• In some specialized jobs performs the following duties: Monitors the operation of specialized equipment set up 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. Performs specialized procedures such as peritoneal dialysis, adding prescribed medication in the dialysate solution, introducing and draining the solution in accordance with precise procedures.
• Provides 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.
• Obtains and provides information on patients at change of shift briefings with nursing personnel, and in contacts with doctors. Reports on significant incidents involving nursing personnel, patients and others.
• Leads 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 impatient care unit.
• Recognizes the need for emergency care; initiates life saving action in emergencies and alerts the nurse-in-charge or physician.
• Sets up, operates and monitors electronic and/or mechanical equipment such as croupettes, oxygen therapy and suctioning equipment. Monitors the functioning of intravenous apparatus and cardioscopes.
• Administers medications by injection, orally and other predetermined methods with the exception of research drugs and others as determined by the Medical Department. Checks prescribed dosages against specified limits. Observes and reports adverse reaction to medication.
• Provides 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.
• Measures and records vital signs; records bed care procedures, treatments, medications and nourishment provided and output. Observes and reports on manifest behavior and condition of patients.
• Gives eye and ear irrigations and instillations. Cleans, debrides, medicates and applies dressings to wounds, using sterile technique.
• Teaches isolation technique to patients and visitors. Prevents 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.
• Lays out appropriate instruments and supplies, and assists the physician performing medical and surgical procedures.

1. Three (3) years of experience at the level of Licensed Vocational Nurse* in a hospital inpatient care unit.

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2. A license to practice as a Vocational Nurse issued by the Department of Consumer Affairs, California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians.**

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3. Current Basic Life Support (BLS) for healthcare providers (CPR and AED) program certification issued by the American Heart Association (AHA)