Registered Nurse -RN

The Newport News Sheriff’s Office has an immediate opening for a full-time Registered Nurse (RN).The Sheriff’s office operates two facilities housing over 500 inmates.

Under limited supervision, this position provides comprehensive, professional nursing care to inmates detained in the Newport News City Jail and Annex.

Reports to Health Services Administrator.

Provides medical treatment to inmates in secure detention to include assessing individual medical complaints and administering appropriate treatment within current medical practice guidelines to include prescribing appropriate medication. Performs daily sick calls. Coordinates inmates’ special dietary needs with dietary personnel for conditions such as diabetes; ensures facility personnel are aware of and properly trained with regard to dietary needs/restrictions. Ensures proper dispersion and destruction of unused prescription medications in accordance with the State Board of Pharmacy guidelines and completes the necessary documentation.

Assists the facility doctor with performing physical examinations on all inmates including a basic physical assessment of all systems, mental status examination, substance abuse and potential for suicide assessments, vision testing, and a summary of findings with recommendations for follow-up care. Stipulates any physical limitations.

Makes referrals to local health agencies including hospital emergency rooms and private physicians; arranges for transport of inmates to outside appointments, such as doctor and dental appointments; provides for continuity of care when inmates are released to other facilities. Serves as primary liaison to hospitals, mental health facilities, detention facilities, pharmacies, medical supply companies, health insurance companies, and local health department.

Responsible for the effective supervision and administration of the Medical Services Branch including training, performance management, employee relations, prioritizing and assigning work and related activities. Instructs and supervises non-medical staff in areas of administering medication and treatments that are ordered on a 24-hour basis.

Maintains a medical record on each inmate that includes medical history, current physical and mental status, immunization record, and history of communicable diseases; maintains daily records of medication and treatment administered; ensures compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

Maintains insurance records for inmates who have been treated by an outside medical facility.

Assists security staff during medical emergencies to determine the appropriate medical response.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Employees at all levels are expected to effectively work together to meet the needs of the community and the organization through work behaviors demonstrating the Sheriff’s Office Values. Employees are also expected to lead by example and demonstrate the highest level of ethics.

Healthcare – Knowledge of practical nursing theory, standard nursing protocol, state regulations, and the legal implications of nursing practice. Knowledge of basic nursing principles, standards, practices, and techniques including basic body systems/functions and related medical assessment techniques. Knowledge of medications, their uses, and potential adverse effects, including narcotics, mood altering, and behavior control drugs. Knowledge of local healthcare facilities and resources, including but not limited to local hospitals, mental health agencies, and private physicians.

Supervision – Knowledge of leadership techniques, principles and procedures to assign work,…