Psychiatric Nurse

Overview

The Nevada Department of Corrections is recruiting for a Psychiatric Nurse 2 to be located at Northern Nevada Correctional Center in Carson City. This position actively participates with the medical and mental health team in providing nursing care and treatment to inmates in a correctional setting. The work shift is Sunday‑Tuesday 6 pm‑6 am and every other Wednesday, with extended hours may be required on short notice in cases of emergency.

• Provide professional nursing care to inmates, including medication management and administration of medications as prescribed by the agency psychiatrist or psychiatric provider, and monitoring for side effects.
• Assist in physically restraining inmates who pose a threat to themselves or others and maintain client safety.
• Triage and assess inmates’ physical and mental health status, recommend admission for inpatient or outpatient services, develop and implement nursing discharge plans, and educate patients and families on medications and special care requirements.
• Identify patient health care needs using physical and behavioral assessment skills; conduct comprehensive clinical observations and evaluations of health needs, record and report signs and symptoms.
• Prepare nursing care plans, develop nursing diagnoses, plan for treatment, services, and health education based on patient needs; identify short‑term and long‑term care goals; review and revise plans as needed.
• Participate in multidisciplinary treatment teams, coordinate health services and treatment, and collaborate with professional and paraprofessional staff to ensure optimum health care.
• Administer medications intravenously, subcutaneously, intramuscularly, topically, and orally; ensure correct time, dosage, route, count controlled medications, monitor for side effects and allergic reactions, document effectiveness, and notify appropriate personnel.
• Maintain safety, health, and well‑being of individuals in the therapeutic environment, assist in restraining patients when necessary, follow facility procedures regarding restraint techniques, duration, and documentation.
• Serve as a community liaison nurse, assisting patients in transitioning from the institution to the community or providing nursing services to community-based patients.
• Assist in physical examinations and diagnostic testing, obtain laboratory samples, and perform assigned laboratory tests.
• Take timely, effective measures to maintain hygienic environments.
• Provide emergency medical treatments such as CPR and first aid to stabilize patients.
• Document nurse progress notes in medical charts, review charts for changes in orders, prepare written reports and summaries, perform quality improvement activities such as chart audits and statistics compilation, and ensure compliance with regulatory standards.
• Perform quality assurance and utilization review audits and compliance activities to ensure effective and efficient patient care.
• Conduct therapeutic procedures that provide emotional and physical comfort for patients.
• Provide education to patients, families, and staff on health habits, prescribed treatment, and health-related topics.
• Prepare and maintain medical treatment rooms, ensure supplies are ready, and order and stock medical and related supplies and equipment as needed.
• Assist patients with activities of daily living, encourage independence, supervise or participate in therapeutic interventions, and serve as a positive role model.
• Coordinate and/or participate in clinics, obtain prior approval for billing, schedule appointments, arrange transportation, conduct screening tests, administer immunizations, and maintain associated records.
• Supervise paraprofessional and technical staff, delegate direct care duties consistent with their licensure and competency, and oversee nursing tasks in accordance with practice setting.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

• Current license to practice as a Registered Nurse and at least two years of professional nursing experience, including one year in a facility or institution caring for individuals with mental illness, developmental disabilities, or intellectual disabilities;…