Licensed Vocational Nurse

Position Summary

Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVN) work under general supervision to provide a full range of vocational nursing care to patients in a variety of settings, including medical centers, clinics, and correctional facilities. Positions are available on full‑time, part‑time, term, relief, and extra help schedules. The role includes shift work with weekends and holidays.

• At least one year of paid LVN experience
• Willingness to work various shifts, weekends and holidays
• Ability to perform heavy lifting duties when required
• Capable of planning and presenting educational materials, teaching and counseling on health issues including family planning, STDs, AIDS, HIV, immunizations, and nutrition, and developing work plans and schedules for special clinics and services
• Bilingual in Spanish and English
• Possession of a blood withdrawal certificate
• Possession of a CPR certificate

• Participate in planning for care and instruction of patients
• Record pertinent patient information in medical records
• Report patients’ needs to the appropriate medical and nursing staff
• Feed, bathe, dress and care for patients
• Position and exercise patients following prescribed procedures and techniques
• Apply and change dressings using aseptic techniques
• Start IVs and draw arterial and venous blood specimens as instructed
• Take and record temperature, pulse, respiration and blood pressure
• Assist in the collection of gastric specimens, blood samples and other clinical material for testing
• Assist medical professionals in procedures as instructed
• Inventory and order medications
• Participate in take‑downs of violent patients
• Inform patients of effects of medications
• Administer prescribed treatments and medications, including injections
• Instruct patients to maintain treatment at home
• Reassure and calm agitated patients in an informative and sensitive manner
• Screen patients for risk factors
• Recommend treatment for common ailments, with registered nurse or physician review
• May perform duties normally assigned to unlicensed personnel
• Maintain accurate records
• Perform related duties as assigned

• Phlebotomy/blood withdrawal
• Administering and inventory of medications, treatments, vaccines, injections and point of care
• Run tests on blood and urine specimens in accordance with CLIA regulations
• Determine immunizations needed and give injections
• Remove sutures
• Triage patients to determine nature and urgency of request
• Teach and counsel patients on a variety of health related subjects
• Perform duties associated with well care of children, including vision and hearing tests

Knowledge of:

• Principles and methods of general vocational nursing
• Medical terminology
• Safety and infection control practices
• Clinical systems, supplies and equipment

Skill/Ability to:

• Perform vocational nursing procedures required for assigned setting
• Comply with clinical procedures and policies
• Maintain professional nurse/patient relationships
• Work harmoniously with other personnel
• Follow safety practices
• Participate in orienting and instructing other nursing and paraprofessional personnel
• Maintain accurate records and prepare reports
• Maneuver immobile patients and lift and carry children weighing up to 40 pounds; possess sufficient stamina to stand and walk for full work shifts

Clinic Option—Skill/Ability to:

• Plan and present educational materials
• Teach and counsel others on health issues including family planning, STDs, AIDS, HIV infection, immunizations, and nutrition
• Develop work plans and schedules for special clinics and services

Licensure/Certification:

• Possession of a California license or interim permit as a Vocational Nurse
• Must acquire a certification in phlebotomy, IV, and CPR within six months of hire

The County of San Mateo is an equal opportunity employer. We seek to hire, support, and retain employees who reflect our diverse community.