Correctional Medicine Nurse

Job Description

Job Description

 ***This position is Part Time and has GROWTH opportunity based on candidate's willingness to travel and work flexible scheduling across multiple facilities. 

Nurses are entrusted with a broad spectrum of responsibilities designed to promote, restore, and maintain patient health. While specific duties may vary according to specialization and assigned facility setting, core responsibilities include the following:

• Perform specific tasks at the director of the Jail Physician and aligned with the assigned Facility contract.
• Inspect medical office and storage areas to ensure they conform to all security and National Commission on Correctional Health Care (NCCHC) standards and procedures.
• Immediately report any/all security irregularities or problems to the on-duty Jail Supervisor and all health-related problems to the Jail Physician or Operations Director as appropriate.
• Ensure all safety measures are followed as per Facility policies and procedures.
• Organize and maintain on-site prescription medications to include monitoring expiration dates and arranging for the proper destruction of unusable medications.
• Conduct medication rounds and health care evaluations as required or requested.
• Carry out all duties as required by Supervisors, Administrators, and the Jail Physician.
• Document all health care encounters.
• Check incoming prisoners for health problems and/or serious injuries as required and requested.
• Update health care files and required paperwork per policy and procedures throughout the assigned shift.
• Assist Jail Physician during sick call clinics when assigned/indicated.
• Oversee the tracking and scheduling of routine health assessments for all inmates/patients within the first 12 days of incarceration.
• Complete the current and historical health care components of the routine health assessments in preparation for the “hands-on” portion of the assessment that will be completed by the Registered Nurse or Jail Physician.
• Responsible for the cleanliness of the health care office and associated equipment.
• Medication Administration: Administering medications in accordance with physician orders, monitoring for adverse effects, and providing patient education regarding usage and potential side effects.
• Documentation: Maintaining meticulous records of patient conditions, interventions, and outcomes in strict adherence to legal and organizational standards.
• Infection Control: Enforcing rigorous hygiene and safety protocols to mitigate the spread of infectious diseases within healthcare settings.
• Contact physicians, institutions and specific individuals to obtain health related information necessary to ensure the continuity of health care for the prisoner population.
• May be required to work in a computerized environment.
• Attendance and punctuality are essential job requirements.
• MUST maintain security clearance from the assigned Jail Facility

Qualifications and Experience

• Successful completion of an accredited nursing program.
• Licensure: Valid registration as a Licensed Practical Nurse in the State of Ohio
• 2-3 years of experience working as an LPN in a medical environment.
• Possession of current CPR Certification.

Core Competencies and Skills

Principal knowledge, skills and abilities include:

• Knowledge of the standard operating procedures for Correctional Health Care
• Knowledge of all emergency care procedures and ability to render emergency patient care.
• Knowledge of equipment used in the delivery of health care.
• Ability to accurately follow specific instructions and guidelines.
• Ability to assess potentially dangerous situations and take appropriate action to safeguard self, other employees and inmates.
• Skill in the use of radio equipment.
• Knowledge of State Standards for Jails as appropriate to this position.
• Ability to make sound and reasonable decisions under stressful situations.
• Adaptability: Readiness to respond to evolving conditions, unforeseen emergencies, and diverse patient populations.
• Attention to Detail: Diligence in monitoring patient status and strict adherence to clinical protocols.
• Physical Endurance: Stamina necessary for extended shifts, frequent movement, and emotionally challenging situations.

Physical / Environmental Demands

This position may require manual dexterity and/or frequent use of the computer, telephone, 10-key, calculator, office machines (copier, scanner, fax) and/or the ability to perform repetitive motions and/or meet production standards to comply with the essential functions. Also, it may require physician and/or mental stamina to work overtime, additional hours beyond a regular schedule and/or more than five days per week.

• Moderate physical effort, including assistance to patients with disabilities in transfers to and from wheelchairs, exam tables, bathroom, etc.
• Associated health risks related to patient exposure including body fluids and needles.
• Occasional standing/bending.
• Moderate to high stress level.

Disclaimer

Cooperative, positive, courteous and professional behavior and conduct is an essential function of every position. All employees must be able to work with others beyond giving and receiving instructions. This includes getting along with co-workers, peers, and management without exhibiting behavior extremes. Job functions may require personal leadership skills such as conflict resolution, negotiating, instruction, persuading, speaking with others as well as responding appropriately to job performance feedback from the supervisor. Additionally, the information contained in this job description has been designated to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibility and qualifications required for employees assigned to this position.