety standards. Completes required education assignments annually. Works toward achieving goals and objectives and participates in quality improvement initiatives as requested.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Minimum Education:
None specified; however, must be sufficient to meet the standards for achievement of the below indicated license and/or certification as required by the issuing authority.
Minimum Experience:
No prior experience as a LPN/LVN needed.
Licensure Requirement:
Currently licensed by the Tennessee Board of Nursing as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN).
RN LICENSE
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Frequently asked questions
LPNs working in behavioral health, especially with seniors, focus more on mental and emotional care, alongside physical health monitoring. They support individualized psychiatric treatment plans, observe patient behavior closely, and participate in therapeutic group activities, making this role distinct from general nursing tasks.
While Tennessee requires LPN licensure by its Board of Nursing, certifications in geriatric care or behavioral health nursing can boost employability. Local healthcare employers like Covenant Health value additional training such as de-escalation techniques or intravenous therapy certifications.
LPNs in senior behavioral units manage patient admissions, administer medications including IV fluids, collaborate with RNs on care plans, and monitor patient responses. They also engage patients in group therapy and assist in creating a safe, supportive environment tailored to older adults’ psychiatric needs.
Covenant Health offers a community-focused atmosphere with opportunities for ongoing education, supportive teams, and work-life balance through variable shifts. Their top-ranked Parkwest facility provides specialized senior behavioral health services, appealing to nurses passionate about psychiatric and geriatric care.
LPNs in Knoxville typically earn between $45,000 and $52,000 annually, aligning closely with Tennessee's median for practical nurses. Factors like facility specialty, shift differentials, and experience influence pay, with behavioral health roles often offering competitive compensation due to specialized skills.
Covenant Health encourages professional development through certifications, seminars, and specialized training such as de-escalation classes. LPNs benefit from tailored orientation and collaborative team environments, fostering skill advancement and potential pathways toward RN licensure or specialized nursing roles.
The senior behavioral unit operates on a six-week schedule with three 12-hour day shifts per week and alternating weekends. This arrangement provides structured work-life balance while accommodating the intensive care needs of psychiatric patients, unlike more variable schedules in other nursing settings.
Knoxville's healthcare sector shows steady demand for LPNs, with behavioral health roles experiencing moderate competition due to niche expertise requirements. Covenant Health's reputation and benefits attract many applicants, but candidates with behavioral health experience or certifications tend to have an advantage.
LPNs must navigate complex psychiatric conditions like dementia and bipolar disorder while managing physical health. Challenges include patient agitation, medication side effects, and the need for sensitive communication. Knoxville’s cultural mix and seasonal changes may also influence patient wellbeing and care approaches.
Absolutely, LPNs collaborate closely with RNs, physicians, therapists, and social workers to develop personalized care plans. This team-based approach ensures comprehensive treatment, blending medical, emotional, and social support tailored to seniors’ psychiatric and physical health needs.