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

Kern Medical strives to recruit the highest quality candidates, resulting in a high performance workforce that consistently delivers quality patient care.

Career Opportunities within Kern Medical for qualifying positions include many benefits such as:

• New Hire Premium: +6% of base rate of pay matched up to 6% if contributed to Deferred Compensation Plan.
• A Comprehensive Benefits Package: includes Holidays, Vacation, Medical, Dental, Vision and Life Insurance.

Vocational Nurse I/II - Full-Time

Job Description

Under general supervision, to provide patient care as assigned in a hospital, clinic, or correctional facility.

Compensation

The estimated pay for this position is $27.3196 to $42.4288. The rates shown include a 6% premium pay (base= $-$ plus 6%). This reflects only a portion of the total compensation package for this position. Additional compensation may be available for this role through differentials, incentives, and bonuses. In addition, this position may be eligible for participation and company contributions to the Kern County Employees’ Retirement Plan.

 DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: 

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.

Essential Functions:

 General Nursing:

• 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.

Correctional Nursing:

• 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;
• Performs general nursing care in a correctional setting; takes and records temperature, pulse and respiration;
• Observes and keeps records and reports unusual conditions or behavior;
• Participates in the 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; and 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.

 Employment Standards:

 General Nursing: Education:

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. License: 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 C