This job involves providing hands-on nursing care to patients in hospitals or clinics, such as giving medications, monitoring vital signs, assisting with daily activities, and documenting health observations, all under the guidance of registered nurses or doctors.
It's a great fit for someone who is detail-oriented, works well in a team, and enjoys helping diverse patients in a busy healthcare environment while maintaining confidentiality and adapting to changing needs.
Key Requirements
Valid Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) license
Strong knowledge of medical and psychiatric terminology
Ability to accurately document in electronic medical records (EMR)
Experience with patient care activities like administering medications, vital signs, and wound care
Good judgment in observing medical and behavioral symptoms
Clear verbal and written communication skills
Teamwork with nursing and mental health professionals
Full Job Description
Bargaining Unit: Local 856 - LVN/Aides Unit
The Contra Costa County Health Services Department is accepting applications from Licensed Vocational Nurses who are interested in performing technical nursing duties.
In an inpatient setting, under the supervision of registered professional nurses, Licensed Vocational Nurses perform a wide range of patient care activities including general bedside nursing and patient hygiene, safety and comfort. They perform catheterizations, enemas, nasogastric tube insertions and irrigations; take and record vital signs and chart observations. They care for tracheotomy, jejunostomy, colostomy, and chest tubes. Licensed Vocational Nurses sign out and are responsible for controlled drugs, including narcotics, and under direction, prepare and administer medication subcutaneously, intramuscularly or orally. In some assignments, they may also adjust the flow rates of intravenous solutions containing no medications.
In an ambulatory care setting, Licensed Vocational Nurses perform general nursing care under the direction of a registered Nurse or a provider. They prepare and administer medications including immunizations subcutaneously, intramuscularly, orally or topically; sign out and are responsible for controlled drugs including narcotics. They are responsible for applying dressing, compresses and soaks; taking and recording vital signs; documenting patient observations and nursing activities in patient records; and performing discharge duties
We are looking for someone who:
Adapts easily to varied and changing priorities
Has a strong attention to detail
Exercises good judgment in the observation of medical and behavioral symptoms
Works well as a team member with nursing, ancillary, and mental health professionals
Communicates clearly, both verbally and in writing
Demonstrates professional behavior in interactions with patients, team members and providers
Has strong knowledge of medical and psychiatric terminology and abbreviations
Has the ability to comprehend, execute and clarify written and verbal instructions
Acknowledges and respects the County's diverse population/patients
Maintains patient confidentially at all times
Has the ability to accurately document using electronic medical records (EMR)
What you will typically be responsible for:
Performing physical tasks using appropriate body mechanics and a reasonable degree of physical exertion
Assisting patients with activities of daily living
Maintaining a clean safe environment for the patient
Monitoring and assisting in providing dietary requirements of patients
Providing close observation of patients and accurately documenting these observations
Reporting observations to the Provider, RN, team Leader, or Charge Nurse
Transportation of patients both within the hospital and to appointments outside the hospital
Administering medications
Performing Basic Life Support (cardiopulmonary resuscitation)
Participating in Behavior Response when required and preventing injury to themselves or others by physically restraining patients
Obtaining specimens
Assisting the RN and the provider in identifying patient and family learning needs and implementing appropriate measures
A few reasons you might love this job:
You will have an opportunity to make a positive difference in patients' lives
As an integrated system, Contra Costa County Health Services offers and presents multiple opportunities to grow professionally
You may develop more knowledge and skills due to the different scenarios you will encounter and the education and training that will be provided
You will be an integral part of a team to create optimal health for all
There is a great retirement plan and health benefits for you and your family
A few challenges you might face in this job:
You may need to reprioritize your tasks based on the ongoing needs of your assignment
You will need to adapt and adjust to the work environment
You may care for patients whose behaviors can be challenging due to medical or mental health issues
You may receive direction and communication from different staff members to process and prioritize daily assignments
Competencies Required:
Customer Focus: Attending to the needs and expectations of customers
Environmental Exposure Tolerance: Performing under physically demanding conditions
Establishing Credibility: Doing what he/she commits to doing and respecting the confidentiality of information and concerns shared by others
Handling Stress: Maintaining emotional stability and self-control under pressure, challenge, or adversity
Legal & Regulatory Navigation: Understanding, interpreting, and ensuring compliance with laws and regulations
Manual Dexterity: Using senses, hands, and fingers in manipulating objects quickly and efficiently
Professional & Technical Expertise: Applying technical subject matter to the job
Safety Focus: Showing vigilance and care in identifying and addressing health risks and safety hazards
Adaptability: Responding positively to change and modifying behavior as the situation requires
Attention to Detail: Focusing on the details of work content, work steps, and final work products
Informing: Proactively obtaining and sharing information
Listening: Fully comprehending spoken communication
Oral Communication: Engaging effectively in dialogue
Reading Comprehension: Understanding and using written information
Teamwork: Collaborating with others to achieve shared goals
Using Technology: Working with electronic hardware and software applications
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing
Professional Integrity & Ethics: Displaying honesty, adherence to principles, and personal accountability
Self-Management: Showing personal organization, self-discipline, and dependability
Professional Impact: Presenting self as a positive representative of the organization
To read the complete job description, please visit the website www.cccounty.us/hr. The eligible list established from this recruitment may remain in effect for six months.
Qualifications
License Required: Candidates must possess and maintain throughout the duration of employment a current, valid and unrestricted license as a Licensed Vocational Nurse issued by the Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians, California Department of Consumer Affairs.
Certification: Candidates must possess and maintain throughout the duration of employment a current, valid Basic Life Support (BLS) issued by the American Heart Association or CPR by the American Red Cross.
PLEASE NOTE: All applicants must submit a copy of their LVN certification and their current CPR or BLS certificate at the time of application. Applications without the required documentation will not be accepted.
Special Requirements: As a condition of hiring, all positions: (a) Must successfully pass a pharmacology test administered by the County. (b) When assigned to Detention Facilities, must possess and maintain a Sheriff's Department clearance.
Other Requirements: A background investigation/fingerprint and/or physical exam may be required prior to the start of employment.
Additional Information
Application Filing: Applications will be evaluated to determine which candidates will move forward in the next phase of the recruitment process.
Applications without the required license/certification documents attached will not be accepted.
Training and Experience Evaluation: Candidates who clearly demonstrate that they possess the minimum qualifications will have their training and experience evaluated.
The responses to the supplemental questions, at the time of filing, will be evaluated to determine each candidate's relevant education, training, and/or experience, and will be used to rank candidates on the resulting eligible list.
(Weighted 100%)Applications will be accepted and evaluated on an ongoing basis.
The Human Resources Department may change the examination steps noted above in accordance with the Personnel Management Regulations and accepted selection practices.CONVICTION HISTORYAfter you receive a conditional job offer, you will be fingerprinted, and your fingerprints will be sent to the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
The resulting report of your conviction history (if any) will be used to determine whether the nature of your conviction conflicts with the specific duties and responsibilities of the job for which you have received a conditional job offer.
If a conflict exists, you will be asked to present any evidence of rehabilitation that may mitigate the conflict, except when federal or state regulations bar employment in specific circumstances.
Having a conviction history does not automatically preclude you from a job with Contra Costa County.
If you accept a conditional job offer, the Human Resources department will contact you to schedule a fingerprinting appointment.
DISASTER SERVICE WORKERAll Contra Costa County employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law.
Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect.
Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY It is the policy of Contra Costa County to consider all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identify, gender expression, marital status, ancestry, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, or other protected category under the law.