Vocational Nurse - Med-Surg/Telemetry - Full-Time - Shift

Kern Medical • Bakersfield, CA

10h

About The Position

Kern Medical is an acute care teaching center with 222 beds and a range of primary, specialty, and multi-specialty services. The Vocational Nurse works under general supervision to provide assigned patient care in a hospital, clinic, or correctional facility in support of registered nurses and medical staff. Depending on the department, the role may involve general nursing care, psychiatric nursing care, or nursing care in a correctional setting. The position may serve patients from newborns through older adults.

The Vocational Nurse I/II role is paid an estimated $27.3196 to $42.4288 per hour. The stated rates include a 6% premium; additional compensation may be available through shift differentials, incentives, and bonuses. The position may also be eligible for participation and company contributions to the Kern County Employees’ Retirement Plan. The job posting describes a full-time position and notes a 10% base-pay differential for the P.M. shift, listed as 7:00 PM–7:30 AM.

Vocational Nurse II is distinguished from Vocational Nurse I by intravenous infusion certification, except that applicable specialty experience may substitute in specified psychiatric or correctional assignments. Promotions within the series are merit-based when recommended by the Department Head and approved by the Director of Personnel.

Requirements

• Possess a current American Heart Association Healthcare Provider Basic Life Support (BLS) card at hire and maintain RQI Provider certification and competency as a condition of continued employment.
• Complete a basic pre-service Vocational Nurse curriculum accredited by the California Board of Vocational Nurse and Psychiatric Technician Examiners, or complete an educational program leading to an Associate degree or Baccalaureate degree in Nursing.
• For Option I or III, possess a current valid California Vocational Nurse license, a temporary California Vocational Nurse license, or an interim permit to practice as a Vocational Nurse. For Option II, possess a temporary California Vocational Nurse license or an interim permit.
• Probationary employees holding a temporary license or interim permit must obtain a California Vocational Nurse license during the six-month probationary period.
• For Vocational Nurse II, obtain State certification to start intravenous infusions, except where qualifying specialty experience substitutes as stated for the applicable assignment.
• For Option III, Vocational Nurse II must be certified by Kern Medical Center to give medication.
• Depending on assignment, possess and maintain specific certificates of competency as a condition of employment.
• Have knowledge of techniques, methods, procedures, and equipment used in patient care; be able to use them, maintain effective relations with registered nurses and medical staff, follow instructions, work shifts as required, and react competently in emergencies.
• Meet the physical requirements, including standing and walking for lengthy periods; sitting, bending, squatting, kneeling, and/or twisting; pushing and pulling heavy or bulky objects; fine finger manipulation and simple grasping; reaching above shoulder height; lifting and carrying up to 70 pounds unassisted; and assisting with objects over 100 pounds.
• Have good visual and auditory acuity and be able to work in areas with extended exposure to noise, injury, disease, and death.
• Possess a valid California Class C Driver’s License at appointment.
• Depending on assignment, pass an extensive background check and be fingerprinted; felony convictions are disqualifying, while misdemeanor and traffic convictions are assessed case by case.

Responsibilities

• Provide patient care under general supervision in support of registered nurses and medical staff.
• Perform general nursing care and patient-care procedures appropriate to the assigned department or specialty.
• Take and record patients’ temperature, pulse, and respiration; observe, document, and report unusual conditions or behavior.
• Participate in developing nursing care plans and maintain records of patients’ conditions, medications, and treatments.
• Prepare patients for examinations and treatments; administer prescribed special diets and treatments; give medications when certified; and assist staff with dressings.
• Perform procedures as applicable, including minor dressing changes, cauterizations, deep tracheal suction, tracheotomy care, bathing, colostomy care, and traction care.
• Use a mechanical lift to move patients.
• For psychiatric assignments, provide direct psychiatric nursing care; participate in psychotherapy sessions and treatment-plan development; complete intake and referral psychosocial histories; learn and evaluate techniques for emotional and environmental problems; and implement activity programs under general supervision of an occupational therapist.
• For correctional assignments, provide general nursing care in a correctional setting.
• Perform other job-related duties as required.

Benefits

• New-hire premium of 6% of base pay, matched up to 6% if contributed to the Deferred Compensation Plan.
• P.M. shift differential of 10% of base pay for the listed 7:00 PM–7:30 AM shift.
• Comprehensive benefits package including holidays, vacation, medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.
• Possible participation 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