Vocational Nurse I/II - Various Departments - Full-time - Shift - Bilingual (English/Spanish) Preferred

Kern Medical • Bakersfield, CA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Under general supervision, to provide patient care as assigned in a hospital, clinic, or correctional facility. Vocational Nurse I is distinguished from Vocational Nurse II by the latter's completion of a course approved by the nursing board certifying the individual to start peripheral intravenous infusions. Vocational Nurse II's assigned to Psychiatric Nursing or Correctional Nursing must have one (1) year of applicable experience in a particular specialty such as inpatient acute psychiatry, or correctional medicine in lieu of the intravenous infusion certification. Promotions within the series are considered on a merit basis when recommended by the Department Head and approved by the Vice President of Human Resources.

Requirements

• Completion of a basic pre-service Vocational Nurse curriculum accredited by the California Board of Vocational Nurse and Psychiatric Technician examiners. OR completion of a 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 as issued by the State of California OR possession of an interim permit to practice as a Vocational Nurse issued by the State of California.
• 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. (objects are generally carried distances up to 100 feet).
• 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.
• Dependent upon assignment, applicants may be required to pass an extensive background check and be fingerprinted.

Nice To Haves

• Bilingual (English/Spanish) Preferred

Responsibilities

• Performs the more responsible patient care functions utilizing broad knowledge in the techniques, methods, procedures and equipment required in support of the registered nurse and medical staff in patient treatment.
• Demonstrates knowledge and use of the nursing process.
• Performs general nursing care in various departments.
• Uses the mechanical lift in moving patients.
• Performs minor dressing changes, cauterizations, deep tracheal suction, tracheotomy care, bathing, colostomy care, and traction care.
• Takes and records temperature, pulse and respiration.
• Observes and keeps records and reports unusual conditions or behavior.
• Participates in development of nursing care plans.
• Maintains records reflecting patient's condition, medication, and treatment.
• Prepares patients for examinations and treatments.
• Administers special diets, and treatments as prescribed; gives medications if certified.
• Assists staff with dressings.
• Dependent upon area of practice or department assignments, demonstrates 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.
• Performs general nursing care in a correctional setting.
• Vocational Nurse II is required to be State certified to start intravenous infusions.
• Vocational Nurse II is required to be certified by Kern Medical Center to give medication.

Benefits

• New Hire Premium: +6% of base rate of pay matched up to 6% if contributed to Deferred Compensation Plan.
• Holidays
• Vacation
• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Life Insurance
• Participation and company contributions to the Kern County Employees’ Retirement Plan.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree