Placer County

To provide vocational nursing services in various programs in the Health and Human Services Department that support community public health efforts and perform less complex medical procedures as directed.

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

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

• Prepare patients for examination by a physician, including taking and charting vital signs and brief history of complaints; assess need for tests and equipment; and conduct tests as ordered.
• Read charts and other records to note condition of patients and treatments, medications, special diets, and procedures ordered by physicians; enter findings, as well as, treatments and medication administered, in patient's charts.
• Administer simple prescribed treatments, medications, and diagnostic procedures.
• Observe condition of patients and report unusual occurrences or serious conditions to supervisors.
• Provide patient education.
• Keep designated areas stocked with adequate and appropriate supplies; change bio-hazardous waste containers and dispose of contents according to procedure.
• May be assigned to assist with multiple programs within the Health and Human Services Department.
• 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.

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: Two (2) years of responsible licensed vocational nursing experience.

Training: Equivalent to an associate degree from an accredited college with major course work in vocational nursing or a related field.

Required License or Certificate:

• Possession of a valid license to practice as a Vocational Nurse in the State of California.
• 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 of:

• Vocational nursing, including first aid, sterilization techniques, infection control, disposal of bio-hazardous material, medications, and treatments and procedures.
• Medical terminology.
• Medical symptoms especially as related to determination of appropriate examinations and tests.
• Use and care of nursing equipment and supplies.
• Regulations and procedures governing a specific program when so assigned.
• Principles and practices of work safety, especially as related to communicable diseases.

Ability to:

• On a continuous basis, know and understand operations and observe safety rules.  Intermittently analyze procedures; identify and locate supplies and equipment; interpret work orders; and explain operations and procedures to patients.
• Intermittently, sit while studying or preparing records and charts; continuously stand, stoop, walk, bend, squat, climb, kneel, and twist when assisting patients, operating equipment, administering tests or treatments, or handling supplies/and or waste.
• Perform simple and power grasping, pushing, pulling and fine manipulation; see and hear with sufficient skill to administer and evaluate vision and hearing tests; and lift moderate weight.
• Administer prescribed treatments and procedures.
• Apply proper sterilization procedures.
• 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, and photocopy machine.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.