Vocational Nurse I/II - Medicine Specialty Clinic - Full-time - Shift - Bilingual (English/Spanish) Preferred

Kern Medical • Bakersfield, CA

158d • $27 - $42

About The Position

Under general supervision, provides patient care as assigned in a hospital, clinic, or correctional facility. The role supports registered nurses and medical staff in patient treatment and may involve general nursing or correctional nursing duties, depending on assignment. Vocational Nurse II is distinguished from Vocational Nurse I by certification to start peripheral intravenous infusions; certain specialty experience may substitute for this certification in specified assignments. Employees are designated Disaster Service Workers and may be required to remain at or report to work during a disaster or civil disorder when safe and practicable.

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 an educational program leading to an associate or bachelor’s degree in nursing.
• A current valid California Vocational Nurse license, temporary California Vocational Nurse license, or interim permit to practice as a Vocational Nurse.
• Vocational Nurse II must be certified to start intravenous infusions, except where applicable specialty experience may substitute as stated in the posting.
• Probationary employees with a temporary license or interim permit must obtain a California Vocational Nurse license during the six-month probationary period or fail probation.
• Ability to stand and walk for lengthy periods; sit, bend, squat, kneel, and/or twist; push and pull heavy and bulky objects; perform simple grasping and fine finger manipulation; reach and manipulate objects above shoulder height; lift and carry objects weighing up to 70 pounds unassisted; and assist with lifting and carrying objects weighing over 100 pounds.
• Good visual and auditory acuity.
• Ability to work in areas with extended exposure to noise, injury, disease, and death.
• Depending on assignment, pass an extensive background check and be fingerprinted; felony convictions are disqualifying, and misdemeanor and traffic convictions are assessed case by case.
• Depending on assignment, possess and maintain specific certificates of competency as a condition of employment.

Nice To Haves

• Bilingual English/Spanish skills are preferred.
• For Vocational Nurse II in psychiatric or correctional nursing, one year of applicable specialty experience may substitute for intravenous infusion certification; correctional health care specialty experience may substitute for intravenous infusion certification as specified in the employment standards.

Responsibilities

• Perform patient-care functions using nursing techniques, methods, procedures, and equipment in support of registered nurses and medical staff.
• Demonstrate knowledge and use of the nursing process.
• Provide general nursing care in assigned departments or correctional settings.
• Use a mechanical lift to move patients.
• Perform minor dressing changes, cauterizations, deep tracheal suction, tracheotomy care, bathing, colostomy care, and traction care, as assigned.
• Take and record patients’ temperature, pulse, and respiration.
• Observe patients, document and report unusual conditions or behavior, and maintain records of patient condition, medication, and treatment.
• Participate in developing nursing care plans.
• Prepare patients for examinations and treatments.
• Administer prescribed special diets and treatments, and give medications when certified or otherwise authorized for the assignment.
• Assist staff with dressings.
• Demonstrate clinical knowledge and skill in caring for patients across age groups, from newborns through geriatric patients, depending on the assignment.
• Maintain health requirements designated by Kern Medical and maintain any certificates of competency required for the assignment.
• Remain at work or report to work in a safe and practicable manner during a disaster or civil disorder.

Benefits

• New hire premium of 6% of base pay, matched up to 6% if contributed to the Deferred Compensation Plan.
• Comprehensive benefits package including holidays, vacation, medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.
• The position may be eligible for participation in and company contributions to the Kern County Employees’ Retirement Plan.
• Additional compensation may be available through differentials, incentives, and bonuses.

What This Job Offers

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