Correctional Vocational Nurse I/II - Lerdo Justice Facility - Shift

Kern Medical has been a community cornerstone since its founding in 1867. Today, we are an acute care teaching center with 222 beds, offering the only advanced trauma care between Fresno and Los Angeles. Kern Medical offers a range of primary, specialty, and multi-specialty services including high-risk pregnancy care, inpatient psychiatric services integrated with county mental health programs, and a growing network of outpatient clinics providing personalized patient-centered wellness care.  Kern Medical cares for 15,500 inpatients and 125,000 clinic patients a year.

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

• New Hire Premium: 6% of the base rate of pay matched up to 6% if contributed to the Deferred Compensation Plan.
• Shift Differential Pay: P.M. shift (7:00 PM - 7:30 AM) = 10% of base pay.
• Security Clearance Pay: $2.00 per hour, in addition to base pay.
• A Comprehensive Benefits Package: includes Holidays, Vacation, Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance.

Correctional Medicine Candidates:
 Background investigation is required of candidates who wish to be considered for Correctional Medicine assignments. Felony convictions are disqualifying, and some misdemeanor convictions may be disqualifying.

Position: Correctional Vocational Nurse I/II 

Compensation

The estimated pay for this position is $26.7839 to $38.0670. 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 into the Kern County Employees’ Retirement Plan.

Definition:

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

Distinguishing Characteristics:

The Correctional Vocational Nurse I is distinguished from the Correctional Vocational Nurse II by the latter’s completion of a course approved by the nurse board certifying the individual to start peripheral intravenous infusions.  Correctional Vocational Nurse II’s must have one (1) year of applicable experience in correctional medicine in lieu of intravenous infusion certification.

Promotions within the series are considered on a merit basis when recommended by the Department Head and approved by the Director of Human Resources.

Essential Functions:

• Performs 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 behaviors.
• 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.
• Assists staff with dressings.
• Maintains confidentiality as prescribed in regulation (Title 15, HIPAA, and the Penal Code).

Other Functions:

Performs other job-related duties as required.

Employment Standards:

Level I:

• 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 Degree or Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing, AND;
• Possession of a current valid license as a Vocational Nurse as issued by the State of California, OR;
• Possession of an interim permit to practice as a Vocational Nurse issues by the State of California.
• Probationary employees possessing a temporary license OR interim permit MUST acquire their California Vocational Nurse license during their 6-months as a requirement of continued employment.
• Possess a current American Heart Association Healthcare Provider Basic Life Support (BLS) card at time of hire. As a continued condition of employment, employee must maintain RQI Provider certification and competency.

Level II:

• Completion of a basic preservice 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 Degree or Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing, AND;
• One (1) year of experience in a correctional health facility. May be substituted for intravenous infusion certification.
• Must obtain Intravenous therapy and blood withdrawal certification within six months of hire date, AND:
• Possession of a current valid license as a Vocational Nurse as issued by the State of California.
• Possess a current American Heart Association Healthcare Provider Basic Life Support (BLS) card at time of hire. As a continued condition of employment, employee must maintain RQI Provider certification and competency.

Physical Requirements:

• 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 the 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.

Knowledge of:

• A variety of techniques, methods, procedures, and equipment utilized in patient care.

Ability to:

• Utilize a variety of techniques, methods, procedures, and equipment in patient care;
• Maintain effective working relationships with the registered nurse, medical, and custody staff, internal and external customers and patients;
• Follow instructions as given;
• Work shifts as required;
• React competently in emergency situations.

Medical Examination:

• A thorough physical evaluation is required. Applicants must be free from conditions which prevent them from performing the work required of a Correctional Staff Nurse I/II.

Supplemental:

Applicants will be required to pass an extensive background check and be fingerprinted as they must possess and maintain clearance to be employed in Kern County correction facilities.  Felony convictions will be disqualifying and convictions for misdemeanors and traffic offenses will be assess on a case-by-case basis.

A background check may be required for this classification.

All Kern Medical employees are designated “Disaster Service Workers”. In the event of a disaster or civil disorder, all Kern Medical employees are to remain at work or to report to work in a safe and practicable manner. 

If position responsibilities require driving a personal vehicle, then possession of a current valid California Driver’s License and adherence to the Kern County Hospital Authority Vehicle Use and Driving Standard Policy (ENG-EC-119) is required.

If position responsibilities require driving a vehicle owned, leased or rented by Kern Medical, then possession of a current valid California Driver’s license, a signed authorization for Release of Drivers Record Information and adherence to the Kern County Hospital Authority Vehicle Use and Driving Standard Policy (ENG-EC-119) is required.

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