REGISTERED NURSE, CHRONIC CARE

Responsibilities

• Performs a complete physical assessment and medical history as required on each detainee entering the correctional system.
• Affords assistance to the physician during sick call by screening patients and minor surgical procedures.
• Treats detainees with problems within professional capabilities and refers other medical problems to the appropriate physician.
• Ensures the implementation of physician's orders.
• Ensures that prescribed medications are administered as ordered using the formulary.
• Applies knowledge of drugs and therapeutics in dispensing medication.
• Makes observation rounds on patients, and records in progress notes.
• Evaluates symptoms, reactions, and progress of patients on periodic basis, charts, and reports problems to management.
• Maintains security while dispensing medications and is continually cognizant of the potential hazard of drug hoarding and trafficking among detainees/inmates.
• Maintains non-involvement in the security aspects of care.
• Destroys and properly disposes of all needles/syringes.
• Prepares regularly scheduled reports and special reports as necessary.
• Maintains compliance with industry and company policies for accreditation.
• Documents all detainee contacts.
• Maintains confidentiality of medical records.
• Captures the schedule for the Chronic Disease Clinic.
• Supervises the work flow of the LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse) staff.
• Provides input into performance evaluation.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Associate or bachelor's degree from an approved program; graduate of an accredited school of nursing required.
• Must have a current, unrestricted license to practice as a Registered Nurse in the state the facility is located.
• Maintains current copy of license on file at the facility.
• Must have previous experience in the management and treatment of mental health patients.
• Two (2) years of direct work experience preferred.
• Must possess competence in the performance of the following services: crisis intervention, medical emergencies, physical assessment, medical and psychiatric nursing care.
• Must have the ability to work without direct, immediate supervision in performing nursing diagnosis, and be able provide appropriate follow through treatment.
• Must have the ability to work with computers and the necessary software typically used by the department.