Registered Nurse

Under the direction of the Health Services Administrator (HSA), and Nurse Practitioner (NP) this role supports the daily operations of the Luna County Detention Center Medical Department. This position provides a wide range of nursing services to inmates including assessing, nursing diagnosis, planning, implementing, and evaluating the medical condition of inmate patients. Registered Nurses 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. The ideal candidate will have the skills to deal with individuals at all levels, including detainees, officers, and other Detention Center employees.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities: The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

• 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 if 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

Minimum Qualifications:

Education and Experience:

• 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
• Must be a Licensed Registered Nurse and maintain certification through Continuing Education Credits. Must provide a copy of current nursing license
• Must have a valid drivers license
• Must be able to pass a criminal background investigation and a pre-employment drug screen
• Experience in correctional healthcare preferred, but not required

Competencies

• 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
• Must demonstrate ability to appropriately and safely use standard medical equipment
• Ability to respect the dignity and confidentiality of inmates

Employment Requirements

• Must maintain all certifications, educational requirements, licensing, etc. for this position
• Must have current CPR/BLS certification
• Must have current TB test (taken within one year)
• Must adhere to all facility policies and procedures as well as the policies and procedures listed in the Employee Handbook
• Willing to assist coworkers in the 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

Security Requirements
Must undergo security training and orientation on facility safety policies and procedures
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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.

Other
Employee must comply with all current and future State, Federal, and Local laws and regulations, court orders, Administrative Directives and standards and policies, including those of professional organizations such as ACA, NCCHC, etc.?