City and County of San Francisco

Under supervision and according to physicians’ or registered nurses’ instructions, prepares, administers and records ordered medications and injections; obtains patient histories; observes, reports and records physiological and psychosocial signs; takes vital signs; maintains medical records; maintains a safe and clean environment, and performs related duties as required.

As a member of the health care team, the 2312 Licensed Vocational Nurse performs direct patient care, observes and reports physiological/psychosocial changes in the patient’s chart and provides a safe and clean environment. This classification differs from that of the 2302 Orderly in that 2312 Licensed Vocational Nurses are permitted to administer oral medications and intramuscular and subcutanous injections; they can also administer intravenous injections after proper training and certification. Also, whereas the 2312 Licensed Vocational Nurses assist the physician in the performance of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, the 2302 Orderlies do not. This classification differs from that of the 2320 Registered Nurse in that the 2320 Registered Nurse functions as the supervisor and team leader over other health care team members, with responsibility for consulting with the other team members and formulating the nursing care plan. In addition, the 2320 Registered Nurse has acquired a body of knowledge that enables greater independent judgment and manages a wider variety of nursing care situations.

1. Administers nursing care to patients according to physician’s and Registered Nurse’s instructions and approved nursing and departmental policies and procedures; as a team member, participates in planning and maintaining nursing care plans; assists physician in the performance of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures and treatments; prepares, administers and records ordered medications and injections.

2. Provides direct patient care in order to make patient clean and comfortable; may serve and feed patients; may assist patient with elimination functions.

3. Screens patients by obtaining histories; observes, reports and records physiological and psychological signs, symptoms and behaviors; takes vital signs; obtains specimens and may perform some required nursing diagnostic tests, such as guiac stools and sugar and acetone tests, etc.

4. Keeps accurate records of administration of medications and treatments; makes reports of patient’s progress towards goals; maintains medical records in order to meet legal requirements and provide reference for follow-up of patients’ treatment and care.

5. Maintains a safe, secure and clean environment; maintains adequate supplies and equipment in assigned area.

6. Instructs and counsels patients relative to physical self care and emotional needs concerning test and specimen collections.

7. Understands human relationships between patients, families and other health care personnel.

8. Recognizes and understands the effect of social and economic problems as well as cultural backgrounds and religious affiliations of patients and their families.

9. When working in specialized areas, and after training in special procedures pertaining to such areas, performs specialized procedures as approved by nursing service policy.

 Requires the knowledges, abilities and skills that enable the Licensed Vocational Nurse to fulfill the expected competent performance required by the Board of Registered Nursing and the Board of Vocational Nurse and Psychiatric Technician Examiners of the State of California, medical protocols and departmental policies and procedures.

Requires possession of current, valid license as a Vocational Nurse issued by the California State Board of Vocational Nurse Examiners and required continuing education.

All City and County of San Francisco employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the City requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.