Registered Nurse

Nurse At Ada County Jail

Join the team at the largest jail in Idaho, the Ada County Jail, where we accommodate up to 1,224 inmates daily. Our Health Services Unit is dedicated to providing exceptional care for up to 83 patients with acute medical and mental health needs. As part of our dynamic team of 45 healthcare professionals, you'll have the opportunity to make a real impact on the lives of those in our care.

Our treatment plans are rooted in community best practices, while also considering the unique security challenges of a correctional setting. Nurses work closely with security staff, ensuring that safety is always a top priority—no nurse is ever alone with a patient, offering peace of mind in a secure environment.

With the freedom to use your clinical judgment every day, our nurses enjoy autonomy while working collaboratively with a dedicated team. If you're looking for a fulfilling career that challenges and rewards you, this is the opportunity you've been waiting for.

Nurses work three 12.2-hour shifts per week (36.6 hours per week). Day Shift - 5:48am - 6:00pm/ Night shift position: 5:48pm-6:00am. A shift pick for days/graveyard occurs every six months. Applicants must be willing to work all shifts (including weekends, days, nights, holidays, etc.). Working graveyard shift provides an extra 10% shift differential, which is included in the range posted. New Registered Nurses start between $43.48 - $57.80/hr. (depending on degree type and experience; top wage includes 10% differential for graveyard shift). In addition, Registered Nurses may earn up to $100 per weekend shift worked. Our competency plans allows further growth with Registered Nurses earning up to $62.45/hr. (includes 10% differential for graveyard shift).

Benefits include yearly uniform allowance (four sets of scrubs), shoe voucher, paid continuing education and licensure renewals, paid lunch breaks, low cost medical, dental, and vision insurances, Idaho PERSI retirement plan, deferred compensation plan 457(b) with a County match of up to 3%, flexible spending accounts – health and dependent care, post-employment health plan – 50% of unused sick leave above 240 hours, employee assistance program (EAP), no cost basic life, accidental death, and short-term disability insurances, eleven (11) paid holidays annually, paid vacation leave, sick leave, and parental leave, no cost gym access at three (3) County owned gym facilities, wellness program, optional 401(k) and/or Roth IRA.

As a nurse at Ada County Jail, you'll have the opportunity to make a real impact on inmate health by providing comprehensive care in a secure and dynamic environment. Your responsibilities will include delivering essential healthcare services to inmates, ensuring their well-being and safety; administering prescribed treatments and medications under the guidance of Medical Authority; assisting physicians and mid-level providers during sick call, conducting patient assessments, taking medical histories, following up on treatment plans, and preparing medications; maintaining accurate and detailed treatment records, including medications, doctor visits, and related care activities; managing and safeguarding medical supplies and medications in accordance with established protocols; scheduling and coordinating hospital or clinic appointments as needed for inmates; collaborating with Community Health Services to ensure seamless continuity of care for inmates; observing inmate health and behavior, ensuring that all health concerns are addressed promptly; implementing infection control procedures to prevent the spread of contagious diseases; overseeing inmate dental care, including dental history, appointments, and follow-up treatment; preparing for sick call by reviewing patient charts, scheduling appointments with healthcare providers, and ensuring necessary documentation is in place; reviewing medical intake information and prioritizing cases that need immediate attention; preparing medication renewal orders for physician and mid-level provider approval; maintaining flexibility to work all shifts, including evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays; coordinating mental health appointments and necessary records for inmates with psychological needs; collaborating with physicians, physician assistants, and pharmacists to ensure proper care and medication management; coordinating medical transport and special orders with security and dietary staff; leading educational sessions for both inmates and staff on medically-related topics.

This is an opportunity to play a critical role in healthcare within a correctional setting while working alongside a dedicated and supportive team. If you're ready to make a difference and bring your skills to a unique healthcare environment, we want to hear from you!

Additional functions include participating in medical staff meetings, preparing packets of information; conducting infection control inspections and preparing report of inspection on a monthly basis; updating medical/nursing personnel credentials information; participating in yearly disaster planning drill with security staff; maintaining current inventory of supplies for medical staff needs and emergency kits for security staff needs; and performing related work and other duties as assigned.

Job requirements include graduation from an accredited School of Nursing as a Registered Nurse; knowledge of professional nursing principles, procedures and practices; knowledge of nursing equipment and supplies; knowledge of laws regulating narcotics, medications and patients' rights of consent; ability to make accurate assessment of patients' condition; ability to exercise tact, diplomacy and patience; ability to observe and understand physical conditions and behavior; ability to exercise judgment; ability to initiate needed treatment; ability to communicate orally to groups and have good writing skills; and ability to maintain confidential materials and medical records.

Other requirements include maintaining a current license to practice in the State of Idaho as a Registered Nurse and adhere to the Nursing Code of Ethics; maintaining active CPR/BLS certification; passing an oral interview, polygraph exam, and background investigation prior to being hired; and being subject to random drug testing as this position has been designated safety sensitive.

Work environment and physical demands include working in a health services facility at the Ada County Jail; requiring frequent sitting, bending, stooping, kneeling, squatting, and twisting from the waist; frequent need to communicate clearly in noisy surroundings and communicate over the telephone; may be required to lift up to 20 lbs.; and requires sufficient personal mobility and physical reflexes, which permits the employee to function in a medical office environment to accomplish tasks and perform the essential functions of the position.