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. Essential Functions and Responsibilities 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 in multi-disciplinary committees to promote and monitor quality of health care services. Evaluate and recommend physical safety requirements necessary to provide a safe working environment for both patients and staff. Facilitate, where applicable, NCCHC/ACA/JCAHO accreditation of the medical program by providing the required level of efficiency and approved, appropriate medical services. Prepare and disseminate safety and accident reports as required by policies and procedures; take appropriate action in cases of serious and unusual incidents and emergencies. Endeavor to comply with the requirements of applicable regulations, laws, rules, procedures, policies, standards and/or contract. Coordinate the movement of inmates to and from different areas for medical treatment. Properly chart medical care. This includes interviewing applicants, giving information, instructions and directions, mediating disputes, advising of rights and processes and providing reliable testimony, in court and other formal settings. Engage in functions in confined areas that include such things as working rotating shifts and physically checking the doors, windows and other areas to verify they are secure. Be aware that verbal abuse may be present with the hostile views and opinions of inmates and others encountered in an antagonistic environment. Take appropriate action to prevent or diffuse potentially disruptive situations. Establish and maintain effective working relations with others and handle difficult interpersonal contacts. Define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions. Remain alert at all times and react quickly, efficiently and calmly in emergency and other high stress situations. Perform other duties as assigned by Health Service Administrator or Director of Nursing. These are illustrative duties. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. Minimum Qualification Requirements A valid driver's license is required. Graduate from an accredited college, university or nursing program with a degree/diploma in nursing. Licenses and/or Certifications Licensure from the Florida Dept of Health as a Registered Nurse. Current CPR Certification in Basic Life Support for Health Care Providers or Advanced Cardiac Life Support. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Perform rescue functions at accidents, emergencies and disasters to include administering basic emergency medical aid, securing and evacuating people from confined areas. Examine and assess new inmates with illnesses or injuries or inmates who become ill or injured; refer inmates to the emergency room or other appropriate health care facility as required by their condition. Communicate effectively and coherently to administration, staff, inmates, visitors and the general public, particularly in situations requiring tact, diplomacy, understanding, fairness, firmness and good judgment. Reliably and repetitively identify inmates by visual means. Physical Requirements / Environmental Conditions Acceptable eyesight (with or without correction). Acceptable hearing (with or without hearing aid). Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, bilingual preferred. Ability to access, input and retrieve information from a computer. Ability to climb multiple flights of stairs daily. Ability to open and close heavy security doors. Ability to lift/carry/move up to 100 pounds. (Reasonable accommodations will be made for otherwise qualified individuals with a disability.) #J-18808-Ljbffr