Registered Nurse / PRN

Registered Nurses (RN) provide a full range of nursing services to inmates including assessing, nursing diagnosis, planning, implementing, and evaluating the medical condition of inmate patients. RNs provide information to other health care team members and contribute to the maintenance or restoration of health status. Along with all other correctional institution employees, the incumbent is also charged with responsibility of maintaining the security of the institution.

Responsibilities

• Assesses and identifies health problems of new inmates and initiates medical records and special needs POR's.
• Responds to day to day medical issues and/or emergencies with patients.
• Administers prescribed treatments and medications as needed/medically required.
• Prepares medical equipment, records, and rooms for examinations of patients, assisting the provider if necessary.
• Practices sound pharmacology practices in preparation, maintenance, administration, and documentation of prescribed drugs and/or IV delivered therapies.
• Maintains IVs for IV therapies, as needed.
• Meets regularly with the HSA to review medical services administered to patients. May serve as Charge Nurse or Acting Supervisor in the absence of the HSA, and would be responsible for delegation of assignments among staff.
• Is aware of emergency procedures in the event of emergency or crisis situations and the appropriate plan of action governed by triage and written guidelines.
• Capable of giving CPR instructions and able to take charge in a CPR emergency. If trained and able, would also be responsible for using AED equipment.
• Must demonstrate ability to appropriately and safely use standard medical equipment including, but not limited to: AED, EKG, blood pressure device, oxygen, sterilization, Glucometer, Doppler, and Pulse Oximeter.
• Uses logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
• Delegates tasks appropriately to lower level licensure employees.
• Educates patients with regard to diet, hygiene, and methods of prevention of chronic medical diseases.

Requirements

• Degree or diploma from a professional nursing program approved by the legally designated state accrediting agent at the time the program was completed by the applicant.
• Current and unrestricted license as Registered Nurse; must maintain license.
• Current CPR/BLS certification.
• Current TB test (taken within one year).
• Must pass a background check and pre-employment drug test (as applicable).
• Must adhere to all facility policies and procedures as well as the policies and procedures listed in the Employee Handbook.
• Must undergo security training and orientation on facility safety policies and procedures.
• Must maintain all certifications, educational requirements, licensing, etc. for this position.

Skills

• Clear and effective verbal and written communication with all coworkers, supervisors, jail administration, and patients.
• Excellent verbal and written comprehension.
• Excellent deductive reasoning and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Ability to use a computer and use/learn a variety of software, including site-specific computer programs.
• Ability to respect the dignity and confidentiality of inmates.
• Ability to appropriately and safely use standard medical equipment.

Schedule

Minimum 15 hours monthly.

Additional Duties

• Experience in correctional healthcare preferred, but not required.
• Willing to assist coworkers in job duties and work overtime if required; may act as a resource to other coworkers.
• Maintains confidentiality, dignity, and security of health records and protected health information in compliance with HIPAA requirements.

Physical/Mental Requirements

This position routinely requires (but is not limited to) the following:

• Ability to both remain stationary and move/traverse throughout the facility, including up and down flights of stairs.
• Ability to position oneself in different spaces.
• Ability to convey and discern information in a conversation, frequently communicate with patients; must be able to exchange accurate information.
• Ability to identify and detect objects and assess situations from a variety of distances.
• Ability to stay calm in stressful and demanding situations.
• Frequently transports objects up to 50 pounds.

Work Environment

Work is performed inside a correctional facility. Employees are exposed to some level of risk and/or harm by inmates including exposure to blood borne pathogens. Employee is expected to work in accordance with all security rules and regulations to minimize the risk of danger and/or harm to themselves or other employees.