Vocational Nurse I/II - OB Clinic - Per Diem

Kern Medical•Bakersfield, CA

11h•Onsite

About The Position

Kern Medical is seeking a Per Diem Vocational Nurse I/II for their OB Clinic. Per Diem employees supplement department staffing needs and are not guaranteed minimum hours, but must be willing and available to work four (4) shifts per six (6) week scheduling period. This role involves providing patient care under general supervision in a hospital, clinic, correctional facility, or inpatient psychiatric setting. The Vocational Nurse I/II will perform patient care functions, utilize nursing process knowledge, and provide general nursing care. Specific duties may include performing minor dressing changes, administering medications (if certified), preparing patients for examinations, and demonstrating clinical knowledge in caring for patients across all age ranges. The position also offers options for specialized care in psychiatric nursing or correctional settings, with specific experience requirements for the Vocational Nurse II level in these areas.

Requirements

Possess a current American Heart Association Healthcare Provider Basic Life Support (BLS) card at time of hire.
As a continued condition of employment, employee must maintain RQI Provider certification and competency.
Completion of a basic pre-service Vocational Nurse curriculum accredited by the California Board of Vocational Nurse and Psychiatric Technician examiners OR completion of an educational program leading to an Associate degree or Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing.
Possession of a current valid license as a Vocational Nurse as issued by the State of California OR possession of a temporary license as a Vocational Nurse issued by the State of California OR possession of an interim permit to practice as a Vocational Nurse issued by the State of California.
Vocational Nurse II is required to be State certified to start intravenous infusions (Option I).
One (1) year of vocational nursing experience in a mental health setting or skilled nursing facility for mentally ill persons may be substituted for intravenous infusion certification at the Vocational Nurse II level (Option II).
Vocational Nurse II is required to be certified by Kern Medical Center to give medication (Option III).
One (1) year of experience in a correctional health care specialty may be substituted for intravenous infusion certification at the Vocational Nurse II level (Option III).
Probationary employees possessing a temporary license OR an interim permit must acquire their California Vocational Nurse license during their 6-month probationary period or fail probation.
Ability to stand and walk for lengthy periods.
Ability to sit, bend, squat, kneel and/or twist.
Ability to push and pull heavy and bulky objects.
Ability to perform tasks requiring simple grasping and fine finger manipulation.
Ability to reach and manipulate objects above shoulder height.
Ability to lift and carry unassisted objects weighing up to 70 lbs.
Ability to assist with lifting and carrying objects weighing in excess of 100 lbs.
Good visual and auditory acuity.
Ability to work in areas with extended exposure to noise, injury, disease, and death.
A valid California Class “C” Driver’s License is required at the time of appointment.
Knowledge of a variety of techniques, methods, procedures, and equipment utilized in patient care.
Ability to utilize a variety of techniques, methods, procedures, and equipment utilized in patient care.
Ability to maintain effective relations with the registered nurse and medical staff.
Ability to follow instructions as given.
Ability to work shifts as required.
Ability to react competently in emergency situations.

Nice To Haves

Completion of a course approved by the nursing board certifying the individual to start peripheral intravenous infusions (for Vocational Nurse II).
One (1) year of applicable experience in a particular specialty such as inpatient acute psychiatry, or correctional medicine (for Vocational Nurse II in Psychiatric or Correctional Nursing).

Responsibilities

Provide patient care as assigned in a hospital, clinic, correctional facility, or in-patient psychiatric setting.
Perform general nursing care in various departments.
Use the mechanical lift in moving patients.
Perform minor dressing changes, cauterizations, deep tracheal suction, tracheotomy care, bathing, colostomy care, and traction care.
Take and record temperature, pulse, and respiration.
Observe and keep records and report unusual conditions or behavior.
Participate in the development of nursing care plans.
Maintain records reflecting patient's condition, medication, and treatment.
Prepare patients for examinations and treatments.
Administer special diets and treatments as prescribed.
Give medications if certified.
Assist staff with dressings.
Demonstrate clinical knowledge and skill in the care of the newborn, infant, toddler, child, adolescent, adult and geriatric patient ranging up to 100+ years of age.
Provide direct psychiatric nursing care to patients (Option II).
Participate in individual, conjoint, family, and group psychotherapy sessions (Option II).
Participate in development of treatment plans (Option II).
Learn and evaluate new techniques for dealing with emotional and environmental problems (Option II).
Complete intake and referral psycho social histories (Option II).
Implement activity programs under general supervision of an occupational therapist (Option II).
Perform general nursing care in a correctional setting (Option III).
Perform other job-related duties as required.