JAIL NURSE

Professional Nursing Position

This is a professional nursing position involving responsibility for performing nursing activities in the assessment of health needs to persons incarcerated in the County Jail. Work is performed under the supervision of the Jail Physician. Does related work as required.

Typical Work Activities

• Performs initial health assessment of new inmates including medical and surgical history, medication history and review of body systems;
• Reviews individuals health history and compiles information relating to individuals general health status;
• Is responsible for observing symptoms and carrying out treatment procedures ordered by the Jail Physician;
• Notifies Jail Physician of instances requiring medical assessment and treatment;
• Carries out Jail Physician's orders regarding medication administration and medical/surgical treatments or procedures;
• Conducts sick call to determine priority for seeing Jail Physician;
• Performs Tuberculin skin screenings on all inmates;
• Performs HIV screenings and counseling;
• Arranges for health or mental health referral services for inmates;
• Institutes practices to prevent and/or control the spread of communicable disease in the jail;
• Orders medications needed by inmates from a pharmacy and assures medications are available for around-the-clock administration as ordered by the Jail Physician;
• Prepares and applies dressings, gives medication and nursing or therapeutic treatments and rehabilitative measures as authorized by the Jail Physician;
• Assures adherence to minimum regulations of the NYS Department of Corrections in cooperation with the Jail Physician and Public Health Director;
• Orders and maintains health services equipment and supplies;
• Maintains a log of use and control of DEA regulated medications;
• Maintains a variety of records and reports.

Minimum Qualifications

Licensure and current registration as a Registered Professional Nurse in New York State.

Full Performance Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Personal Characteristics

• Good knowledge of nursing principles and techniques and their relation to medical and surgical practices and skill in their application;
• Working knowledge of medicine, nutrition and dietetics, sanitation and personal hygiene;
• Skill in the application of nursing techniques and practices;
• Ability to understand and follow technical oral and written instructions;
• Ability to accurately determine individual health history data;
• Ability to make observations regarding individual health status and condition;
• Ability to keep records and make reports;
• Ability work effectively with incarcerated persons and to function in a jail environment;
• Sensitivity to persons from a variety of socio-economic, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds;
• Ability to successfully carry out treatment plans and therapeutic measures as prescribed;
• Physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.