LPN/RN

Walton County Sheriff's Office Nursing Staff Position

The Nursing Staff (Registered Nurse or Licensed Practical Nurse) provides essential healthcare services to incarcerated individuals at the Walton County Jail. Working under the supervision of the Health Services Administrator, Medical Services Coordinator, and licensed medical providers, this position supports the delivery of safe, efficient, and patient-centered correctional healthcare.

The Registered Nurse is responsible for delivering professional nursing care in accordance with established clinical standards and medical protocols. The RN performs comprehensive assessments, administers medications, provides patient education, and assists with care planning and continuity of care. This role requires maintaining accurate medical documentation, monitoring inmate health needs, and collaborating with medical providers to ensure appropriate clinical interventions. The RN plays a key role in supporting the overall health and well-being of the incarcerated population through advanced clinical judgment and adherence to correctional healthcare standards.

The Licensed Practical Nurse provides general nursing care and supports daily clinical operations within the jail's medical unit. The LPN assists with basic assessments, administers medications as permitted by licensure, and provides routine patient education. Working under the direction of the Health Services Administrator and Medical Services Coordinator, and following orders from physicians and mid-level providers, the LPN contributes to promoting a safe and healthy environment by performing fundamental nursing tasks and ensuring appropriate documentation and follow-through on medical directives.

Qualifications:

Registered Nurse (RN):

• State of Florida License as a Registered Nurse
• Must possess a Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification at time of employment
• Valid Driver License

License Practical Nurse (LPN):

• State of Florida License as a Licensed Practical Nurse
• Must possess a Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification at time of employment
• Phlebotomy and IV certifications
• Valid Driver License

Essential Job Functions:

Registered Nurse (RN):

• Follow all Federal, State, Jail health care, and WCSO policies, regulations, and guidelines.
• Participate in the screening, evaluation, and care of inmates in various settings, including sick call, mental health care, chronic illness clinics, infirmary care, and confinement care.
• Provide treatment and administer medications as ordered by physicians or mid-level practitioners.
• Perform specific nursing procedures, including vital signs assessment, venipuncture, and IV therapy (with required certifications).
• Deliver appropriate nursing interventions in emergency situations.
• Maintain complete and accurate documentation of care provided in inmates' health records.
• Monitor and document the use of medical supplies and equipment; assist with requisition and inventory control.
• Maintain accountability for controlled substances and prescription medications according to federal, state, and organizational regulations.
• Supervise non-licensed healthcare staff and assist in training and orienting new employees.
• Coordinate care with medical, dental, mental health, and ancillary personnel to ensure continuity of care.
• Participate in inmate educational health programs.
• Engage in continuing education and in-service training to maintain professional competencies.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN):

• Provide general nursing care to inmates in accordance with physician or mid-level practitioner orders and within the LPN scope of practice.
• Participate in inmate screening, evaluation, and treatment in settings such as sick call, mental health care, chronic care clinics, infirmary care, and confinement care under appropriate supervision.
• Perform clinical nursing procedures including obtaining vital signs, venipuncture, IV therapy, and administering medications and treatments.
• Provide appropriate nursing interventions in emergency situations.
• Maintain complete, accurate, and legible documentation of all care provided in the inmate's health record.
• Maintain health service logs and assist with nursing-related data entry.
• Prepare and process laboratory samples according to established protocols.
• Ensure proper accountability, storage, and dispensing of controlled substances and prescription medications in compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
• Monitor, requisition, and document the use of medical supplies and equipment.
• Supervise non-licensed healthcare staff as assigned.
• Assist in inmate health education programs and provide basic patient teaching.
• Coordinate with medical, dental, mental health, and ancillary staff to promote continuity of care.
• Participate in continuing education, in-service training, and the orientation of new employees.
• Communicate effectively with coworkers, supervisors, and outside personnel using appropriate interpersonal and professional communication skills.
• Utilize computers and electronic health record systems as required.
• Work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Maintain flexible availability to accommodate operational and patient care needs.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Required Skills:

Registered Nurse (RN):

• Ability to perform clinical nursing procedures and emergency interventions.
• Medication administration and IV therapy skills (with certification).
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to prepare, handle, and process laboratory samples according to established protocols.
• Proficiency with general computer applications for documentation and reporting.
• Ability to work effectively with a diverse inmate population and staff.
• Flexibility to adapt to variable work schedules and emergency assignments.
• Professional judgment and adherence to healthcare regulations and ethical standards.

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN):

• Ability to perform clinical nursing procedures within the LPN scope of practice (e.g., vital signs, venipuncture, IV therapy, medication administration).
• Skill in preparing and processing laboratory samples following established protocols.
• Proficient in documenting patient care in clear, complete, and legible notes.
• Basic computer skills, including use of electronic health records and data entry.
• Ability to provide appropriate nursing interventions in emergency situations.
• Ability to supervise non-licensed healthcare staff as assigned.

Key Competencies:

Registered Nurse (RN):

• Knowledge of nursing principles, practices, and clinical procedures.
• Understanding of inmate healthcare requirements and correctional facility protocols.
• Knowledge of medical documentation, record-keeping, and compliance requirements.
• Ability to supervise and provide guidance to non-licensed healthcare staff.
• Problem-solving and critical thinking to respond to emergent healthcare needs.
• Interpersonal skills to communicate effectively with inmates, staff, and external healthcare providers.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development and continuing education.

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN):

• Effective communication and interpersonal skills for interacting with coworkers, supervisors, inmates, and other healthcare professionals.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in documentation, medication handling, and record maintenance.
• Ability to maintain accountability of controlled substances and prescription medications in compliance with laws and regulations.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse populations within a correctional environment.
• Professional judgment and adherence to Federal, State, Jail healthcare, and WCSO policies, guidelines, and protocols.
• Ability to coordinate with medical, dental, mental health, and ancillary personnel to support continuity of care.
• Flexibility to adapt to changing clinical needs and varying work schedules.
• Commitment to ongoing learning, in-service training, and maintaining professional proficiency.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to stoop, kneel, crouch, reach, stand, walk, push, pull, lift, talk, see, and perform repetitive motions requiring hand and finger dexterity.
• Ability to perform very heavy work, including exerting:
• Over 100 pounds of force occasionally
• Over 50 pounds of force frequently
• Over 20 pounds of force constantly
• Ability to work in environments with potential exposure to:
• Moving mechanical parts and electrical currents
• Vibrations, fumes, odors, dust, gases, and chemicals
• Blood and other bodily fluids
• Extreme temperatures, poor ventilation, inadequate lighting, and confined spaces
• Loud noise levels and occasional travel