CORRECTIONAL NURSE 1 - UNDERFILL

Job Summary

The Nevada Department of Corrections is recruiting for a Correctional Nurse 1 underfilling a Correctional Nurse 2 to be located at Northern Nevada Correctional Center in Carson City. They will work under the supervision of Correctional Nurse 3 and will consult with them on a regular basis. The incumbent will provide professional nursing care to inmates by identifying patient health care needs; making comprehensive clinical observations/evaluations of health needs; and record/reporting indicative signs/symptoms of physical and mental conditions. Responsibilities include conducting sick calls for inmates with medical complaints; identifying inmates requiring immediate medical treatment; obtaining physician's orders for treatment; preparing and maintaining reports/audit charts. Nurses are responsible for maintaining safety, health and wellbeing of inmates in the therapeutic environment; assist in physically restraining hostile or combative patients; coordinate and schedule outside medical appointments for inmates; and arrange for transportation to exterior medical appointments.

Under general supervision of a higher-level nurse, Correctional Nurses provide professional nursing care to patients in a correctional setting in accordance with the authorized scope of practice specified in the Nurse Practice Act and Nevada Revised Statutes.

Essential Qualifications

License as a Registered Nurse and one year of professional nursing experience; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience as described above.

Job Duties

Identify patient health care needs utilizing professional nursing assessment skills; make comprehensive clinical observations and evaluations of health needs including subtle abnormalities and changes in condition; record and report indicative signs and symptoms of physical and mental condition. Prepare nursing care plans by assessing patient's psychological and physical condition and conferring with other health care professionals; evaluate needs and develop nursing diagnoses, plans for treatment, services and health education based on the present and predicted needs of the patient; identify immediate and long-term care goals; review and revise care plans as needed. Coordinate health services and treatment; conduct sick calls for inmates with medical complaints; identify inmates requiring immediate medical treatment; obtain physician's or designee's orders for treatment; collaborate with professional and paraprofessional staff to ensure optimum patient care. Administer medication to identified patients as prescribed by a physician or designee; ensure correct time, dosage and route of administration; deliver medication to inmates confined to their cells; obtain and distribute non- prescription medications such as aspirin, lozenges, cold tablets; count controlled medications and needles, syringes, and sharps to ensure security; monitor patient for medication side effects and/or allergic reaction; observe patient to determine if medication is effective for prescribed treatment and document medications administered and refused; if necessary, notify appropriate personnel of action taken. Perform physical assessments and assist in physical examinations and diagnostic testing; obtain samples for laboratory tests as ordered by a physician or designee; perform assigned laboratory tests. Take timely, effective and proper measures to provide and maintain hygienic environments. Provide emergency medical treatments such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and first aid required to stabilize the patient's condition and prevent more serious complications pursuant to established policy and security conditions. Document nurse progress notes in medical charts including patient's health status, changes in condition, and medications administered; review charts for changes in orders and transcribe; prepare written reports, records and summaries; perform quality improvement activities such as auditing charts and compiling statistics; ensure applicable regulatory standards are met including documentation of the care delivery process. Carry out therapeutic procedures which provide for the emotional and physical comfort of patients. Provide patient education related to good health habits and answer questions regarding prescribed treatment; provide health related education and training to staff. Prepare and maintain medical treatment rooms, ensuring supplies are available and ready for use; order and stock medical and related supplies and equipment as needed. Maintain safety, health and well being of individuals in the therapeutic environment; may assist in physically restraining patients who are a threat to themselves or others and may be hostile and combative; follow facility procedures regarding techniques and duration of confinement; notify appropriate personnel of action taken and document as required. Coordinate and/or participate in clinics; schedule appointments; conduct screening tests; give immunization injections; create and maintain associated records. Coordinate outside medical appointments for inmates; schedule appointments; arrange for transportation; inform patient of special instructions required as appropriate. May delegate to other personnel direct care duties consistent with their licensure, certification and competency; supervise inmates assigned to the infirmary. Perform related duties as assigned. Under immediate supervision, incumbents acquire skills and experience in performing the duties outlined in the series concept. This is the entry level in the series, and progression to the journey level may occur upon successful completion of the probationary period, and with the recommendation of the appointing authority.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Working knowledge of: universal precautions and infection control techniques and procedures; medical terminology sufficient to understand doctor's orders. General knowledge of: current nursing practices, principles, methods and procedures; application of the nursing process including assessment, diagnosis, planning, intervention, and evaluation; documentation process; uses and effects of medications used in nursing; operation and use of standard medical equipment; nutrition and personal hygiene as applied to patient care; human growth and development; routine laboratory tests and diagnostic procedures; physical restraint techniques and procedures as allowed in the practice setting. Ability to: interview patients to elicit a health history, symptoms and/or complaints; clinically assess the basic health status of a patient; develop, implement and evaluate a nursing care plan; prepare and maintain medical records, charts and reports; follow detailed oral and written instructions; provide health education to patients; provide emergency medical treatment as required; assist in physically restraining patients consistent with department policy; establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with supervisors, custody and medical staff, patients and families; delegate appropriate assignments to subordinate staff. Recruiter Contact Information: Susan Ashley - View email address on click.appcast.io

The State of Nevada is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to building diverse, inclusive, and innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. All applicants are considered without regard to race, color, national origin, religion or belief, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, domestic partnership, genetic information (GINA), or compensation and/or wages.

Please send direct Inquiries or correspondence to the recruiter listed on this announcement.

Benefits include:

• Health Insurance: Medical, dental, life, and disability insurance programs for employees and their dependents/family are offered through the Public Employees' Benefits Program (PEBP).
• Vacation: Accrual of three weeks of annual leave each year.
• Sick Leave: Accrual of three weeks of sick leave each year.
• Holidays: 12 paid holidays per year.
• Retirement: Participation in the Nevada Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). Employees do not contribute to Social Security but will contribute to PERS if their position is at 50% or more full-time equivalency. For more information on how PERS service may impact Social Security benefits, visit the SSA publication (Download PDF reader).
• Deferred Compensation: The State offers a voluntary Deferred Compensation Program.
• No Nevada state income tax.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness: Eligible due to public sector employment.
• Longevity Payments Eligibility: Employees who have received a performance rating of "standard" or better and have completed eight (8) or more years of continuous service are eligible for longevity pay.

Additional benefits may apply to employees covered under a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), depending on their designated bargaining unit. For more information, visit the Labor Relations Unit (LRU).

For more details about your rights and responsibilities as a State of Nevada employee, please review the State of Nevada Employee Handbook (PDF) (Download PDF reader).

*** State Holidays The holiday schedule for State employees is established by the Legislature.

The following are legal holidays:

January 1.............................................. New Year's Day

Third Monday in January.................. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Birthday

Third Monday in February................ Washington's Birthday

Last Monday in May........................... Memorial Day

June 19................................................ Juneteenth Day

July 4.................................................... Independence Day

First Monday in September.............. Labor Day

Last Friday in October....................... Nevada Day

November 11........................................ Veterans' Day

Fourth Thursday in November........ Thanksgiving Day

Friday following the Fourth Thursday in November...................... Family Day

December 25........................................ Christmas Day

When January 1, June 19, July 4, November 11, or December 25 falls on a Saturday, the preceding Friday is the observed legal holiday. If these days fall on Sunday, the following Monday is the observed holiday. Eligibility for holiday pay is covered by the provisions of NAC 284.255