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

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. Ability to deliver services in accordance with Title 15 and NCCHC Health and Mental Health Standards for Correctional Health Services. This classification is a for cause, non-exempt position.  This classification may be flexibly staffed if allocated to the hiring department as flexibly staffed.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Under general supervision from the Director of Correctional Health Services and the Siskiyou County Public Health Officer and/or supervision from the Supervising Correctional Nurse as designee, assists with managing the County Jail medical care program on a 24-hour basis and assists 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 Scope of Work from the CA-Board of Vocational Nursing & Psychiatric Technicians (BVNPT); has the primary responsibility of coordinating and maintaining inventory of clinic supplies (including incarcerated individual’s medications).

REPORTS TO

Director of Public Health/Environmental Health Division & Correctional Health Services Division, Supervising Correctional Nurse, Public Health Officer/Correctional Physician, or contracted Psychiatrist and/or their designee.

CLASSIFICATIONS SUPERVISED

This is not a supervisory position.

Correctional Licensed Vocational Nurse I/II

Essential duties:

Assists Physician/Psychiatrist and Supervising or Correctional Nurse (RN) with incarcerated individuals’ health care; conducts individual health assessments; conducts intake 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 incarcerated individual’s medications; assists with implementation of the incarcerated individual’s self-administration of medication; provides emergency first aid; provides triage and treatment of medical emergencies; checks and records vital signs; instructs incarcerated individuals 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 incarcerated individual’s medical transfer packets; coordinates, assembles and maintains accurate patient data health information; 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 on after-hours "standby" as assigned. Incumbents work shift schedules possibly involving night, weekend, and holiday work in a 24-hour, seven day a week operation. Always works within the Scope of Practice for the License Vocational Nurse and the Correctional Nursing Scope and Standards of Practice (ANA, 2020).

Knowledge of:

• Working knowledge of vocational nursing techniques, practices and procedures and 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.
• 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.

• Assess physical/psychological condition and interview incarcerated individuals 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 incarcerated individuals.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees.
• Maintain accurate and well documented incarcerated individual’s 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 incarcerated individuals and demonstrate tact and diplomacy.
• Learn to identify alcohol and substance use disorder related symptoms and behaviors.
• Apply first aid and CPR which requires stamina and coordination.
• Perform blood draws per licensure.
• Knowledge of CalAIM Justice Involved Initiative and the ability to work collaboratively with their team.

Correctional Licensed Vocational Nurse I

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:

One or more years of experience in an acute care health facility or any correctional facility.

Special Requirements: 

• 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 Licensed Vocational Nurse Board in withdrawal of blood from patients.

• Possession of a current CPR certificate.

• Possession and maintenance of a California Driver's License.

• Must obtain and maintain security clearance from the Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Department.

Correctional Licensed Vocational Nurse II

Training and Experience:

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

Two or more years of experience comparable to that of a Correctional Licensed Vocational Nurse I at the Siskiyou County Jail.

Special Requirements: 

• 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 Licensed Vocational Nurse 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 Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Department.

Correctional Licensed Vocational Nurse I/II

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, Electronic Health Records, telephone, calculator, copiers, scanners, telehealth equipment 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, incarcerated individuals and the public.