VOCATIONAL NURSE I/II EXAM NO. 6386

SALARY: Level 1: $18.29 - $22.33/Hourly; Paid Biweekly, Level II: $20.21- $24.67/Hourly; Paid Biweekly

AMENDED: 4/11/17

Option I - General Nursing
Option II - Psychiatric Nursing
Option III - Correctional Nursing

DEFINITION:
Under general supervision, to provide patient care as assigned in a hospital, clinic, correctional facility, or in-patient psychiatric setting.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:
Vocational Nurse I is distinguished from Vocational Nurse II by the latter's completion of a course approved by the nursing board certifying the individual to start peripheral intravenous infusions.  Vocational Nurse II's assigned to Psychiatric Nursing or Correctional Nursing must have one (1) year of applicable experience in a particular specialty such as inpatient acute psychiatry, or correctional medicine in lieu of the intravenous infusion certification.

Promotions within the series are considered on a merit basis when recommended by the Department Head and approved by the Chief Human Resources Officer.
 

Correctional Medicine Candidates

Background investigation is required of candidates who wish to be considered for Correctional Medicine assignments. Felony convictions are disqualifying, and some misdemeanor convictions may be disqualifying.

Option I:
 

• Performs the more responsible patient care functions utilizing broad knowledge in the techniques, methods, procedures and equipment required in support of the registered nurse and medical staff in patient treatment;
• Demonstrates knowledge and use of the nursing process;
• Performs general nursing care in various departments;
• Uses the mechanical lift in moving patients;
• Performs minor dressing changes, cauterizations, deep tracheal suction, tracheotomy care, bathing, colostomy care, and traction care;
• Takes and records temperature, pulse and respiration;
• Observes and keeps records and reports unusual conditions or behavior;
• Participates in development of nursing care plans;
• Maintains records reflecting patient's condition, medication, and treatment;
• Prepares patients for examinations and treatments;
• Administers special diets, and treatments as prescribed; gives medications if certified;
• Assists staff with dressings;
• Dependent upon area of practice or department assignments, demonstrates clinical knowledge and skill in the care of the newborn, infant, toddler, child, adolescent, adult and geriatric patient ranging up to 100+ years of age.

• Performs the more responsible patient care functions utilizing broad knowledge in the techniques, methods, procedures, and equipment required in support of the registered nurse and medical staff in patient treatment;
• Provides direct psychiatric nursing care to patients;
• Participates in individual, conjoint, family, and group psychotherapy sessions;
• Participates in development of treatment plans;
• Maintains records reflecting patients' condition, progress, medication, and treatment;
• Observes and keeps records and reports unusual conditions or behavior;
• Learns and evaluates new techniques for dealing with emotional and environmental problems;
• Completes intake and referral psycho social histories;
• Implements activity programs under general supervision of an occupational therapist;
• Dependent upon area of practice or department assignments, demonstrates clinical knowledge and skill in the care of the newborn, infant, toddler, child, adolescent, adult and geriatric patient ranging up to 100+ years of age.

• Performs the more responsible patient care functions utilizing broad knowledge in the techniques, methods, procedures, and equipment required in support of the registered nurse and medical staff in patient treatment;
• Performs general nursing care in a correctional setting; takes and records temperature, pulse and respiration;
• Observes and keeps records and reports unusual conditions or behavior;
• Participates in the development of nursing care plans;
• Maintains records reflecting patient's condition, medication, and treatment;
• Prepares patients for examinations and treatments;
• Administers special diets and treatments as prescribed;
• Gives medications if certified; and assists staff with dressings;
• Dependent upon area of practice or department assignments, demonstrates clinical knowledge and skill in the care of the newborn, infant, toddler, child, adolescent, adult and geriatric patient ranging up to 100+ years of age.

• Performs other job-related duties as required.

Depending on assignment incumbents may be required to possess and maintain specific certificates of competency as a condition of employment.

Option I: Education: 
Completion of a basic pre-service Vocational Nurse curriculum accredited by the California Board of Vocational Nurse and Psychiatric Technician examiners. OR completion of a educational program leading to an Associate degree or Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing. License: Possession of a current valid license as a Vocational Nurse as issued by the State of California OR possession of a temporary license as a Vocational Nurse issued by the State of California OR possession of an interim permit to practice as a Vocational Nurse issued by the State of California. Vocational Nurse II is required to be State certified to start intravenous infusions. Probationary employees possessing a temporary license  OR an interim permit must acquire their California Vocational Nurse license during their 6-month probationary period or fail probation.

Option II: Education: 
Completion of a basic pre-service Vocational Nurse curriculum accredited by the California Board of Vocational Nurse and Psychiatric Technician examiners. OR completion of a educational program leading to an Associate degree or Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing. License: Possession of a temporary license as a Vocational Nurse issued by the State of California OR possession of an interim permit to practice as a Vocational Nurse issued by the State of California. One (1) year of vocational nursing experience in a mental health setting or skilled nursing facility for mentally ill persons may be substituted for intravenous infusion certification at the Vocational Nurse II level. Probationary employees possessing a temporary license OR an interim permit must acquire their California Vocational Nurse license during their 6-month probationary period or fail probation.

Option III: Education:
Completion of a basic pre-service Vocational Nurse curriculum accredited by the California Board of Vocational Nurse and Psychiatric Technician examiners. OR completion of a educational program leading to an Associate degree or Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing. License: Possession of a current valid license as a Vocational Nurse as issued by the State of California OR possession of a temporary license as a Vocational Nurse issued by the State of California OR possession of an interim permit to practice as a Vocational Nurse issued by the State of California. Vocational Nurse II is required to be certified by Kern Medical Center to give medication. One (1) year of experience in a correctional health care specialty may be substituted for intravenous infusion certification at the Vocational Nurse II level. Probationary employees possessing a temporary license OR an interim permit must acquire their California Vocational Nurse license during their 6-month probationary period or fail probation.

Physical Requirements: Ability to stand and walk for lengthy periods; ability to sit, bend, squat, kneel and/or twist; ability to push and pull heavy and bulky objects; ability to perform tasks requiring simple grasping and fine finger manipulation; ability to reach and manipulate objects above shoulder height; ability to lift and carry unassisted objects weighing up to 70 lbs. (objects are generally carried distances up to 100 feet); ability to assist with lifting and carrying objects weighing in excess of 100 lbs.; good visual and auditory acuity; ability to work in areas with extended exposure to noise, injury, disease, and death.

Dependent upon assignment, applicants may be required to pass an extensive background check and be fingerprinted. Felony convictions will be disqualifying and convictions for misdemeanors and traffic offenses will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

A valid California Class "C" Driver's License is required at the time of appointment.

Knowledge of: a variety of techniques, methods, procedures, and equipment utilized in patient care.

Ability to: utilize a variety of techniques, methods, procedures, and equipment utilized in patient care; maintain effective relations with the registered nurse and medical staff; follow instructions as given; work shifts as required; react competently in emergency situations.