Registered Nurse; RN

Position Overview

Registered Nurse – South Dakota Department of Corrections (Yankton). Full‑time, variable 12‑hour shifts. Salary $35–$40 per hour with differential and overtime. Full state benefits and SDRS retirement.

• Maintain accurate and timely inmate medical records.
• Transcribe reports during shift changes.
• Provide standardized patient education within nursing guidelines.
• Preserve patient confidentiality.
• Provide physical care and treatments including medication administration, infection control, crisis intervention, interviewing, triage, and patient/staff instruction.
• Assist physicians, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners with minor medical and surgical procedures.
• Ensure ordering and restocking of medications and supplies.
• Participate in restraining inmates for medical reasons when required.
• Observe and report inmate physical and emotional condition during triage, sick call, and emergencies.
• Perform physical and emotional assessments during triage, sick‑call, and emergency situations.
• Promote and ensure safety and security of the clinical environment, including contraband control.
• Operate various clinical equipment as available in the assigned unit.
• Report security or safety violations through written documentation.
• Attend required training programs, including Basic Training Academy and Threat Pattern Recognition self‑defense course.
• Work any shift, including weekends and holidays.

• Current, valid Registered Nurse license from the South Dakota Board of Nursing or a state participating in the eNLC.
• Ability to treat patients daily in various settings.
• Adherence to confidentiality standards.
• Ability to respond to emergency situations involving inmates and/or medical conditions.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Fluent in written and spoken English.
• Strong decision‑making and discernment.
• Attention to detail and instruction compliance.
• Readiness to work full‑time on a variety of shifts.

• Correctional nursing experience.
• Acute care or long‑term nursing experience.
• Charge nurse and/or supervisory experience.

• Clearance through background investigation, urine drug screening, and physical ability to perform essential duties.
• Capability to carry Oleoresin Capsicum spray if desired with direct exposure training.
• Completion of written and practical self‑defense exam and CPR to AHA guidelines including hands‑on portion.
• TB screening required upon hire.
• Resume and Curriculum Vitae with three professional references required.
• Eligible for Veterans’ Preference per ARSD 55:10:02:08.
• Equal Opportunity Employer.