Registered Nurse

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under the general supervision of the Director of Nursing and Assistant Director of Nursing, the Registered Nurse (RN) is responsible and accountable for coordinating the activities and providing clinical expertise for the care of an assigned patient load, utilizing the Standards of Care of Nursing Practice. The position provides comprehensive nursing care for a diverse patient population in a fast-paced, correctional healthcare setting utilizing evidence-based nursing practice, critical thinking, and sound clinical judgment.

Working collaboratively with medical and mental health providers, advanced practice providers, mental health professionals, correctional staff, and fellow nurses, the RN delivers high-quality patient care while promoting safety, professionalism, and compassionate treatment of all inmate-patients.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Provide care in emergency nursing, chronic disease management, mental health, substance abuse, infectious disease, wound care, medical intake, and urgent/emergent responses while ensuring compliance with applicable laws, standards, departmental policies, and accepted nursing practice.
• Perform comprehensive nursing assessments
• Performs nursing triage for sick call requests, recognizes deteriorating patient conditions, prioritizes patient needs based on clinical assessment, and initiates appropriate interventions or referrals in accordance with established protocols. Promptly communicates significant findings to the appropriate healthcare provider and correctional staff.
• Provides ongoing assessment, monitoring, and observation of inmate-patients identified as medically, psychiatrically, or behaviorally at risk.
• Collaborate with medical and mental health providers regarding treatment plans and changes in patient condition.
• Administer emergency psychotropic medications with post injection monitoring when indicated.
• Perform emergency cardiac response including CPR and AED use
• Participate in Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) medication management
• Provide basic and advanced nursing care and treatments, including obtaining vital signs (temperature, blood pressure, pulse, respirations, pulse oximetry), performing blood glucose testing, obtaining 12-lead electrocardiograms (EKGs), initiating intravenous (IV) therapy, performing urinary catheterizations, providing wound and pressure injury care, and other nursing interventions within the RN scope of practice as directed by provider orders and established clinical protocols.
• Provides for the emotional, physical, and psychological well‑being and safety of inmate‑patients; assists with activities of daily living when clinically indicated, with attention to maintaining patient dignity, promoting therapeutic outcomes, and maximizing functional independence.
• Provides patient education and counseling regarding disease processes, health promotion, wellness, prescribed medications, medication compliance, treatment plans, diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, pre‑ and post‑procedure care, infection prevention, safety precautions, use of medical equipment, chronic disease management, and continuity of care. Assesses the inmate‑patient's understanding of educational materials and documents education provided in the electronic medical record.
• Responds promptly and effectively to medical emergencies by performing rapid patient assessments, initiating appropriate nursing interventions, administering emergency treatments within the RN scope of practice, and coordinating care with healthcare providers, EMS, and correctional staff. Maintains the readiness of emergency equipment, supplies, and medications by conducting routine inspections, ensuring appropriate inventory levels, and reporting deficiencies in…