Nurse - Correctional Medicine

Job Description Overview :

The Registered Nurse (RN) performs a variety of duties under the direction of the Jail Physician and administrative oversight of the Operations Director. The RN will work as part of the health care team to assess patient needs, plan and modify care and implement interventions. The RN performs all clinical orders in a timely and accurate manner, adhering to all regulatory requirements.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Nurses are entrusted with a broad spectrum of responsibilities designed to promote, restore, and maintain patient health. While specific duties may vary according to specialization and assigned facility setting, core responsibilities include the following:

• Perform specific tasks at the director of the Jail Physician and aligned with the assigned Facility contract.
• Inspect and maintain medical office and storage areas to ensure they conform to all security and bureau of Adult Detention Standards for Jails in Ohio and National Commission on Correctional Health Care (NCCHC) standards and procedures.
• Immediately report any/all security irregularities or problems to the on-duty Jail Supervisor and all health-related problems to the Jail Physician or Operations Director as appropriate.
• Ensure all safety measures are followed as per Facility policies and procedures.
• Organize and maintain on-site prescription medications to include monitoring expiration dates and arranging for the proper destruction of unusable medications.
• Conduct medication rounds and health care evaluations as required or requested.
• Carry out all duties as required by Supervisors, Administrators, and the Jail Physician.
• Document all health care encounters.
• Check incoming prisoners for health problems and/or serious injuries as required and requested.
• Update health care files and required paperwork per policy and procedures throughout the assigned shift.
• Assist Jail Physician during sick call clinics when assigned/indicated.
• Oversee the tracking and scheduling and completion of the health assessments for all inmates/patients that are required to be completed within the first 14 days of incarceration.
• Complete the current and historical health care components of the routine health assessments in preparation for the "hands-on" portion of the assessment that will be completed by the Registered Nurse or Jail Physician.
• Responsible for the cleanliness of the health care office and associated equipment.
• Medication Administration:
  Administering medications in accordance with physician orders, monitoring for adverse effects, and providing patient education regarding usage and potential side effects.
• Documentation:
  Maintaining meticulous records of patient conditions, interventions, and outcomes in strict adherence to legal and organizational standards.
• Infection Control:
  Enforcing rigorous hygiene and safety protocols to mitigate the spread of infectious diseases within healthcare settings.
• Contact physicians, institutions and specific individuals to obtain health related information necessary to ensure the continuity of health care for the prisoner population.
• May be required to work in a computerized environment.
• Attendance and punctuality are essential job requirements.
• MUST maintain security clearance from the assigned Jail Facility.

Qualifications and Experience

• Graduation from an accredited school of Nursing program.
• Licensure:
  Valid registration as a Registered Nurse in the State of Ohio
• 2-3 years of experience working as an RN in a medical environment.
• Possession of current CPR Certification.

Core Competencies and Skills

Principal knowledge, skills and abilities include:

• Knowledge of the standard operating procedures for Correctional Health Care
• Knowledge of all emergency care procedures and ability to render emergency patient care.
• Knowledge of equipment used in the delivery of health care.
• Ability to accurately follow specific instructions and guidelines.
• Ability to assess potentially dangerous situations and take appropriate action to safeguard self, other employees and inmates.
• Skill in the use of radio equipment.
• Knowledge of State Standards for Jails as appropriate to this position.
• Ability to make sound and…