Certified Nurse Practitioner

The current position is in Butte County Behavioral Health department. 

The eligible list established by this recruitment process may be used to fill current and future vacancies on a regular, full-time, part-time or temporary (Extra Help) basis.  

FLSA: Non-Exempt

DEFINITION

Under direction, performs a variety of medical and administrative services in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of clients in outpatient or clinical settings to support the goals, initiatives, and programs of the Public Health or Behavioral Health departments; educates and counsels patients regarding matters related to their physical or mental health; assists in the prevention, detection, and correction of health related problems; prepares and maintains a variety of health records, files, and reports; and performs related duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives direction from assigned supervisory or management personnel.  Exercises no direct supervision over staff. 

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

This classification is responsible for independently performing professional nursing care and treatment duties in support of the Public Health or Behavioral Health departments.   Positions at this level exercise judgment and initiative in their assigned tasks, receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. 

EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Typical functions may include any of the following tasks, knowledge, abilities, and other characteristics.  The list that follows is not intended as a comprehensive list; it is intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed, and may be required to perform additional, position-specific tasks.

• Administers general nursing care to patients in a clinic or community setting; performs health assessments, interprets diagnostic data, determines diagnosis, develops treatment plans, charts assessment results, and documents medical services provided; recommends corrective and preventative health measures in accordance with established, physician-approved standardized procedures and guidelines.  
• Interviews patients and takes thorough patient histories; reviews health records; performs physical and mental status exams; performs and/or orders appropriate laboratory tests and other evaluation tools; formulates diagnosis; prescribes appropriate treatment; develops a plan of care; notifies patients of test results, and coordinates with other health care partners to obtain records or test results.
• Monitors patient activities and home or facility environment; helps to create a safe and therapeutic environment for patients; follows established safe practices; protects patients from personal injury; follows safety protocols and calls for assistance as required.
• Supports and enhances patients physical and emotional stability; explains nature of illness, plan of care, procedures, treatments, and follow-up recommendations to patients, family, and significant others; makes referrals to other health care providers and/or community agencies as needed and follows up on referrals.
• Furnishes, administers, and/or dispenses medications; monitors medication efficacy and side effects; evaluates and approves medication refill requests and adjusts medications under standardized procedures.
• Initiates nursing actions and provides comprehensive nursing care to meet the physical, emotional, social, and cultural needs of the patient.
• Updates and maintains a variety of files, records, charts, and other documents; performs quality reviews of patient charts and test results; gathers, compiles, and synthesizes data for management purposes; maintains appropriate records and prepares reports as required.
• Evaluates nursing and medical care continually and revises plan of care to meet the individualized patient needs; assists with updating clinic processes and policies based on research and data collection of current standards of practice.
• Confers and consults with supervising physician, clinic manager, and/or program manager as needed; collaborates with other professionals to provide continued care outside the limitations of the clinic; collaborates with other Public Health departments, health care providers, and community agencies to coordinate care.
• Develops and implements patient and family teaching program based on identified health care goals.
• Provides training, clinical guidance and leadership to other clinic and nursing staff; attends committees, councils and meetings as requested.
• Performs routine medication inventory duties and requests medication supplies as appropriate; packages medications into unit doses for dispensing to patients; performs waste and disposal procedures; assists with receiving and storing immunizations.  
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:

• Professional protocols and practices in healthcare and patient treatment, case management, and physical and mental health.
• Modern nursing principles, techniques, and procedures for the care of patients.  
• Principles, practices, and techniques used to assess the physical, mental, and developmental health of children and adults.
• Principles and practices of prenatal counseling.
• Basic laboratory procedures. 
• Communicable disease epidemiology, prevention, and control in accordance with recommendations from local and state public health departments, and the Centers for Disease Control.
• Principles and practices of medical records management and patient care documentation.  
• Medical terminology and the use of medical equipment and supplies. 
• Medicines and their effect on the patient and their contraindications.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and ordinances relevant to the area(s) of responsibility.
• Principles and techniques for working with groups and fostering effective team interaction to ensure teamwork is conducted smoothly.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and County staff.
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

Ability To:

• Provide effective nursing services, administer injections, assess difficult situations and take effective course of action. 
• Understand and implement limitations to scope of practice as defined by California State Board of Registered Nursing and agency policy.   
• Evaluate health problems and make recommendations based on observations.  
• Assist in developing and implementing program goals, objectives, practices, policies, procedures, and work standards.
• Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed. 
• Prepare concise and accurate reports and charts regarding client care and treatment and program administration.
• Follow established policies, procedures, protocols, and standards, including safety regulations.
• Instruct and counsel patients on health matters, including referrals to appropriate providers and community resources.
• Recognize adverse signs and symptoms and react swiftly in emergency situations.
• Effectively represent the department and the County in meetings with governmental agencies; community groups; various business, professional, and regulatory organizations; and in meetings with individuals.
• Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and Experience:

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Equivalent to a Master’s Degree in Nursing from an accredited college or university; and

Three (3) years of professional experience as a Registered Nurse.

Certifications and Licenses:

• Must possess and maintain a valid license as a Registered Nurse and certificate as a Nurse Practitioner issued by the California Board of Registered Nursing. 
• Must possess and maintain a valid Nurse Practitioner Furnishing Number issued by the California Board of Registered Nursing.
• If assigned to Behavioral Health,  board certified as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner is highly desired.
• Must possess and maintain Basic Life Support certification.
• Must possess a valid US driver’s license upon date of application. Must obtain California driver’s license following hire date per California DMV regulations.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Mobility to work in a standard office setting, or clinical setting, and use standard office equipment, including a computer and medical equipment; standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required; travel to various clinical and home settings may be required; occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information; ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 35 pounds.
• Vision to assess emergency situations, including medical incidents and to read printed material and a computer screen.
• Hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone.
• Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard, typewriter keyboard, or calculator and to operate standard office and medical equipment.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Employees primarily work in an office environment with moderate noise levels and controlled temperature conditions.
• Incumbents may be exposed to blood and bodily fluids in the performance of their assigned duties.
• Employees may interact with members of the public or with staff under emotionally stressful conditions while interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

EQUIPMENT AND TOOLS UTILIZED

• Equipment utilized includes personal computer, fax machine, standard office equipment, county car, lab supplies, scale, and other medical and laboratory equipment.

Disaster Service Worker

All Butte County employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.