County of Alameda

DESCRIPTION

Under general supervision, to provide para-professional nursing care for patients in a County hospital or clinic; to administer prescribed medications and treatments to patients; to provide bedside care for patients; to assist physicians in physical examinations; and to perform other related duties as required.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

Licensed Vocational Nurses are located within the Health Care Services Agency. They perform delegated patient care treatments under the supervision of a Registered Nurse or Physician, including procedures involving knowledge of sterile techniques and the administration of certain medications. Licensed Vocational Nurses are distinguished from the next level classification of Nursing Assistant in that the former requires completion of a formal vocational nursing training program and possession of a valid license to practice as a licensed vocational nurse.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

NOTE: The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification. However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level. Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all duties listed.

1. Reads patient charts and records to note condition of patients and treatments, medications, special diets, and procedures ordered by physicians; prepares, administers and records prescribed medications, injections and treatments under the supervision of a physician or registered nurse; observes and reports any deviation in patient's condition from the normal to a physician or registered nurse.

2. Obtains patient histories; takes patients' vital signs, tests urine; draws blood samples from patients; keeps accurate patient records.

3. Assists physicians in examinations and medical procedures; may assist in a variety of medical/specialty clinics; prepares patients for examinations and positions them as required; instructs and counsels patients regarding tests and collection of specimens; assures proper handling and transporting of laboratory specimens.

4. Administers care according to designated instructions and nursing care plans; irrigates eyes, ears, nose, and other areas; applies dressings to wounds; gives enemas; catheterizes patients; gives tracheotomy care and maintains sterile techniques.

5. Provides bedside care, including bathing, changing patients' clothing and other patient hygiene procedures; turns patients to prevent bed sores; assists patients in special equipment, such as respirators and rocking beds; transfers patients from one piece of equipment to another; assists patients in motion exercises and other prescribed treatment; participates in maintaining a safe and therapeutic environment for patients and their families.

6. May maintain a treatment, utility or equipment room; prepares sterile dressings and treatment sets; may supervise a small group of Nursing Assistants; in absence of a Registered Nurse, may have responsibility for a shift on a ward.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

License:

Possession of a current license to practice as a Licensed Vocational Nurse in the State of California.

Special Requirements:

Certain positions require possession of a current cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification.

To be eligible for positions at Highland General Hospital, candidates must also have graduated from an accredited school of vocational nursing within the past twelve months OR have had recent vocational nursing refresher courses OR have had recent experience in an acute care facility. (A combination of education and appropriate experience would be acceptable.)

NOTE: The Civil Service Commission may modify the above Minimum Qualifications in the announcement of an examination.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

NOTE: The level and scope of the following knowledge and abilities are related to duties listed under the “Examples of Duties” section of this specification.

Knowledge of:

• Modern principles, methods and procedures of vocational nursing care, including hospital ward routine, medications, treatments, and patient hygiene and bedside care.
• Anatomy and physiology; current medical terminology.
• Use and care of nursing equipment/supplies.
• Isolation, aseptic and sterile techniques.

Ability to:

• Provide para-professional nursing care according to designated instructions and nursing care plans.
• Administer prescribed medications and treatments.
• Take vital signs.
• Maintain accurate patient records.
• Understand and follow technical written and oral instructions.
• Respond effectively to emergency situations.
• Learn to effectively operate specialized hospital equipment.
• Work effectively with physicians, registered nurses and other health professionals.
• Supervise and instruct a small group of Nursing Assistants in patient hygiene care.

CLASS SPEC HISTORY

JWM:rlt
Revised: l0/14/70
BL:sw
Retyped: 12/78
TMZ:pb
Revised/Retitled: 1/24/89
Old document: 0662h
New document: Jobspecs/5420
ys/7/01
CSC Date: 3/1/89

BENEFITS

Alameda County offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package that affords wide-ranging health care options to meet the different needs of a diverse workforce and their families. We also sponsor many different employee discount, fitness and health screening programs focused on overall well being.  These benefits include but are not limited to*:

For your Health & Well-Being

• Medical – HMO & PPO Plans
• Dental – HMO & PPO Plans
• Vision or Vision Reimbursement
• Share the Savings
• Basic Life Insurance 
• Supplemental Life Insurance (with optional dependent coverage for eligible employees) 
• County Allowance Credit
• Flexible Spending Accounts - Health FSA, Dependent Care and Adoption Assistance
• Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Voluntary Benefits - Accident Insurance, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity and Legal Services
• Employee Assistance Program

For your Financial Future

• Retirement Plan - (Defined Benefit Pension Plan)
• Deferred Compensation Plan (457 Plan or Roth Plan)

For your Work/Life Balance

• 12 paid holidays
• Floating Holidays
• Vacation and sick leave accrual
• Vacation purchase program
• Catastrophic Sick Leave
• Group Auto/Home Insurance
• Pet Insurance
• Commuter Benefits Program
• Guaranteed Ride Home
• Employee Wellness Program (e.g. At Work Fitness, Incentive Based Programs, Gym Membership Discounts)
• Employee Discount Program (e.g. theme parks, cell phone, etc.)
• Child Care Resources
• 1^st United Services Credit Union 

*Eligibility is determined by Alameda County and offerings may vary by collective bargaining agreement.  This provides a brief summary of the benefits offered and can be subject to change.