Registered Nurse / in Midland

Position Overview
Registered Nurses (RN) provide a full range of nursing services to inmates including assessing, nursing diagnosis, planning, implementing, and evaluating the medical condition of inmate patients. RNs provide information to other health care team members and contribute to the maintenance or restoration of health status. Along with all other correctional institution employees, the incumbent is also charged with responsibility of maintaining the security of the institution.

Essential Job Duties
Assesses and identifies health problems of new inmates and initiates medical records and special needs POR's.
Responds to day to day medical issues and/or emergencies with patients
Administers prescribed treatments and medications as needed/medically required
Prepares medical equipment, records, and rooms for examinations of patients, assisting the provider if necessary
Practices sound pharmacology practices in preparation, maintenance, administration, and documentation of prescribed drugs and/or IV delivered therapies
Maintains IVs for IV therapies, as needed
Meets regularly with the HSA to review medical services administered to patients. May serve as Charge Nurse or Acting Supervisor in the absence if the HSA, and would be responsible for delegation of assignments among staff.
Is aware of emergency procedures in the event of emergency or crisis situations and the appropriate plan of action governed by triage and written guidelines
Capable of giving CPR instructions and able to take charge in a CPR emergency. If trained and able, would also be responsible for using AED equipment
Must demonstrate ability to appropriately and safely use standard medical equipment including, but not limited to: AED, EKG, blood pressure device, oxygen, sterilization, Glucometer, Doppler, and Pulse Oximeter
Uses logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems
Delegates tasks appropriately to lower level licensure employees
Educates patients with regard to diet, hygiene, and methods of prevention of chronic medical diseases

Minimum Education/Experience Requirements
Degree or diploma from a professional nursing program approved by the legally designated state accrediting agent at the time the program was completed by the applicant
Current and unrestricted license as Registered Nurse, must maintain license
Experience in correctional healthcare preferred, but not required

Additional Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
 
Competencies
Clear and effective verbal and written communication with all coworkers, supervisors, jail administration, and patients
Excellent verbal and written comprehension
Excellent deductive reasoning and problem-solving abilities
Excellent organizational skills
Ability to use a computer and use/learn a variety of software, including site-specific computer programs
Must demonstrate ability to appropriately and safely use standard medical equipment
Ability to respect the dignity and confidentiality of inmates
 
Employment Requirements
Must maintain all certifications, educational requirements, licensing, etc. for this position
Must have current CPR/BLS certification
Must have current TB test (taken within one year)
Must adhere to all facility policies and procedures as well as the policies and procedures listed in the Employee Handbook
Willing to assist coworkers in the job duties and work overtime if required; may act as a resource to other coworkers
Maintains confidentiality, dignity, and security of health records and protected health information in compliance with HIPAA requirements
 
Security Requirements 
Must undergo security training and orientation on facility safety policies and procedures
 
Physical/Mental Requirements
This position routinely requires (but is not limited to) the following:
Ability to both remain stationary and move/traverse throughout the facility, including up and down flights of stairs
Ability to position oneself in different spaces
Ability to convey and discern information in a conversation, frequently communicate with patients; must be able to exchange accurate information.
Ability to identify and detect objects and assess situations from a variety of distances
Ability to stay calm in stressful and demanding situations
Frequently transports objects up to 50 pounds
 
Work Environment
Work is performed inside a correctional facility. Employees are exposed to some level of risk and/or harm by inmates including exposure to blood borne pathogens. Employee is expected to work in accordance with all security rules and regulations to minimize the risk of danger and/or harm to themselves or other employees.