Correctional Nurse

The Northern Nevada Correctional has a vacancy for Correctional Nurse 2 in Carson City. The Correctional Nurse will be providing professional nursing care to offenders in a correctional facility environment. Responsibilities of the position include evaluating needs and developing a nursing diagnosis, record/report indicative signs and symptoms of physical and/or mental conditions, prepare plans for treatment, conduct sick calls for offenders with medical complaints, obtain physician orders for treatment, adequately distribute non-prescription medication, maintain count for controlled medical equipment and medications, perform physical assessments and obtain samples for laboratory testing, provide emergency medical treatments such as CPR or first aid, maintain medical charts, reports, and audit charts as needed.

Under general supervision of a higher-level nurse, Correctional Nurses provide professional nursing care to patients in a correctional setting in accordance with the authorized scope of practice specified in the Nurse Practice Act and Nevada Revised Statutes.

Identify patient health care needs utilizing professional nursing assessment skills; make comprehensive clinical observations and evaluations of health needs including subtle abnormalities and changes in condition; record and report indicative signs and symptoms of physical and mental condition.

Prepare nursing care plans by assessing patient’s psychological and physical condition and conferring with other health care professionals; evaluate needs and develop nursing diagnoses, plans for treatment, services and health education based on the present and predicted needs of the patient; identify immediate and long-term care goals; review and revise care plans as needed.

Coordinate health services and treatment; conduct sick calls for inmates with medical complaints; identify inmates requiring immediate medical treatment; obtain physician’s or designee’s orders for treatment; collaborate with professional and paraprofessional staff to ensure optimum patient care.

Administer medication to identified patients as prescribed by a physician or designee; ensure correct time, dosage and route of administration; deliver medication to inmates confined to their cells; obtain and distribute non-prescription medications such as aspirin, lozenges, cold tablets; count controlled medications and needles, syringes, and sharps to ensure security; monitor patient for medication side effects and/or allergic reaction; observe patient to determine if medication is effective for prescribed treatment and document medications administered and refused;

if necessary, notify appropriate personnel of action taken.

Perform physical assessments and assist in physical examinations and diagnostic testing; obtain samples for laboratory tests as ordered by a physician or designee; perform assigned laboratory tests.

Take timely, effective and proper measures to provide and maintain hygienic environments.

Provide emergency medical treatments such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and first aid required to stabilize the patient’s condition and prevent more serious complications pursuant to established policy and security conditions.

Document nurse progress notes in medical charts including patient’s health status, changes in condition, and medications administered; review charts for changes in orders and transcribe; prepare written reports, records and summaries; perform quality improvement activities such as auditing charts and compiling statistics; ensure applicable regulatory standards are met including documentation of the care delivery process.

Carry out therapeutic procedures which provide for the emotional and physical comfort of patients.

Provide patient education related to good health habits and answer questions regarding prescribed treatment; provide health related education and training to staff.

Prepare and maintain medical treatment rooms, ensuring supplies are available and ready for use; order and stock medical and related supplies and equipment as needed.

Maintain safety, health and well being of individuals in the therapeutic environment;…