Jewel Haughton, CSC Docket No. 2019-1312

BackgroundJewel Haughton appeals the determination of the Division of Agency Services (Agency Services) that she did not meet the experience requirements for the open competitive examination for Investigator, County Medical Examiner’s Office (C0335W), Ocean County.

The examination at issue was announced with specific requirements that had to be met as of the April 4, 2018 closing date. The experience requirements were three years of experience in investigating the medical cause of death of humans. A total of seven candidates applied for the subject examination and one was found eligible. Certification OL181209 was issued containing the one eligible and its disposition was recorded removing that one eligible from the list. The list expires on October 24, 2021.

On her application, the appellant indicated that she provisionally served in the subject title from October 2017 to the April 4, 2018 closing date, was a Registered Nurse for Willow Springs Nursing Home from August 2016 to February 2018, a Registered Nurse for Bayada Home Health from September 2016 to October 2017, a Registered Nurse for Crystal Lake Long Term Care from December 2008 to August 2016, a Registered Nurse for East Orange General Hospital from September 2014 to May 2016, and a Registered Nurse for Ocean County Jail from June 2011 to June 2014. Agency Services credited the appellant with six months of experience based on her provisional service in the subject title, but determined that she lacked two years and six months of experience.

Appellant's argumentOn appeal, the appellant presents that, in addition to her provisional experience in the subject title, she possesses various experience as a Registered Nurse in long term care facilities, in a jail, and in a hospital. She explains in detail the various duties that she performed either as a supervisor or in the direct care of patients in these facilities. Additionally, she indicates that she made pronouncements of death in these positions.

CONCLUSION

RuleN.J.A.C. 4A:4-2.3(b)2 requires applicants to possess all the requirements specified in an announcement for an open competitive examination by the closing date. N.J.A.C. 4A:4-6.3(b) provides that the appellant has the burden of proof in examination appeals.

AnalysisIn the instant matter, Agency Services correctly determined that the appellant is not eligible for the examination. Agency Services correctly credited the appellant with six months of experience while serving provisionally in the subject title and that she lacked two years and six months of experience by the April 4, 2018 closing date. Specifically, the appellant’s primary duty as a Registered Nurse was to either supervise staff who were involved in the direct care of patients or to directly care for patients herself. The appellant has not given any indication that, outside of her provisional service in the subject title, her primary duty in any other position was to investigate the medical cause of death of humans. In order for experience to be considered applicable, it must have as its primary focus full-time responsibilities in the areas required in the announcement. See In the Matter of Bashkim Vlashi (MSB, decided June 9, 2004). Additionally, it is noted that the pronouncement of death is not the same as investigating the cause of death. Further, even if it was, the pronouncement of death was only one of many duties that the appellant performed as a Registered Nurse and not her primary responsibility. Accordingly, there is no basis to disturb Agency Services’ decision.

ORDER

Therefore, it is ordered that this appeal be denied.

ClosingThis is the final administrative determination in this matter. Any further review should be pursued in a judicial forum.