Staff Nurse I/Ii

Summary

Full time position in Public Health Clinics; sites in Chico and Oroville. This recruitment is for level I/II. The salary rage for level I is $2307.20 -$3092.00 biweekly ($28.84 -$38.61 per hour). The salary range for level II is $2,548.80 - $3,415.20 biweekly ($31.86 - $42.69 per hour).

New graduates will be considered if prior experience as LVN or Medical Assistant who administers injections.

Note:A training and experience evaluation may be utilized to determine an applicant's ranking among qualified candidates. Based upon information provided in this application including responses to supplemental questions, an applicant's education, training and experience (full-time equivalent) may be evaluated. Applicants should provide thoughtful and thorough responses to supplemental questions as they play an important role in this recruitment process. All qualifying work experience that is described or included in responses to supplemental questions MUST also be included and detailed in the "Work Experience" section of this application. "See Resume" is not an acceptable response for any supplemental question.

FLSA: Non-Exempt

DEFINITION

Under general supervision (Staff Nurse I) or direction (Staff Nurse II), performs a variety of prevention-oriented nursing and patient care services in support of public health or behavioral health programs, functions, and operations; provides clinical nursing, laboratory testing, history-taking, medication dispensing, and education to individuals and groups within clinics, acute facilities, and within the community; and performs related duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general supervision (Staff Nurse I) or direction (Staff Nurse II) from assigned supervisory or management personnel. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

Staff Nurse I:This is the entry-level classification in the Staff Nurse series. Initially under close supervision, incumbents learn and perform routine preventative nursing care services. As experience is gained, assignments become more varied and complex; close supervision and frequent review of work lessen as an incumbent demonstrates skill to perform the work independently. Positions at this level usually perform most of the duties required of the positions at the Staff Nurse II-level but are not expected to function at the same skill level and usually exercise less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods. Work is usually supervised while in progress and fits an established structure or pattern. Exceptions or changes in procedures are explained in detail as they arise.

Staff Nurse II:This is the journey-level classification in the Staff Nurse series. Positions at this level are distinguished from the Staff Nurse I-level by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned, working independently, and exercising judgment and initiative. Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit.

Positions in the Staff Nurse I/II class series are flexibly staffed; positions at the II-level may be filled by advancement from the I-level; progression to the II-level is dependent on (i) management affirmation that the position is performing the full range of duties assigned to the classification; (ii) satisfactory work performance; (iii) the incumbent meeting the minimum qualifications for the classification including any licenses and certifications; and (iv) management approval for progression to the II-level.

Essential Job Functions

EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Typicalfunctions may include any of the following tasks, knowledge, abilities, and other characteristics. The list that follows is not intended as a comprehensive list; it is intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed, and may be required to perform additional, position-specific tasks. Some duties, knowledge, skills, and abilities may be performed in a learning capacity for entry-level (I Level) positions.

• Directs and provides professional nursing services to clients in a clinic or community setting; assists co-workers and lower-level staff in making client care decisions, and in performing clinical procedures; plans, evaluates, implements, and modifies nursing care plans.

• Dispenses and/or instructs clients in the use of medications and contraceptive methods; prepares and administers injections; draws blood and obtains other specimens for laboratory analysis and conducts routine laboratory tests; administers immunizations to adults and children; administers various diagnostic tests.

• Interviews and observes client to ascertain medical history and current condition; provides client and family health/medical instruction and/or counseling as appropriate or directed; contacts community agencies to provide additional care as appropriate.

• Coordinates and communicates with Public Health Nurses regarding dual referrals, public health nursing program processes, and availability of providers for program services.

• May carry a caseload and conduct home visits with clients in assigned areas to provide health education, assessment, and counseling; develops nursing care plans for case management activities as appropriate.

• Plans, schedules, and conducts clinics, classes, educational activities, and related clinic services.

• Participates as a member of a multi-disciplinary team with other professionals and paraprofessionals in the delivery of nursing clinical services.

• Coordinates activities with those of other departments and agencies as appropriate.

• Confers with other professional and para-professional staff regarding client's condition and nursing care needs; serves as a client advocate in dealing with other professionals and agencies.

• Conducts staff training and quality assurance activities and provides technical assistance within assigned county program, and for public and private health care providers, and community agencies according to program guidelines.

• Reviews client charts and records for complete and accurate documentation of program activities and client care.

• Receives and responds appropriately to client complaints and concerns.

• Performs related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge of:

• Professional nursing theory and practice.

• Purpose, policies, procedures, requirements, and protocols of assigned program(s).

• Methods and techniques of coaching staff in program protocols and operational requirements to ensure program compliance.

• Principles and practices of quality control.

• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and ordinances including the California Nursing Practice Act.

• Medical terminology.

• Methods, materials, tools, and equipment commonly used in a clinical or community nursing setting.

• Causes, modes of transmission, and methods of control of communicable diseases, including sexually transmitted diseases.

• Principles and methods of family planning, breastfeeding and pregnancy counseling; and child growth and development.

• Techniques for classroom and individual instruction in the use of medications and medical devices.

• Aseptic techniques and infection control in a clinic setting.

• Methods of medical case recording and report preparation.

• Community resources relevant to the services provided.

• Principles and techniques for working with groups and fostering effective team interaction to ensure teamwork is conducted smoothly.

• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and County staff.

• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

Ability To:

• Assess client health status in a clinic or community environment; and develop and implement appropriate nursing care plans for clients.

• Assess clients' health status during intake of a program or investigation and make referrals and recommendations to ongoing case management and or services needed for clients.

• Safely and skillfully operate/use nursing and medical equipment and instruments as required.

• Conduct medical history and physicals; obtain specimens for and conduct routine laboratory tests; administer medication and treatments.

• Serve in a coaching capacity for nursing staff assigned to the program.

• Provide individual and group instruction to clinic staff and clients.

• Follow and transmit in exact detail oral and written instructions of a technical and complex nature.

• Prepare concise and accurate reports and charts regarding client care and treatment.

• Maintain confidentiality as appropriate.

• Follow established policies, procedures, protocols, and standards, including safety regulations.

• Understand, interpret, and apply federal and state laws, regulations and guidelines governing clinic operations and client care.

• Effectively represent the department and the County in meetings with governmental agencies; community groups; various business, professional, and regulatory organizations; and in meetings with individuals.

• Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.

• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.

• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.

• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and Experience:

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

Equivalent to an Associate's degree from an accredited college or university in Nursing; and

Staff Nurse I: None.

Staff Nurse II: One (1) year of professional experience as a registered nurse equivalent to the Staff Nurse I-level.

Certifications and Licenses:

• Possess and maintain a valid license as a Registered Nurse issued by the California Board of Registered Nursing.

• Possess and maintain valid Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification

• Must possess a valid US driver's license upon date of application. Must obtain California driver's license following hire date per California DMV regulations.

Environmental Factors and Conditions/Physical Requirements

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Mobility to work in a standard office setting, or clinical setting, and use standard office equipment, including a computer and medical equipment; standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required; travel to various clinical and home settings may be required; occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information; ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 35 pounds.

• Vision to assess emergency situations, including medical incidents and to read printed material and a computer screen.

• Hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone.

• Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard, typewriter keyboard, or calculator and to operate standard office and medical equipment.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Employees primarily work in an office environment with moderate noise levels and controlled temperature conditions.

• Incumbents may be exposed to blood and bodily fluids in the performance of their assigned duties.

• Employees may interact with members of the public or with staff under emotionally stressful conditions while interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

EQUIPMENT AND TOOLS UTILIZED

• Equipment utilized includes personal computer, fax machine, standard office equipment, county car, lab supplies, scale, and other medical and laboratory equipment.

Disaster Service Worker

All Butte County employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.