Licensed Vocational Nurse III, (A267410-7), 209 Detoxification

Performs advanced technical nursing duties and assists with other related nursing duties including phlebotomy. Involved in providing patient care in infectious disease, chronic disease primary care, and provides disease control, prevention and investigation (in such areas as immunization, epidemiology, tuberculosis control), counsels on disease management, refers patient to medical home. Performs work under the administrative supervision of a licensed physician and/or the immediate supervision of a Texas Registered Nurse and/or program manager.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.
 

• Conducts early detection screening services, including phlebotomy.
• Supervises, plans, schedules, and assigns work to subordinates; instructs and trains in correct methods and procedures.
• Provides administrative, program and advanced clinical support in patient care, clinical services, preventive health disease control on epidemiology.
• Monitors program performance utilizing objectives and productivity as guidelines and assists program registered nurses with case management.
• Assists medical and clinical personnel, obtains health histories and other pertinent information, may take blood pressures, heights, and weights; fills out lab slip and instructs patients on collection of specimens or clinical care services.
• Provides patient education and instruction using appropriate tools and literature that are culturally appropriate.
• Provides specific clinical and program nursing support and preventive measures, such as administers PPDs and other therapeutic injections as ordered by physician; gives initial prescription and refills prescriptions as indicated and instructs patient or parent; accordingly, assists the physician during clinics, completes records, and keeps CSAs (Community Service Aide) informed with information regarding patient follow up.
• May administer vaccines as appropriate for both children and adults and provides instruction and planning on vaccine preventable disease control; conducts surveillance and disease investigation as per program guidelines.
• Provides counseling and education for disease management (diabetics, hypertension, TB concern).
• Supports specific service such as preventable disease control, primary care, and immunization services. 
• Serves as a team leader for program and staff. May act as Program Supervisor in the absence of RN, Nurse Supervisor or when vacancy occurs.
• Performs high skilled program judgment, provides training and follows up to assure compliance.
• May assist in developing and implementing quality assurance programs.
• May assist in developing in-service training and educational programs.
• Screens patients as per program guidelines for any symptoms of Tuberculosis; screen patients for drug compliance and administration.
• Assists or fully functions in the tuberculosis elimination services, and preventive health services.
• May perform outreach activities by traveling to surrounding areas of community; screens patients and provides educational and referrals to other programs according to their health risks.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

COMPETENCIES FOR SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCE OF JOB DUTIES

Knowledge of:

• Knowledge of disease prevention and early detection.
• Knowledge of infection control, disease prevention, and chronic disease primary care.
• Knowledge of modern nursing practices, procedures, and techniques.
• Knowledge of nursing assessment techniques and triage and screening services.
• Knowledge in epidemiology.

Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to follow regulations, procedures, policies, and proper protocol of local and state health department.
• Ability to work with patients of all ages and the public tactfully and courteously.
• Ability to plan, direct, supervise, train, and coordinate the work of subordinates.
• Ability to maintain harmonious and effective working relationships with other employees and respond to general public complaints.
• Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing in the English language.
• Ability to comply with all City of Laredo's policies and procedures.
• Ability to maintain good health and physical condition sufficient to permit the full performance of the duties of the position.
• Ability to maintain good planning and organizational skills.
• Ability to take and follow directions from supervisor.
• Ability to give directions to and gain compliance from assigned staff.
• Ability to perform strenuous work and routine work.
• Ability to maintain a valid Texas Driver License and a good driving record.
• Ability to project a positive and professional image of the City of Laredo.

Physical Effort Requirements 
Position will have the following exposures

• Office or similar indoor environment, relatively free from unpleasant environmental conditions or hazards.
• Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally, a negligible amount of force frequently, and/or constantly having to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally, and all other sedentary criteria are met.

Work Environment Locations
Position will require the employee to work in the following types of work environments
 
 Never

• Street environment (near moving traffic)
• Construction site
• Confined space 
• Vehicles
• Warehouse environment

Sometimes

• Outdoor environment

Frequently

• Office or similar indoor environment

Exposures 
Position will require the employee to be exposed to the following environmental elements
 
Never

• Extreme cold (below 32 degrees)
• Extreme heat (above 100 degrees)
• Moving mechanical parts
• Fumes or airborne particles
• Toxic or caustic chemicals or substances
• Loud noises (85+ decibels such as heavy trucks, jack hammers, construction)

Sometimes

• Individuals who are hostile or irate
• Individuals with known violent backgrounds
• Communicable diseases

Travel 
Position will require the employee to travel
 
Never

• Regional travel
• National travel
• International travel

Sometimes

• Local travel

Required Education and Experience

• Graduated from a State approved School of Vocational Nursing.
• At least five (5) years of health/clinical experience.

Required Licenses or Certifications

• Vocational Nursing License from the State of Texas is required.

• Valid Texas Driver License. If applicant holds an out-of-state license, a State of Texas Driver License must be obtained within 6 months of employment.

The following Licenses and Certifications that must be obtained after employment. Continued employment is contingent on successfully obtaining required certification(s) and/or license(s) within the specified period of time indicated above from time of hire:

• CPR/ BLS Certification must be obtained within six (6) months of employment

As part of the minimum requirements for all positions with the City of Laredo, a thorough background check and certified school transcripts will be required from all applicants who are offered employment.

Effective February 24, 1997, all selected applicants are required to undergo a drug and alcohol test prior to employment.

Effective January 7, 2008, all persons in safety-sensitive functions/positions, as per City of Laredo Drug and Alcohol Policy definition, shall be subject to random drug and alcohol testing.

A person with a disability who needs a reasonable accommodation related to a selection process is requested to contact the Human Resources Department at (956) 791-7480, two days prior to the scheduled test or interview.

City of Laredo is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Pro Disabled and Veteran Employer. We welcome differences in the form of gender, race, ethnicity, disability, geography, socioeconomic status, age, politics, religion, philosophy, sexual orientation, or gender identity. All applicants who share this goal are encouraged to apply. Must be able to function in a principle-based organization that has a culture built on character and core values.