Registered Nurse

Nature of Job

The Registered Nurse (RN) plans and provides comprehensive nursing care including, but not limited to, executing Licensed Independent Provider’s orders, dispensing and administering medications, and assisting Licensed Independent Provider in examinations and treatment of patients. Applies nursing and supervisory techniques required in the care, treatment and referrals of inmates. Performs all technical/clinical procedures within the scope of his/her education and licensure.

The successful applicant should be able to perform ALL of the following functions at a pace and level or performance consistent with the actual job performance requirements.

• Apply appropriate nursing skills in the area and treatment of inmates.
• Attend sick call with the physician to see inmates; prepare a list of inmates to be examined; prepare examining room and equipment.
• When specifically authorized by the Health Services Administrator and Facility Physician, perform routine physical examinations on new intakes (as mandated by Florida Model Jail Standards) and appropriately refer inmates as needed for further evaluation by the Licensed Independent Providers or Mental Health staff.
• Operate pill call, dispense medication and document as required by applicable policies and/or procedures.
• Call the Licensed Independent Providers for medication and treatment orders, and/or other emergencies.
• Perform emergency procedures as needed and notify Licensed Independent Provider for treatment orders.
• Assist in monitoring the provision of all required contractual services.
• Assist in coordinating professional medical services provided by contract personnel and seeing that their needs are addressed.
• Monitor, as directed, inmate inpatient hospitalizations for early releases whenever appropriate.
• Keep equipment and work area clean; use or direct the use of appropriate sanitation methods.
• Provide guidance, supervise and monitor nursing care provided by licensed practical nursing staff and non-licensed medical staff.
• Maintain a good working relationship with facility staff, nursing staff, contract providers and outside provider agencies.
• Utilize established facility and correctional policies and procedures in making decisions, but use sound independent judgment in meeting the responsibilities and performing the duties of the position.
• Regularly evaluate the provision of medical services to prevent the inappropriate use, or duplication of those services.
• Maintain absolute security and confidentiality of all medical records.
• Assist Clinical Supervisor with the review of medical files to determine all provided services are documented.
• Closely monitor all potential catastrophic illnesses.
• Recommend methods of improving operational efficiency and cost effectiveness of health related services.
• Audit pharmacy use for adherence to formulary, as directed or required.
• Comply with all applicable pharmacy laws, especially those covering controlled substances.
• Observe and record inmate behavior.
• Inspect the medical unit for items that could be used as contraband by inmate; securely store or safely dispose of supplies and equipment.
• Accept on call status, as needed.
• Provide health counseling and health education on individual or group basis, as required.
• Assist Clinical Supervisor to prepare and maintain a variety of standard narrative, statistical, summary and/or operational records, reports and logs, using appropriate grammar, to include filing, alphabetizing and labeling; properly process all reports and documents in a timely manner.
• Read, analyze, comprehend and interpret medical and technical procedures, governmental regulations, legal and non-legal documents, including the processing of such documents as medical instructions, commitment orders, summons and other legal writs.
• Review, process and respond to lawsuits; attend court hearings, when necessary; conduct research of charts; review status of inmates with serious health problems for completion of all necessary intervention and treatment.
• Attend scheduled staff meetings; promote communications and the proper flow of relevant information in the medical unit.
• Participate…