Registered Nurse

Job TitlePay: $36.00 per hour Shift Differential: $3.00 6p-6aEssential Duties and ResponsibilitiesAssess physical, psychological, and social dimensions of patients within the health care unit and, as necessary, in the housing units. Apply knowledge of available resources in obtaining a health history and in the assessment process. Provide a written assessment of the patient on admission, during confinement, and on discharge as requested. Summarize assessment data and make a triage decision which is documented and communicated to other patient care providers. Plan an individual treatment program. Utilize available treatment protocols as written by the psychiatrist. Utilize referral process to appropriate providers as necessary. Apply knowledge and utilize available resources in planning care and patient teaching. Consult as necessary with nurses, physicians, correctional officers, etc. Implement individual treatment programs in the health care unit and, as necessary, in the housing units. Implement clinical and technical aspects of care in accordance with established policies and procedures. Intervene with proper technique, procedures, and safety precautions to meet the individual needs of patients. Implement mental health plans through the administering of medications in accordance with physician's orders. Intervene by administering medications according to proper techniques and procedures, including IV therapy and all other approved routes of administration. Utilize pharmacology knowledge and available resources to include drug reaction and overdose in administering medications. Implement mental health plans through obtaining diagnostic tests in accordance with physician's orders. Intervene by obtaining the body fluids specimens using proper techniques and procedures. Implement treatment plans as ordered by the physician or appropriate therapist. Intervene with proper techniques/procedures and available resources. Implement nutrition and therapeutic diet plans as ordered by physicians. Intervene by using established therapeutic diet plan referral processes. Utilize knowledge and available resources for nutrition and therapeutic diets as established by facility. Document nursing encounters, utilizing the SOAP form of charting as required. Communicate information to other nursing staff, physicians, medical unit supervisory personnel, correctional officers, and department heads. Respect the dignity and confidentiality of patients.Professional Expectations and LeadershipAssess personal learning development needs. Plan/implement a program to meet identified needs through in-service attendance and other formal and informal means. Demonstrate knowledge and perform nursing policies and procedures. Support philosophy, objective, and goals of the nursing department. Accept staffing assignments and perform other related duties as required or assigned by the Director of Nursing. Perform within the normal limits of state practice act, Code of Ethics for Nurses policies/procedures, facility policies/procedures, and standards. Promote quality assurance standards by participating in the quality of care chart audits. Develop and maintain professional relationships with patient, medical, and correctional personnel; and promote good working relationships among staff and between other disciplines and departments. Provide leadership to nursing staff. Supervise and strive for excellence in patient care by challenging and, as necessary, correcting errors of peers to ensure the safety and well-being of the patient. Identify existing and potential problems and take effective action. Develop and maintain an awareness of needed improvements in patient care, procedures, equipment, and supplies, and make recommendations to supervisors. As requested, assist in presentation of in-service education. Assume individual accountability for own conduct and maintenance of professional appearance. Participate in nursing activities in corrections, which promote the growth and development of nursing and/or patient care. Approach change in a positive manner; motivate staff to work as a team; accept constructive criticism and learn from it.Education and ExperienceGraduate from an accredited school of nursing. Currently licensed as a registered professional nurse in the state in which they are practicing. Current CPR certification required. Good physical and mental health; able to work under pressure; able to relate well to patients, security staff, visitors, and co-workers. Prefer a minimum of two (2) years clinical experience.Physical RequirementsContinuous sitting per shift. Continuous periods of walking and standing per shift. Occasional climbing stairs per shift. Remaining awake and alert while on duty per shift. Lifting and carrying up to 20 lbs periodically and lifting up to 50-100 lbs rarely. Frequently working on computers/tablets throughout the shift. Frequent grasping, reaching, pushing, pulling, bending, and twisting.Location299 Edwina Drive, Natchitoches, La 71457