Under immediate supervision, performs para-professional nursing duties in the care and treatment of mentally or physically ill patients; and does related or other work as required in accordance with California Board of Vocational Nurse and Psychiatric Technician and Rule 3, Section 3 of the Civil Service Rules.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
This is the journey level class in the Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) series. An incumbent of this class is responsible for providing nursing services to patients of the County’s medical facilities in the areas of preventative care, health maintenance, chronic disease management, and population health management. Works under the close supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN) or licensed physicians and may perform nursing procedures as regulated by licensure and certification. As experience is gained, work requires the exercise of some initiative and independent judgment and action within the range of policies and procedures of the medical facilities and the Vocational Nursing Practice Act.
TYPICAL DUTIES
Takes, monitors and records patient vital signs; performs routine nursing duties including making beds, lifting and moving patients; bathing and feeding patients, personal and oral hygiene of patients and expiration care.
Administers various types of oral, intramuscular, and subcutaneous medications, including starting intravenous line (IV); applies dressings, compresses and soaks.
May perform nursing procedures including but not limited to skins tests and immunizations, inserts urinary catheters; tests blood glucose and record results.
Observes patients; reports and records observations accurately; transcribes doctor’s orders.
Participates in orientation and on-the-job training of assigned personnel; participates in staff development training programs.
May perform specialized medical treatment or tests and operate related medical equipment and apparatus upon assignment.
May administer cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), use resuscitation equipment and administer first aid.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
License: Possession of a valid license as a Vocational Nurse issued by the State of California, Board of Vocational Nurse and Psychiatric Technicians; or possession of a valid Interim Permit issued by the Board.
Special Requirement: If required by nature of the assignment – Completion of an approved IV Therapy course, Blood Withdrawal Certification, Basic Life Support (BLS) course, and Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) course is required within one (1) year of appointment.
KNOWLEDGE
Principles and practices of vocational nursing; human anatomy insofar as it applies to the treatment and therapy typical of assignment; the more common physical illnesses and their symptoms; medical terminology; general nursing procedures and techniques involved in the patient care.
ABILITY
Follow oral and written directions of a technical and professional nature in exact detail; develop skill in the care and operation of medical equipment and apparatus used in area of assignment; plan and coordinate the work of subordinates if required by nature of assignments; maintain and interpret nursing records and reports; deal with patients sympathetically and tactfully; attend to the personal needs of the physically and mentally ill; work different shifts, weekends, holidays and extended schedules (e.g. on-call); work effectively with patients and the interdisciplinary treatment team; function effectively in an emergency situation.
PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS
Physical/Mental Requirements: Mobility—Constant walking; frequent operation of a keyboard; standing for long periods of time, pushing/pulling, bending and squatting; occasional sitting for long periods of time, running, climbing stairs and climbing; Frequency of Lifting—Frequent restraining lifting/turning of heavy objects or people; Visual Requirements—Constant need for overall vision, color and depth perception, hand/eye coordination, and field of vision/peripheral vision; frequent reading and close up work; Dexterity—Frequent holding, reaching, grasping, repetitive motion and writing; Hearing/Talking—Constant hearing of normal speech; frequent hearing and talking on telephone or radio; occasional hearing of faint sounds and talking over public address; Emotional/Psychological Factors—Constant concentration and public contact; occasional exposure to hazardous materials; frequent exposure to emergency situations, including trauma, grief and death, decision making, working weekends and nights; occasional work at heights, working alone and overtime; Environmental Conditions—Frequent exposure to assaultive behavior by clients; occasional exposure to noise, cold/heat, and hazardous materials, dirt, dust, smoke, fumes and poor ventilation.
San Joaquin County complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and, upon request, will consider reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.
Note: Appointees with Interim Permits will be designated as Vocational Nurse Interim Permitees.
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