Definition: Under supervision and according to physicians’ or registered nurses’ instructions, prepares, administers and records ordered medications and injections; obtains patient histories; observes, reports and records physiological and psychosocial signs; takes vital signs; maintains medical records; maintains a safe and clean environment, and performs related duties as required.

Distinguishing Features: As a member of the health care team, the 2312 Licensed Vocational Nurse performs direct patient care, observes and reports physiological/psychosocial changes in the patient’s chart and provides a safe and clean environment. This classification differs from that of the 2302 Orderly in that 2312 Licensed Vocational Nurses are permitted to administer oral medications and intramuscular and subcutanous injections; they can also administer intravenous injections after proper training and certification. Also, whereas the 2312 Licensed Vocational Nurses assist the physician in the performance of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, the 2302 Orderlies do not. This classification differs from that of the 2320 Registered Nurse in that the 2320 Registered Nurse functions as the supervisor and team leader over other health care team members, with responsibility for consulting with the other team members and formulating the nursing care plan. In addition, the 2320 Registered Nurse has acquired a body of knowledge that enables greater independent judgment and manages a wider variety of nursing care situations.

Examples of Important and Essential Duties: 1. Administers nursing care to patients according to physician’s and Registered Nurse’s instructions and approved nursing and departmental policies and procedures; as a team member, participates in planning and maintaining nursing care plans; assists physician in the performance of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures and treatments; prepares, administers and records ordered medications and injections. 2. Provides direct patient care in order to make patient clean and comfortable; may serve and feed patients; may assist patient with elimination functions. 3. Screens patients by obtaining histories; observes, reports and records physiological and psychological signs, symptoms and behaviors; takes vital signs; obtains specimens and may perform some required nursing diagnostic tests, such as guiac stools and sugar and acetone tests, etc. 4. Keeps accurate records of administration of medications and treatments; makes reports of patient’s progress towards goals; maintains medical records in order to meet legal requirements and provide reference for follow-up of patients’ treatment and care. 5. Maintains a safe, secure and clean environment; maintains adequate supplies and equipment in assigned area. 6. Instructs and counsels patients relative to physical self care and emotional needs concerning test and specimen collections. 7. Understands human relationships between patients, families and other health care personnel. 8. Recognizes and understands the effect of social and economic problems as well as cultural backgrounds and religious affiliations of patients and their families. 9. When working in specialized areas, and after training in special procedures pertaining to such areas, performs specialized procedures as approved by nursing service policy.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:  Requires the knowledges, abilities and skills that enable the Licensed Vocational Nurse to fulfill the expected competent performance required by the Board of Registered Nursing and the Board of Vocational Nurse and Psychiatric Technician Examiners of the State of California, medical protocols and departmental policies and procedures.

Minimum Qualifications: These minimum qualifications establish the education, training, experience, special skills and/or license(s) which are required for employment in the classification. Please note, additional qualifications (i.e., special conditions) may apply to a particular position and will be stated on the exam/job announcement.

License or Certificate: Requires possession of current, valid license as a Vocational Nurse issued by the California State Board of Vocational Nurse Examiners and required continuing education.

Conviction History: As a selected candidate for a job, you will be fingerprinted, and your fingerprints will be sent to the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The resulting report of your conviction history (if any) will be used to determine whether the nature of your conviction (or arrest, in limited circumstances) conflicts with the specific duties and responsibilities of the job for which you are a selected candidate. If a conflict exists, you will be asked to present any evidence of rehabilitation that may mitigate the conflict, except when federal or state regulations bar employment in specific circumstances, such as: Candidates for positions with the Unified School District and the Community College District may be disqualified from consideration should their conviction history not meet the standards established under the California Education Code. Candidates for positions with the Recreation and Park Department may be disqualified from consideration should their conviction history not meet the standards established under California Public Resources Code 5164. Having a conviction history does not automatically preclude you from a job with the City. If you are a selected candidate, the hiring department will contact you to schedule a fingerprinting appointment.

Disaster Service Workers: All City and County of San Francisco employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the City 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.

CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT:  All City and County of San Francisco employees are required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of employment.  For details on how it is applicable to your employment, please click here.

The City and County of San Francisco encourages women, minorities and persons with disabilities to apply. Applicants will be considered regardless of their sex, race, age, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition (associated with cancer, a history of cancer, or genetic characteristics), HIV/AIDS status, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, military and veteran status, or other protected category under the law.