CLINIC NURSE III

Job Specifications

DEFINITION

Under direction, to serve as a lead and to assist a program manager in the direction, evaluation, and supervision of a General Medical Clinic and other clinics; and to do other work as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Positions in this class provide lead direction for an assigned major medical clinic, including screening patients for medical need and arranging for follow-up care as directed; scheduling and training subordinate staff; assuring quality of care; and coordinating clinic services with other providers and programs.

This class is distinguished from the class of Public Health Nurse III in that the latter class is responsible for a full range of public health duties and supervision of public health nursing professional staff. This class is distinguished from the next lower class of Clinic Nurse II in that while both classes provide direct nursing care to clients, the Clinic Nurse III also coordinates clinic activities, while a Clinic Nurse II may perform field assignments.

Incumbents are encouraged to continue their education to be eligible for Public Health Nursing certification.

TYPICAL TASKS

Plans, assigns and schedules and may supervise the day-to-day activities of a major public health medical clinic; screens patients for the urgency of their medical needs, determining which to refer to a physician, and arranging for medical services; reviews charts and patient care for completeness, compliance with clinic protocols and professional standards; reports legally defined illnesses and conditions to the proper authorities; acting under medical orders provided by County physicians, refers General Medical Clinic clients for specialty services; coordinates clinic nursing function, including oversight of work of nursing support staff; ensures that the clinic is stocked, clean and adheres to Infection Control Policy; attends designated staff meetings; keeps current with changing standards of practice; assists to implement nursing components of clinic functions; and provides training and in-service education to other staff members.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

Knowledges

• Thorough knowledge of nursing principles, practices and procedures;
• Working knowledge of technical nursing procedures, and medical terminology;
• Working knowledge of the administration of medications, treatments and therapies, and the uses, effects and adverse reactions to medications and drugs;
• Working knowledge of the care and use of medical supplies and equipment;
• Working knowledge of clinic routines;
• Working knowledge of interviewing, counseling and teaching techniques in a medical setting;
• Working knowledge of prevention, detection, reporting and treatment of
• child abuse and neglect;
• Working knowledge of epidemiologic investigation, control and care of chronic and communicable diseases and illnesses, handicapping conditions and mental illness;
• Some knowledge of availability of community resources, specialists and services.

Abilities

• Evaluate and assess medical needs of patients and determine medical urgency and necessity.
• Recognize and report legally defined illnesses and conditions, and instances of suspected abuse.
• Deal with sensitivity to the needs of people with different cultural, environmental and social backgrounds.
• Plan, assign and schedule day-to-day work in a major medical clinic;
• Teach and supervise other health care professionals, workers and volunteers;
• Understand, interpret, explain and apply laws, regulations, policies and written and oral direction;
• Develop and revise nursing protocols;
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.

Training and Experience

Any combination of training and experience which would provide the required knowledges and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain these knowledges and abilities is:

• One year of experience performing duties equivalent to a Clinic Nurse II in Santa Cruz County and six months lead or supervisory experience.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Possession of a valid California Registered Nurse license issued by the State of California.
• Possess and maintain a valid California Class C Driver's license.

Bargaining Unit: General Rep
EEOC Job Category: 02
Occupational Grouping:
58 Worker's Comp Code: 0290