Placer County

Registered Nurse (#14305)

$36.09-$45.08 Hourly / $6,255.60-$7,813.87 Monthly / $75,067.20-$93,766.40 Yearly


DEFINITION

To provide registered nursing services in various programs in the Health and Human Services Department that support community public health efforts. 

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is the journey level in the nursing series, which is responsible for the performance of the full range of duties. Staff at this level are required to be fully trained in all procedures related to the assigned area of responsibility.

Positions at this level are distinguished from Licensed Vocational Nurse by the level of responsibility assumed, complexity of duties assigned, independence of action taken, and the required licensure as a Registered Nurse. 

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general supervision from assigned supervisory/management staff. May receive technical and functional supervision from other medical staff.

May exercise technical medical supervision over technical staff.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Perform nursing services necessary for the efficient operation of various program in the Department of Health and Human Services..
  • Assist health and clinical program staff with examination and treatment of patients.
  • Evaluate health needs of individuals and special population groups such as the elderly, culturally, economically, or geographically disadvantaged.
  • Interview patients and/or family to obtain data for nursing assessment, records, and reports data.
  • Make home or other field site visits as assigned to assess patient needs; counsel patients and provide information as appropriate to patient and family; provide education and referral(s).
  • Participate in continuum of care for patients as necessary; and consult with nursing staff, physicians, and other medical or program staff as necessary.
  • Respond to inquiries from the public or Department of Health and Human Services patients.
  • Follow patients' cases to observe progress and condition; make observations about physical, psycho-social, cultural, learning needs, and response of patients; and document observations.
  • Apply knowledge of normal parameters; identify deviation from normal, obvious patient problems, symptoms,  and/or behavioral changes; report changes to the appropriate authority. 
  • Administer prescribed medication and give diagnostic tests and read results. 
  • Prepare, sterilize, and maintain instruments and other equipment used in diagnosis and treatment; take proper care of specimens obtained.
  • Distribute and maintain inventory of necessary supplies; prepare and pack supplies for work in the community.
  • Maintain charts, records, and reports; handle special complicated billings and charges.
  • Provide training and technical oversight to various technical staff and volunteers.
  • Coordinate with other divisions and programs within the Health and Human Services Department, as well as with private, public, and voluntary health and social service agencies/providers in the community. 
  • Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other County employees, and the public using principles of good customer service.
  • Perform related duties as assigned.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is typically performed in an indoor office or field-based environment with controlled temperature conditions and may require travel to and from other locations in a variety of outdoor weather conditions.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Experience and Training
Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.  A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience: One (1) year of responsible professional nursing experience in an approved hospital, clinic, or nursing home.

Training: Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade. Additional specialized training in professional nursing or a related field is desirable.

Required License or Certificate:

  • Possession of a valid license as a Registered Nurse issued by the California Board of Registered Nursing.
  • May need to possess a valid driver's license as required by the position.  Proof of adequate vehicle insurance and medical clearance may also be required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

  • Principles, practices, methods, and procedures of nursing, including first aid, sterilization techniques, infection control, disposal of bio-hazardous material; administering medications, narcotics, and treatments; and use and care of equipment and supplies.
  • Medical technology, health practices, and equipment.
  • Modern office procedures, methods, and computer equipment.
  • Regulations and procedures governing assigned program.
  • Principles and practices of patient observation related to conducting first line psycho-social assessments including knowledge of normal behavioral parameters.
  • Principles and practices of work safety, especially as related to communicable diseases.
  • Differing cultural, religious, economic, and social groups and their relationships to the delivery and acceptance of health services.

Ability to:

  • On a continuous basis, know and understand all aspects of the job; intermittently analyze procedures, reports, and patient charts; identify and interpret technical and numerical information; identify and locate supplies and equipment; interpret work orders; recall and apply related regulations, policies, and procedures; and explain medical practices and procedures to patients.
  • Intermittently, sit while studying or preparing records and patient charts; continuously stand, walk, bend, squat, climb, kneel, stoop, and twist when assisting patients, operating equipment, administering tests or treatments or handling supplies; perform simple and power grasping, pushing, pulling, and fine manipulation; see and hear with sufficient acuity to take and read various diagnostic tests, interview patients, and administer treatments; and lift heavy weight.
  • Provide empathetic nursing care and effective counseling to patients.
  • Administer treatments, medicines, and narcotics as prescribed.
  • Keep case records and prepare reports.
  • Work with various cultural and ethnic groups in a tactful and effective manner.
  • Act quickly and calmly in emergency situations.
  • Obtain information through interviews; deal fairly and courteously with the public; handle multiple cases; and work effectively with interruption.
  • Analyze situations quickly and objectively and determine proper course of action.
  • Use a computer, calculator, telephone, facsimile machine, postage meter, and photocopy machine.
  • Use medical equipment and supplies appropriate to a community health setting.
  • Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION

Length of Probation:
All permanent appointments to the classification shall serve a probationary period of twelve (12) calendar months or two thousand eighty (2,080) hours, whichever is more.

Bargaining Unit:
Professional

CLASS: 14305; EST: 7/1/1998; REV: 3/14/2022;