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:
Classes in this series provide professional nursing care for inmates at the San Luis Obispo County Jail, Juvenile Services Center and other correctional services sites in accordance with California Administrative Code Title 15 and Health Agency requirements; and do other related work as required.

Correctional Nurse I:  Under supervision, incumbents administer nursing care consistent with their correctional assignment. 
Correctional Nurse II:  Under general supervision, incumbents perform specialized or general nursing care in any of a variety of specialized areas of nursing care consistent with their correctional assignment.

NOTE: A list will be used to fill full-time and part-time positions available in the jail and juvenile hall. Please indicate on your application your availability for full-time and part-time work assignments.

TYPICAL TASKS:
Provides nursing services, treatments and diagnostic and preventive procedures appropriate for inmate care and safety; interprets physicians’ orders; administers prescribed medication; when physician is present, assists physician with sick call; applies surgical dressings and bandages; provides emergency first aid care; checks and records vital signs; instructs inmates concerning discharge planning; observes signs and symptoms during sick call when physician is not present; reports reactions to treatments and medications as well as changes in the inmates’ emotional or physical condition; may instruct and supervise correctional staff concerning inmate health care and needs; consults with supervisor on problem cases; checks and orders supplies; maintains accurate medical records; provides health care education for both inmates and correctional staff.

THE REQUIREMENTS:
Knowledge of:  The theory, technique and practices of professional nursing care; medical and psychiatric terminology; security regulations. 
Correctional Nurse I:  The above, plus:  Use of medical equipment and medicines. 
Correctional Nurse II:  All of the above, plus:  Principles, practices and techniques of a variety of specialized areas of nursing care.

Ability to:  Learn and follow correctional medical policies and procedures; work within the scope of a secure environment. 
Correctional Nurse I:  The above, plus:  Administer professional nursing care at sick call; accurately carry out physicians' instructions; establish and maintain effective working relationships with correctional and nursing personnel; keep accurate and complete medical records; train and supervise correctional personnel concerning inmate health care. 
Correctional Nurse II:  All of the above, plus:  Administer specialized or general nursing care without immediate supervision; analyze situations accurately and take effective courses of action in a variety of specialized areas of nursing care.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: 
Correctional Nurse I:  Possession of a valid California license as a Registered Nurse.  No experience required.
Correctional Nurse II:  Possession of a valid California license as a Registered Nurse; AND two years professional nursing experience, six months of which must have been in a specialized nursing area such as:  1) intensive care/coronary care; 2) emergency room/trauma center; 3) medical/surgical; AND one year experience in either correctional or psychiatric specialty areas.  Graduation from a four-year accredited college with a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing may be substituted for one year of the non-specialized care.

LICENSES/CERTIFICATES:
Certain positions within this classification may require driving. When driving is an essential function of the position, a valid CALIFORNIA driver's license will be required at the time of appointment.

NOTE: This is only a partial job description, please refer to our website at http://www.slocounty.ca.gov/hr for a complete job description of this classification or career series; you may also obtain a copy by contacting the Personnel office at (805) 781-5959.

IN ADDITION: This class specification generally describes the duties and responsibilities characteristic of the position(s) within this class.  The 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 any questions regarding the duties or the working conditions of the position, please contact the Personnel Department at (805) 781-5959.

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.  Eligible lists may be used to fill regular, limited term or temporary positions.  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