Assistant Coordinator of Nursing Services
California State Personnel Board Specification
Schematic Code: TN69
Class Code: 8132
Established: 12/03/1985
Revised: 10/16/1996
Title Changed: --
Definition
Under the direct supervision of the Coordinator of Nursing Services, after normal working hours, in a State hospital, the Assistant Coordinator of Nursing Services has hospitalwide responsibility for directing and coordinating emergency nursing services to residents, employees, and visitors of all Department of Mental Health and Department of Developmental Services' hospitals; adjusts staffing when necessary to assure staffing minimums are consistent with Title 22 and JCAH standards; takes charge when internal disasters or any other crisis relating to the delivery of medical nursing services occur; initiates emergency nursing services as needed; coordinates necessary communications with outside public and private sources; plans and assists in the training of nursing staff; acts as coordinator of nursing services in his/her absence; and performs other related duties.
Typical Tasks
In conjunction with program management, the Assistant Coordinator of Nursing Services provides direction and functional supervision to the nursing and clinical staff where applicable to assure that minimum staffing standards are met; serves as a resource for staff and interprets nursing policies and procedures to level-of-care staff as they relate to services provided; assists in all emergencies, takes charge, and coordinates staff in handling internal disasters or crises where the safety and welfare of residents and staff are in jeopardy; assists in making decisions regarding clients' return to the facility; works with outside law enforcement agencies when necessary, or makes any other arrangements appropriate for the situation; represents the facility and program management in dealing with specific labor relation issues; coordinates and conducts in-service nursing training; investigates and reports unusual occurrences and directs corrective action as necessary; arranges emergency transfers of ill/injured clients to community hospitals; in case of deaths, contacts Coroner's Office, other necessary community facilities, and coordinates disposition arrangements; initiates or arranges emergency nursing procedures, such as emergency lifesaving procedures; serves as the central information and coordinating source after normal business hours; is responsible for the maintenance and distribution of restricted pharmaceutical products; and works with the Medical Officer of the Day on all issues related to the nursing care of clients.
Minimum Qualifications
Possession of the legal requirements to practice as a professional registered nurse in California as determined by the California Board of Registered Nursing. (Applicants who are in the process of securing approval of their qualifications by the California Board of Registered Nursing will be admitted to the examination, but they must possess all legal requirements as determined by the Board before they will be eligible for appointment.) and Either I A Bachelor's Degree in Nursing or a related health field with two years of supervising experience in a facility providing inpatient services for developmentally/mentally disabled patients.
Or II
Two years of experience as a Supervising Registered Nurse or Unit Supervisor with evidence of successful completion of a specialized course in performing physical assessment of developmentally or mentally disabled persons.
Or III
Two years of experience as a Health Services Specialist with evidence of successful completion of a specialized course in performing physical assessment of developmentally or mentally disabled persons. and
One year of documented shift lead experience in a California state hospital.
Or IV
Three years of experience in a California state hospital in a nursing classification comparable in level to a Registered Nurse, Range B, (two years of which shall have been in a documented shift lead capacity) with evidence of successful completion of a specialized course in performing physical assessment of developmentally or mentally disabled persons.
Knowledge and Abilities
Knowledge of: Professional nursing principles, practices, and techniques, particularly those related to physical care; policies, rules, regulations, and procedures of hospital organization; concepts and methods of consultation; principles and practices used in-training nursing services staff; administration of medication and narcotics; labor relations, i.e., contracts, grievances, and complaint handling; and State hospital mentally and developmentally disabled program policies and procedures.
Ability to: Analyze situations accurately and take prompt, effective action; observe and evaluate the quality of nursing care, make nursing recommendations, and develop a plan of care; evaluate staffing needs based on hospital procedures and take action to assure staffing minimums; perform evaluations and audits of services provided; and communicate effectively.
Special Personal Characteristics
Demonstrated leadership ability; self-confidence; sympathetic and objective understanding of the problems of developmentally or mentally disabled persons; and tact and emotional stability.
