About the position
The Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) position in Correctional Health Services is a full-time role responsible for providing essential healthcare to adult inmates at the San Joaquin County jail facility. This position is critical in ensuring that inmates receive the necessary medical attention mandated by Title 15, Division 1, Sub-Chapter IV of the California Regulatory Code. The successful candidate will be required to undergo a rigorous background investigation and pre-employment drug screening as part of the hiring process. Additionally, a security clearance is mandatory for employment within the County jail facility, which adds an extra layer of responsibility to the role. In this position, the LVN will be tasked with monitoring and recording patient vital signs, performing routine nursing duties such as assisting with personal hygiene, and administering medications through various methods including oral, intramuscular, and subcutaneous routes. The role also involves performing nursing procedures like skin tests, immunizations, and inserting urinary catheters. The LVN will observe patients closely, report and record observations accurately, and transcribe doctor's orders to ensure continuity of care. Moreover, the LVN will participate in the orientation and training of new staff, contributing to the overall development of the healthcare team. The role may also require the administration of CPR and first aid in emergency situations, highlighting the need for quick thinking and decisive action in a correctional environment. This position not only demands clinical skills but also the ability to interact with patients in a compassionate and tactful manner, ensuring their dignity and comfort during care.
Responsibilities
- Takes, monitors, and records patient vital signs.
- Performs routine nursing duties including making beds, lifting and moving patients, bathing and feeding patients, and personal hygiene care.
- Administers various types of oral, intramuscular, and subcutaneous medications, including starting intravenous lines (IV).
- Applies dressings, compresses, and soaks as needed.
- Observes patients and reports and records observations accurately; transcribes doctor's orders.
- Participates in orientation and on-the-job training of assigned personnel.
- May perform specialized medical treatment or tests and operate related medical equipment and apparatus upon assignment.
- Administers cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and first aid as necessary.
Requirements
- Possession of a valid license as a Vocational Nurse issued by the State of California, Board of Vocational Nurse and Psychiatric Technician Examiners; or possession of a valid Interim Permit issued by the Board.
- Knowledge of principles and practices of vocational nursing, human anatomy, common physical illnesses and their symptoms, and medical terminology.
- Ability to follow oral and written directions of a technical and professional nature in exact detail.
- Skill in the care and operation of medical equipment and apparatus used in the area of assignment.
- Ability to maintain and interpret nursing records and reports.
Nice-to-haves
- Experience in a correctional health environment.
- Bilingual skills to communicate with a diverse inmate population.
Benefits
- Health Insurance with a choice of three plans: Kaiser, Select, and Premier.
- Dental Insurance with no cost for employee-only coverage.
- Vision Insurance with no cost for employee-only coverage.
- Life Insurance coverage based on years of service.
- Flexible Benefits Plan allowing pre-tax dollars for health-related expenses.
- Retirement Plan under the County Retirement Law of 1937.
- Deferred Compensation plan under Section 457 of the IRS code.
- Vacation days increasing with years of service.
- 14 paid holidays each year.
- 12 working days of sick leave annually with unlimited accumulation.
- Bereavement Leave for the death of an immediate family member.
