San Luis Obispo County, California

Conditional employment offers are based on successful completion of any preappointment background investigation, drug testing, and medical/psychological evaluation.

ABOUT THE POSITION:  Under general supervision and with medical consultation and direction, performs physical, psycho-social assessments, establishes medical diagnosis; orders and evaluates diagnostic tests and manages follow-up care; does other related work as required.  Depending on the needs of the department, vacancies in Nurse Practitioner/Physician’s Assistant positions may be filled requiring the professional clinical experience to be in one of the following areas:  (1) Emergency Medicine, (2) Family Practice (must include successful completion of the Family Nurse Practitioner/Primary Care Physician’s Assistant course of study which included a six-month preceptorship/internship in an approved clinical setting; (3) Obstetrics; (4) Pediatrics; (5) Family Planning, and (6) Geriatrics.

TYPICAL TASKS:  In accordance with the scope of practice for Nurse Practitioner, or Physician's Assistant and the certification and standards established by the Hospital Interdisciplinary Practice Committee or Health Department medical protocol:  Conducts comprehensive or episodic medical assessment of patients/families with real or potential acute and/or chronic health problems, including a medical history and physical exam; orders and evaluates diagnostic studies, such as x-rays or laboratory tests; establishes a medical diagnosis; performs and monitors therapeutic procedures outlined in Hospital or Health Department standards; orders appropriate treatments and prescribes/regulates medications per physician-agreed standards; counsels patients and families on health promotion, diagnosis, prognosis and physician consultation when appropriate; seeks physician consultation when deemed appropriate and as outlined in the Hospital or Health Department Standards of Practice for Nurse Practitioners and Physician's Assistants; practices within the Nursing Practice Act/Physician's Assistants Practice Act; acts as a resource to the health care staff; provides nursing inservice; implements educational programs to improve management of patients/families; maintains and enhances a current level of knowledge relative to their area of professional practice; records and documents medical assessments, nursing/medical care administered and patient response; serves in departmental and related committees as requested; interprets department and hospital policies to patients, families and visitors; advocates health promotion and disease prevention; provides emergency care until physician assistance can be obtained.

THE REQUIREMENTS: Knowledge of: Advanced principles, practices and techniques of professional nursing/physician's assistants; medical assessment, diagnosis, treatment and follow-up; pharmacology and medicine interactions. Ability to: Exercise independent judgment in their areas of competence; appropriately seek physician advice; participate directly in the medical management of the patient to the extent authorized by their license or other legal authority; establish and maintain effective working relationships.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: 
Nurse Practitioner:  Pursuant to Section 2835 of the California Business and Professions Code, possession of a certificate to practice as a Nurse Practitioner from the California Board of Registered Nursing is required at time of application and must be maintained throughout employment.

Physician's Assistant: Pursuant to Section 3503 of the California Business and Professions Code, possession of a license to practice as a Physician's Assistant from the California Physician's Assistants Examining Committee of the Medical Board of California is required at time of application and must be maintained throughout employment. 

LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS: A valid driver’s license is required at the time of application. A valid CALIFORNIA driver’s license is required at the time of appointment and must be maintained throughout employment.

NOTE: This is a partial job description. For a complete job description, go to http://www.slocounty.ca.gov/hr or contact the Personnel Department at 805-781-5959.

IN ADDITION: This class specification generally describes duties and responsibilities characteristic of the position(s) within this class. Duties of a particular position within a multi-position class may vary from the duties of other positions within the class. Accordingly, the essential functions of a particular position (whether it be a multi-position class or a single-position class) will be identified and used by medical examiners and hiring authorities in the selection process. If you have questions about the duties or working conditions of the position, please contact the Personnel Department.

AGENCY SHOP: Employees hired into classes represented by SLOCEA labor contracts are covered by Agency Shop provisions which require that new employees become SLOCEA dues paying members or pay an agency shop service fee in lieu of dues.

NOTIFICATION: Applicants will be notified 6‑8 weeks after the final filing date. However, some recruitments may take longer depending on the type of exam and number of applicants.  Notifications will be posted on the Applicant Status Board for each phase of the recruitment process and will be sent by US mail and/or email. Therefore, notify the Personnel Department of any mailing address or email address changes for all applications submitted.

SELECTION PROCESS:  Non‑Competitive Exam. Candidates who meet license or certification requirements will be referred to the department for hiring interviews. New employees are required to complete an INS Employment Eligibility Verification form to certify citizenship or legal residency and authorization to work. Essential functions of a job for purposes of the Americans with Disabilities Act will be determined prior to the filling of each vacant position. A reasonable effort will be made to accommodate the needs of the disabled and the religious needs of an applicant.  If you require special arrangements to participate in the recruitment process, you must inform the County Personnel Department in writing of the type and extent of accommodation no later than the final filing deadline. Information relating to the essential duties of a position are identified and used by medical examiners and hiring authorities in the selection process and is available upon request for review during a recruitment.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER.