LICENSED VOCATIONAL NURSE II

Licensed Vocational Nurse

The County of Los Angeles, LA Health Services is LA County's integrated healthcare system and the second-largest public health system in the nation. Our system includes four public hospitals, more than 20 community health centers, Emergency Medical Services (EMS), Correctional Health Services, and community-based programs that connect people to care where they are.

We serve as the safety net for more than 10 million residents, providing care regardless of ability to pay, insurance coverage, or immigration status. As one connected system, we deliver extraordinary care—from prevention and primary care to emergency, specialty, trauma, and recovery services across Los Angeles County.

DHS is seeking dedicated Licensed Vocational Nurse to join our team. Whether you're working in community clinics or hospitals, this is an opportunity to grow your career while serving diverse communities across LA County.

To advance the health of our patients and our communities by providing outstanding care.

The team member we are looking for will provide highly skilled vocational nursing care involving a wide format of treatments and evaluative judgment to patients in a hospital in patient care unit; or, in addition to performing direct patient care, has responsibility for guiding nursing personnel in a hospital inpatient care unit.

Essential job functions include monitoring the operation of specialized equipment setup by a physician or nurse-in-charge such as renal dialysis machines, regulating venous and dialysate pressure from verbal instructions, monitoring gauges and alerting the nurse-in-charge when readings and observations of the patient indicate an abnormal condition. Performing specialized procedures such as peritoneal dialysis, adding prescribed medication in the dialysate solution, introducing and draining the solution in accordance with precise procedures.

Additionally, providing emotional support to the patient, displaying empathy and interest in the patient's progress, being aware of and encouraging special aptitudes for the patient's rehabilitation. Obtaining and providing information on patients at change of shift briefings with nursing personnel, and in contacts with doctors. Reporting on significant incidents involving nursing personnel, patients and others.

Leading a small group of nursing personnel in the medication, treatment and nursing care of all patients in a medical, surgical or rehabilitation ward, major section of a ward or similar inpatient care unit. Recognizing the need for emergency care; initiating life saving action in emergencies and alerting the nurse-in-charge or physician. Setting up, operating and monitoring electronic and/or mechanical equipment such as croupettes, oxygen therapy and suctioning equipment. Monitoring the functioning of intravenous apparatus and cardio scopes.

Administering medications by injection, orally and other predetermined methods with the exception of research drugs and others as determined by the Medical Department. Checking prescribed dosages against specified limits. Observing and reporting adverse reaction to medication. Providing bedside care such as maintaining personal hygiene, providing comfort and safety, performing urgent housekeeping tasks to maintain a clean and safe environment, and taking measures to prevent pressure sores and other infirmities endemic to bedridden patients.

Measuring and recording vital signs; recording bed care procedures, treatments, medications and nourishment provided and output. Observing and reporting on manifest behavior and condition of patients. Giving eye and ear irrigations and instillations. Cleaning, debriding, medicating and applying dressings to wounds, using sterile technique. Teaching isolation technique to patients and visitors. Preventing spread of infection using principles of asepsis. Scheduling and assigning work to nursing employees, checking to ensure completion, charting and recording of assigned tasks, and checking the quality in which tasks are performed. Laying out appropriate instruments and supplies and assisting the physician performing medical and surgical procedures.

Requirements to qualify include three (3) years of experience as a Licensed Vocational Nurse in a hospital inpatient care unit. A license to practice as a Vocational Nurse issued by the Department of Consumer Affairs, California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians. Current Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers (CPR and AED) Program certification issued by the American Heart Association (AHA).

The examination will consist of an evaluation of training and experience based up on the application information, desirable qualifications, and supplemental questionnaire, weighted 100%. Candidates must achieve a passing score of 70% or higher on the examination to be added on to the eligible register.