For a Nurse Practitioner:
Experience: Some experience in an acute care hospital, primary care health clinic, physician office, psychiatric facility, or outpatient services is highly desirable.
Education: Normally, graduation from an approved school of Nursing and completion of a State approved Nurse Practitioner program that includes a clinical preceptorship.
Licenses: Possession of a valid California license as a Registered Nurse and a certificate as a Nurse Practitioner issued by the California Board of Registered Nursing; some assignments may require a specialized certification.
Possession of a valid driver’s license at the appropriate level including special endorsements, as required by the State of California, may be required, depending upon assignment, to perform the essential job functions of the position.
For assignments that include the ordering or furnishing of drugs:
Possession of, or ability to obtain with one year of appointment, a current Furnishing Number issued by the California Board of Registered Nursing.
Possession of, or ability to obtain with one year of appointment, a current Department of Drug Enforcement number to order Schedule II, III, IV, V drugs.
For a Physician’s Assistant:
Experience: Some experience in an acute care hospital, a primary care health clinic, physician office, psychiatric facility, or psychiatric office/clinic is highly desirable.
Education: Normally, graduation from an accredited primary care Physician’s Assistant program that includes a clinical preceptorship and training in all of the tasks listed so that proficiency can be demonstrated to the Board of Medical Quality Assurance, Division of Allied Health Professions.
Licenses: Possession of a certificate or letter of approval to practice as a Physician’s Assistant issued by the California Board of Medical Examiners, or any other license or approval that may be required by law to practice as a Physician’s Assistant. Advanced cardiac life support certification issued by the American Heart Association is desired.
Possession of a valid driver's license at the appropriate level including special endorsements, as required by the State of California, may be required, depending upon assignment, to perform the essential job functions of the position.
For assignments that include the ordering or furnishing of drugs:
Possession of, or ability to obtain with one year of appointment, a current Department of Drug Enforcement number to order Schedule II, III, IV, V drugs.
Thorough knowledge of: the methods, techniques and procedures used in health services; medical and behavioral health terminology, hospital routines, procedures, equipment and facilities.
Working knowledge of: the roles of various health personnel; common medical and behavioral conditions and the procedures involved in treatment and diagnosis of these conditions; the uses and affects of medicine and narcotics; various preventive and early diagnostic techniques; basic laboratory procedures; physiology of diseases, disabling conditions, mental illness and addiction; community and regulatory standards for the documentation of patient care; environmental, sociological, psychological and physical conditions relevant to advanced practice nursing; Federal, State and local laws and regulations governing nursing; uses and side effects of medications; comprehensive physical, behavioral and social assessment methodologies to identify physical illness, mental illness, and the physical and mental symptoms associated with abuse, neglect and addiction.
Ability to: take complete and accurate physical and behavioral health assessments and examinations; compile complete and accurate medical, behavioral, and social histories of patients; diagnose common medical and behavioral health conditions; competently perform all of the therapeutic, laboratory and screening procedures listed under typical duties; follow established protocols set up by physicians; consult with physicians, nurse practitioners and other members of the staff and other agencies; observe and evaluate the patient’s emotional conditions; differentiate medical and surgical problems that require immediate consultation with the physician rather than a deferred consultation; determine abnormalities in laboratory test reports; provide health counseling and guidance to patients; safely administer medications; analyze and interpret findings resulting from histories taken, assessments and tests ordered and/or conducted; formulate appropriate treatment plans; work effectively with individuals and families to assist them in satisfactory resolution and/or management of medical, behavioral, and substance use disorders and conditions; teach physical and behavioral health care techniques to individuals and families; refer individuals as expediently as possible to appropriate resources; and prepare and maintain clear, concise and complete records, reports and charts.
