ABOLISHED 07/06/2017 PER PAY LETTER 17-25 - Surgical Nurse, Correctional Facility Series

California State Personnel Board Specification

Series established June 15, 1993

Scope

This series specification describes two professional Surgical Nurse classes used in the Department of Corrections to perform and lead professional surgical nursing services in State correctional facilities and do other related work. Both classifications in this series are responsible to maintain order and supervise the conduct of inmates and maintain the safety of persons and property; to prevent escapes of and injury by persons committed to the Department of Corrections to themselves or others or to property; to maintain security of working areas and work materials; to inspect premises and search inmates for contraband, such as weapons or illegal drugs.

Definition of Series

The Surgical Nurse series describes two classes that perform and lead operating room duties in a State correctional facility. Incumbents prepare operating rooms and surgical instruments for use; assist physicians during surgeries and procedures; observe patient's condition and report to physician; perform immediate pre-, intra-and postoperative (to include postanesthesia recovery room) nursing care; ensure operating rooms and equipment are maintained in a sanitary condition; prepares and sterilizes surgical instruments, supplies, and equipment; document and maintain records; provide pre-and postoperative patient instruction; ensure infection control; perform or lead the work of surgical nursing staff within the scope of the Nurse Practice Act.

Definition of Levels

Surgical Nurse I, Correctional Facility

This is the entry level in this series. Incumbent, under direction, assists with operations; cares for surgical instruments and equipment and gives nursing care to pre-, intra-and postoperative patients of a State correctional facility.

Surgical Nurse II, Correctional Facility

This is the journey level in this series. Incumbent, under direction, is a technical lead responsible to plan, assign, direct, and assist the nursing personnel assigned to operating rooms of a State correctional facility.

Minimum Qualifications

Both Levels:

Possession of a current license as a registered nurse in California. (Applicants who do not meet this requirement will be admitted to the examination, but they must secure the required license before they will be considered eligible for appointment.)

Surgical Nurse I, Correctional Facility

One year of experience performing the duties of an operating room nurse.

(Candidates who are within six months of completing the experience requirement will be admitted to the examination, but they must complete all requirements before they will be considered eligible for appointment.)

Surgical Nurse II, Correctional Facility

Either I

One year of experience in California state service performing the duties of a Surgical Nurse I, Correctional Facility.

Or II

Experience: Two years of experience performing the duties of an operating room nurse in a licensed surgical facility.

(Candidates who are within six months of completing the experience requirement will be admitted to the examination, but they must complete all requirements before they will be considered eligible for appointment.)

Knowledge and Abilities

Both Levels:

Knowledge of: Professional nursing principles and techniques; principles of surgical nursing, including aseptic techniques; operating room procedures; various types of anesthetics and postoperative care; principles and procedures of infection control; principles of effective verbal, written and group communications; laws and regulations governing nursing practice.

Ability to: Act as either circulating nurse, scrub nurse or recovery room nurse; apply general and surgical nursing principles; assess, evaluate and document patient's symptoms and behavior; plan, organize and lead the work of�others; analyze situations accurately and take effective action; perform emergency care procedures; maintain effective working relationships with health care professionals and others; communicate effectively.

Special Personal Characteristics

Both Levels:

Empathetic understanding of patients of a State correctional facility; willingness to work in a State correctional facility; emotional stability; patience; tact; alertness; and keenness of observation.

Special Physical Characteristics

Both Levels:

Persons appointed to this position must be reasonably expected to have and maintain sufficient strength, agility and endurance to perform during stressful (physical, mental and emotional) situations encountered on the job without compromising their health and well-being or that of their fellow employees or that of inmates.

Assignments may include sole responsibility for the supervision of inmates and/or the protection of personal and real property.

Class History