Contract Registered Nurse

The Contract Registered Nurse provides professional nursing services to incarcerated individuals housed at the Klickitat County Department of Corrections. Working collaboratively with the facility's contracted medical provider, correctional staff, and jail administration, this position conducts health screenings and assessments, administers medications, monitors individuals experiencing withdrawal, responds to medical emergencies, and maintains accurate and confidential medical documentation.

Care is delivered in a manner that promotes the health and well-being of incarcerated individuals while supporting the safety, security, and operational needs of the correctional facility.

This position also plays a key role in developing and implementing the jail's nursing program by establishing clinical workflows, implementing essential healthcare services, and assisting in the development, review, and continuous improvement of medical policies, procedures, and protocols. These efforts help ensure compliance with applicable federal and state laws, correctional healthcare standards, accreditation requirements where applicable, and recognized best practices.

This position exercises independent professional judgment within the scope of the Washington State Nurse Practice Act and established correctional healthcare protocols. The position requires sound clinical decision-making, strong communication skills, and the ability to work collaboratively with contracted medical providers, correctional staff, and jail administration to provide safe, effective, and legally compliant healthcare services within a secure correctional environment.

Work is performed within a secure correctional facility and requires strict adherence to all safety, security, and infection control procedures. The Contract Nurse may routinely encounter inmates with communicable diseases, behavioral health disorders, substance use disorders, and individuals who may exhibit aggressive or violent behavior.

Potential exposures and working conditions include:

• Contact with individuals who have been accused of or convicted of serious criminal offenses, including violent and sexual crimes.
• Exposure to infectious diseases, blood borne pathogens, and other communicable illnesses.
• Exposure to blood, bodily fluids, and other potentially infectious materials.
• High-stress, fast-paced, and emergency medical situations.
• Loud noises, secured detention environments, and frequent security-related interruptions.

Working in an environment where judicial processes and legal outcomes may differ from personal beliefs while maintaining professionalism, impartiality, and ethical standards

This position performs a variety of professional nursing duties, including but not limited to:

• Develop and assist in the implementation of jail medical policies, procedures, protocols, and clinical workflows.
• Conduct inmate medical intake screenings and review health histories during the booking process.
• Assess inmates presenting with illness, injury, intoxication, withdrawal symptoms, or other medical concerns.
• Administer prescribed medications in accordance with provider orders and Department of Corrections policies.
• Monitor inmates receiving medication‑assisted treatment (MAT), detoxification protocols, or other specialized medical care as directed by the contracted medical provider.
• Perform withdrawal assessments using approved screening tools and established clinical protocols.
• Evaluate inmates for emergency medical conditions and initiate appropriate emergency response procedures.
• Coordinate referrals to physicians, hospitals, specialists, behavioral health providers, and emergency medical services, as needed.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential medical records and documentation, including data required for grant reporting.
• Verify outside prescriptions and coordinate medication verification with pharmacies and healthcare providers.
• Provide medical guidance to correctional staff regarding inmate housing, observation status, fitness for confinement, work assignments, and medical restrictions.
• Participate in chronic care management and follow‑up evaluations as directed by the contracted…