Jail Nurse

Position Summary

This position provides direct nursing care, treatment, and rehabilitation to inmate patients; assists physicians as directed. Also includes addressing the needs of those suffering from SUD (Substance Use Disorder) and MOUD (Medications for Opioid Use Disorder). Takes independent action within professional and legal limits and performs related nursing duties as assigned; trains correctional staff as necessary.

The following duties are normal for this position. They are not exclusive or all‑inclusive. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each duty satisfactorily. Other duties may also be required or assigned.

• Creates and maintains individual inmate medical folders.
• Ensures inmate access to health care staff and services.
• Reviews medical intake screening for new admissions.
• Administers routine and PRN medications according to nursing standards of care. Understands medication uses, side effects, and food‑drug interactions.
• When necessary, makes referrals of inmates to the staff physician, dentist, or mental health professional.
• Assesses signs and symptoms indicating physiologic and psychosocial changes in the patient’s condition.
• Communicates information to case management, therapist and other medical staff to provide improved service for SUD (Substance Use Disorder/Medication for Opioid Use Disorder) specific cases.
• Monitors and treats patients who have a co‑occurring substance use/psychiatric illness.
• Collects inmate blood and urine samples as necessary.
• Determines the need for emergency hospital care and ensures that all medication is administered in accordance with standard operating procedures and as ordered by the authorizing authority.
• Documents the patient’s plan of care using identified nursing diagnoses, expected patient outcomes, and selected nursing interventions.
• Provides training of all Correctional Officers regarding medical duties, responsibilities and obligations, including HIV awareness, medication disbursement, and initial medical intake screening.
• Reviews activities of Correctional Officers to assure that standing orders are followed correctly and in a timely fashion.
• Reports in writing to immediate supervisor all matters of misconduct, incompetence, neglect of duty or violation of rules and regulations on the part of any member under command.
• Plans and participates in management conferences to inform administrative staff of present status of all pertinent departmental operations; discusses and seeks recommendations on problems or proposed policies; explains policies and outlines programs.
• Ensures adherence to various regulatory guidelines.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Interprets and applies Federal, State, municipal, and Department rules, regulations, and policies.
• Attends work regularly and is punctual.
• Behaves professionally and presents an appropriate standard of grooming, hygiene, and dress that aligns with health and safety standards.
• Conducts self in a way that reflects positively on the County.
• Fosters positive working relationships and accepts new responsibilities.
• Learns and understands safe practices for the job and complies with safe work practices and personal protective requirements.

• Knowledge of principles, standards, practices, and techniques of professional and public health nursing.
• Knowledge of inherent dangers and precautions to be taken in using drugs and other medication.
• Knowledge of treatment, assessment, immunization, and related medical services for service recipients in area of assignment.
• Knowledge of local and State rules, regulations, procedures, and policies pertaining to nursing services.
• Ability to assess consumer’s medical needs and document accordingly.
• Knowledge of PPE and its proper use for personal safety measures.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of all medical information and assure rights and privacy are protected per HIPAA.
• Ability to accurately maintain medical records and prepare reports.
• Knowledge of electronic records systems.
• Knowledge of laws and regulations that affect the delivery of services provided by the…