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Staff Nurse IV - Inpatient (#RH1104)
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$60.17-$73.13 Hourly / $10,429.47-$12,675.87 Monthly / $125,153.60-$152,110.40 Yearly




DEFINITION

Under general supervision, performs advanced level professional nursing care and treatment of the physically and/or mentally ill in either an inpatient or outpatient setting; and does related or other work as required in accordance with Rule 3, Section 3 of the Civil Service Rules.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

This is the advanced-level class in the Staff Nurse series. Employees in this class are expected to be knowledgeable clinical practitioners who can provide an advanced level of patient care with minimum guidance and supervision. Additionally, employees working in an outpatient setting may be assigned duties that include supervision of a clinic or program. This class differs from Staff Nurse III in that incumbents of Staff Nurse IV function more independently and perform more advanced nursing duties. Additionally, employees serve as preceptors for new employees and complete an annual clinical project which must be presented and accepted to maintain standing as a Staff Nurse IV.

TYPICAL DUTIES

  • Initiates the nursing process and performs advanced level clinical patient care, including complex and difficult therapeutic measures prescribed by medical authority within the limits of the Nurse Practice Act and department policy; participates in preparation and implementation of written nursing care plans for individual patients.
  • Evaluates the total nursing needs of the patient including physical, psychological, spiritual, cultural and socio-economic; participates in planning, coordinating and administering total patient care; evaluates symptoms, reactions, and progress; participates in preparation and implementation of written nursing care plans for individual patients.
  • May function as a first-level supervisor in an outpatient clinic or program over para-professional or clerical staff; may select, assign, train, direct, evaluate and discipline staff as appropriate; may participate in the development of unit policies and procedures; may assist with development and maintenance of the department budget; may provide crisis intervention, may consult with therapeutic multi-disciplinary team in reviewing patient progress and success of treatment plans.
  • May facilitate insurance billing and other reimbursement-related procedures by processing appropriate paperwork and making necessary internal and external contacts.
  • Works with patients and families through teaching, counseling, and other methodology in order to help them understand, cope with, and accept illness, treatment, and therapy; assists in self care strategies.
  • Serves as a preceptor for new employees by orienting, teaching, participating in the evaluation process, and by serving as a role model and resource person.
  • Maintains record of patient's health care treatment and/or hospital stay; prepares reports and standard forms.
  • May function as a charge nurse in an inpatient unit; may assume full responsibility for the supervision of a shift in the absence of a Staff Nurse V or Nursing Department Manager; supervises and assists nursing personnel in the performance of patient care.
  • Maintains and updates knowledge base and nursing skills by reading literature, attending workshops, lectures, conferences, and classes as may be required by the Administration of the Department of Health Care Services.
  • Participates in the identification of staff development needs for members of the Nursing staff.
  • Participates on committees as assigned; may represent the Department of Health Care Services to outside agencies.
  • Prepares and presents, within established guidelines, clinical projects as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

EITHER I

Experience:  Two years of progressively responsible experience as a registered nurse in an acute care setting at a level equivalent to a San Joaquin County Staff Nurse III.

 

Certification:  Possession of a Mobile Intensive Care Nurse (MICN) certificate, Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certificate or state, national, or other types of certification in area of specialty.  All certifications must be approved by the Administration of the Department of Health Care Services. 

 

OR II

Education:  Possession of a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing, Health Science, or closely related field.  

Experience:  One year of progressively responsible experience as a registered nurse in an acute care hospital at a level equivalent to a San Joaquin County Staff Nurse III.

 

AND

Licenses and Certificates:  Current registration as a nurse in the State of California.

 

Special Requirements:  (1) Successful completion of a San Joaquin General Hospital in-service or comparable training program in nursing preceptorships may be required prior to completion of the probationary period and periodically thereafter.  (2) Possession of a San Joaquin County Mobile Intensive Care Nurse (MICN) certificate, Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certificate, completion of an approved ICU/CCU training course, or other approved training or experience may be required for assignment or continued assignment to specialized nursing units.

KNOWLEDGE

Theory, techniques, and practices of nursing; new developments in patient care, particularly in area of specialization; skills specific to clinical scope of practice; the nursing process; nursing staffing patterns; principles and practices of employee supervision; health care safety principles and practices.

ABILITY

Supervise and assist members of the health care team; maintain a high standard of care; deal with patients empathetically and respectfully while performing treatments prescribed; instruct patients in self care and preventative health strategies; follow oral and written instructions of technical and professional nature in accurately; establish and maintain effective working relationships with others; establish and maintain effective customer service; maintain accurate records and prepare routine reports; develop and implement individualized care plans for patients; coordinate the several types of services which may be necessary for appropriate care; assist other staff in understanding current psycho-physiological aspects of illness; set priorities; work accurately under pressure; interpret policies and procedures; teach clinical skills; develop basic teaching plans; participate effectively in performance improvement processes; provide and promote a positive learning environment.

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 emergency situations, including trauma, grief and death, decision making, working weekends and nights; occasional work at heights, working alone and overtimeEnvironmental 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.


CLASS: RH1104; EST: 5/6/1981; REV: 6/14/2000;