Correctional Licensed Vocational Nurse I/II

The County of Siskiyou is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer

We welcome applicants of any race, religion, or ancestry.

For exact salary information please refer to the current salary schedule. Salary Schedule

Correctional Licensed Vocational Nurse I- $32.22 - $41.15

DEFINITION

Under general direction and supervision provides Licensed Vocational Nursing services in the Jail facility essential to the prevention of disease and disability, health promotion and maintenance, and restoration of personal health within the scope of public health laws and regulations, Title 15 and IMQ standards.  Provides administrative support and assistance to the Correction Nurse and inmate health program physician; performs related work as required. This classification is a for cause, exempt position.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Under general supervision from the County Health Officer and supervision from the Correctional Nurse (RN), assists with managing the County Jail and Juvenile Hall medical care program on a 24-hour basis and assist Correctional Nurse (RN) with sick call; performs specialized or general nursing in any of a variety of specialized areas of nursing care consistent with their correctional assignment; has the primary responsibility of coordinating and maintaining inventory of clinic supplies (including inmate medications).

REPORTS TO

Director of Public Health Division, Supervising Correctional Nurse, Public Health Officer/Correctional Physician, or Deputy Director of Public Health

CLASSIFICATIONS SUPERVISED

This is not a supervisory position.

Correctional LVN I -

Assists Physician and Correctional Nurse with inmate health care; occasionally conducts individual assessments, conducts interviews including admission physicals and exams to determine the nature and extent of nursing services required; obtains health histories; provides appropriate medical treatment at the direction and under the supervision of the Correctional Nurse (RN) or Physician; assists patients in obtaining adequate services and benefits which promote health; follows up on patient progress as appropriate; prepares and maintains accurate and complete case documentation; assists with appropriate diagnostic and screening tests and procedures; performs routine and standardized lab testing as directed; draws blood as directed; gives injections as directed; assists with treatments under the direction and supervision of the Correctional Nurse (RN) or physician; responsible for securing and maintaining inventory of stock medications and supplies including controlled substances and inmate medications; assists with implementation of the inmate self-administration of medication; provide emergency first aid; provide triage and treatment of medical emergencies; checks and records vital signs; instructs inmates concerning discharge planning; assists with management of sick call clinics; administers and maintains accurate TB testing records if ordered and communicates with public health with positive tests; prepares inmate medical transfer packets; coordinates, assembles and maintains accurate patient data health info; coordinates referrals to outside agencies for follow-up treatments; evaluates necessary referrals; prepares and administers oral, intramuscular, and subcutaneous medications as directed. Operates and maintains a variety of clinical medical equipment. Communicates and consults with Correctional staff, Behavioral Health staff, and other Correctional facilities as well as Court Officers. Compiles data: maintains and prepares monthly statistical reports as required. Reports to work for afterhours "on call" as assigned.

Knowledge of:

• Working knowledge of vocational nursing techniques, practices and procedures; routine medical/psychological assessment techniques.
• Principles and practices of phlebotomy; administering medications and treatment.
• Medical terminology, instruments and equipment.
• Interviewing techniques.
• The uses, effects and adverse reactions to medications and controlled substances.
• Universal precautions consistent with infectious disease control and accurate charting and medical record keeping practices.
• Standard office practices and procedures, including filing and the operation of standard office equipment. Some knowledge of emergency response practices and procedures and the law governing vocational nursing scope of practice.

Desired skills:

• Assess physical/psychological condition and interview inmates to obtain medical histories.
• Deal effectively with manipulative, hostile and antisocial behavior.
• Respond effectively in emergency and stressful situations.
• Work in an institutional setting and learn and apply institutional rules, policies and regulations.
• Explain medical procedures, treatments and medications to inmates.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Maintain accurate and well documented inmate medical records and write routine reports.
• Maintain confidentiality of medical information, medical records and Criminal Justice information.
• Make effective, reasonable and responsible decisions in emergencies and take appropriate action.
• Deal firmly and fairly with inmates and demonstrate tact and diplomacy.
• Learn to identify alcohol, drug and street drug related symptoms and behaviors.
• Apply first aid and CPR which requires stamina and coordination.
• Perform blood draws per licensure. 

Training and Experience:

Any combination of training or experience that would provide the knowledge and skills to successfully perform the listed duties is qualifying. A typical way, but not required, to obtain the required knowledge and skills would be:

Correctional LVN I -

• License/Certificate: Possession of a valid license as a Vocational Nurse issued by the State of California Board of Vocational Nurse Examiners; proof of satisfactory completion of prescribed course of instruction approved by LVN Board in with withdrawal of blood from patients.

• Possession of a current CPR certificate. 

• Possess and maintain a California Driver's License.

• Possession of a valid license as a Vocational Nurse issued by the State of California Board of Vocational Nurse & Psychiatric Technicians (BVNPT) at all times.
• Proof of satisfactory completion of prescribed course of instruction approved by LVN Board in withdrawal of blood from patients
• Possession of a current BLS CPR certificate
• Possession and maintenance of a California Driver's License.
• Must obtain and maintain security clearance from the county Sheriff's Dept.

Fingerprinting and a background investigation are required.  Must obtain and maintain security clearance from the county Sheriff's Dept.

TYPICAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Sit and stand for extended periods;  frequently stand and walk; normal manual dexterity and eye-hand coordination; lift and move objects weighing up to 50 pounds; corrected hearing and vision to normal range; verbal communication; use of medical and office equipment, including computer, telephone, calculator, copiers, and FAX.

TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is performed in a correctional facility environment; work may involve stressful situations and include dealing with erratic and sometimes threatening behavior; continuous contact with correctional staff, inmates, and the public. 

Salary : $67,018 - $90,854