Clinical Nurse III - Custody Health Services

County of Santa Clara•San Jose, CA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Under general supervision, the Clinical Nurse III applies nursing theory and current clinical knowledge to provide direct patient care and perform established nursing interventions in accordance with nursing policies and procedures. The role is expected to identify and implement interventions with less predictable outcomes and evaluate their results, and may assume charge nurse responsibility. Custody Health Services (CHS) provides medical, mental health, and dental services to patients in custody at four County detention facilities: Main Jail, Elmwood, Juvenile Hall, and James Ranch. Services include routine, urgent, and emergency medical care at the Main Jail and Elmwood adult facilities; care for acute and chronic illness; preventive and specialty care; a 40-bed acute psychiatric inpatient housing unit at Main Jail; and integrated pediatric medical, mental health, and dental services for youth at Juvenile Hall and James Ranch. Selected candidates must be able to work in a correctional facility and pass a background check for security clearance. The position involves assessing patients and personnel, developing and coordinating care plans and patient education, collaborating with healthcare team members, and supporting staff and students. Employees may be assigned charge responsibilities or as a Disaster Service Worker. County employees must complete assigned DSW training and return to work as ordered in an emergency. The role requires the ability to travel to alternate locations; employees who drive must have a valid California driver’s license before appointment and qualify for and maintain County driver authorization.

Requirements

Active California Registered Nurse license without restrictions.
Three years of full-time Registered Nurse experience, including at least one year within the last three years, in an accredited hospital, clinic, or healthcare setting.
One year of full-time RN experience within the last three years in the relevant nursing specialty area.
Must possess and maintain Basic Life Saving (BLS) certification during employment.
For clinical specialty areas, must possess and maintain Advanced Cardiovascular Life Saving (ACLS) certification and other identified specialty-area certifications, as required.
Ability to work in a correctional facility and pass a security background check.
Ability to travel to alternate locations in the course of work.
If driving, valid California driver’s license before appointment and ability to qualify for and maintain County driver authorization.
Ability to complete assigned Disaster Service Worker training and return to work as ordered during an emergency.
Knowledge of the California Nurse Practice Act, American Nursing Association Code of Ethics, Nursing Professional Practice Model, applicable healthcare laws and regulations, nursing and medical theory, clinical nursing practices, specialty-area medical problems, clinical systems and equipment, safety and infection control, basic sciences, English usage, and common computer and charting applications.
Ability to establish relationships with patients and families in difficult or crisis situations; advocate for their perspectives and help resolve conflict; develop and implement complex teaching plans; provide recognized subject-matter expertise; support less experienced nurses; recognize subtle changes in patient responses; anticipate patient needs and assess nursing capabilities; develop strategies to enhance care; model leadership; facilitate change; perform under pressure; manage competing patient needs; communicate effectively with diverse people; and maintain effective working relationships.
Ability to work alternate schedules, weekends, and holidays as necessary.
Ability to perform the physical skills required to deliver patient care, including bending, stooping, reaching, fine motor tasks, lifting, moving and transferring patients and equipment, restraining and carrying children, CPR, and working in confined spaces.
Ability to manipulate syringes and IVs; assist patients with feeding and hygiene; document in health records; and perform sterile and other skilled procedures.
Sufficient vision, hearing, and tactile ability to assess patients, recognize changes in health status, hear alarms and patient voices, use a stethoscope and telephone, and palpate and discriminate tactile sensations.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
Nationally recognized certification in a specialty area.

Responsibilities

Analyze and validate patient interview data, revise assessments based on observed behavior, and identify recurring patient problems, symptoms, and behavioral changes.
Assess the needs of a patient population through rounds, clinical conferences, and collaboration with physicians and other healthcare team members.
Assess assigned personnel competencies, the need for standards of care, and staffing levels needed for a patient population.
Identify patient care problems, set priorities, and develop individualized care plans based on nursing and medical diagnoses.
Plan patient-care strategies with healthcare team members and determine the assistance needed for patients within the current assignment.
Develop teaching plans for patients and families on recurring health problems, coping mechanisms, wellness, and disease prevention.
Collaborate with appropriate personnel on new procedures and unfamiliar situations, and coordinate activities to implement plans of care.
Coordinate patient and family teaching and discharge plans with appropriate support personnel.
Comply with regulations governing nursing practice and recognize the legal and ethical duties of registered nurses.
When assigned charge responsibility, recommend unit-level staffing patterns and assign personnel to provide patient care during an 8-hour period.
Assist in teaching students and staff, and support less experienced Registered Nurses.
May conduct research activities and may serve as primary nurse for assigned patients.
May be assigned as a Disaster Service Worker and perform other related duties as required.