PRN Registered Nurse - Jail

Overview

Summary The Pottawattamie County Sheriff's Office, Jail Division, is hiring for the PRN Registered Nurse position. This position works on an as-needed basis. There are no set hours of work and no guarantee of work hours. Individuals in this position are responsible for providing professional nursing care to inmates at the County jail. Utilizes the nursing process to meet a variety of healthcare needs with ambulatory care as primary focus.

Implements nursing care and medical care orders in a knowledgeable, safe, and cost-effective manner. Essential functions guided by nursing protocols.

If you ve been looking for a rewarding career outside of a typical office or hospital setting, this position is for you!

Position will remain posted until filled.

• Provides direct and indirect nursing care to meet physiological, psychosocial, and emotional needs of the inmate within the framework established by jail administration.
• Communicates assessment data in a comprehensive, orderly fashion verbally and in writing with appropriate parties. Documents all care utilizing established health record systems.
• Responds to and initiates care for inmate and staff medical emergencies throughout the jail facility, including the ability to perform continuous CPR until properly relieved.
• Performs health assessments of inmates in a variety of settings (initial intake area, health care unit, inmate housing areas). Utilizes assessment skills with knowledge of normal and abnormal adult health status.
• Performs histories and physicals on inmates. Plans nursing care by identifying inmate needs based on assessments. Makes appropriate, timely referrals and initiates appropriate nursing care based on institutional policies and procedures.
• Physically assists physicians in inmate examinations and treatments.
• Performs venipuncture and IV therapy. Collects samples, specimens, and cultures per physician orders.
• Provides inmate education as an integral part of total patient care.
• Implements and follows up on physician/dentist/psychiatrist verbal and written orders. Evaluates and documents inmate responses to aspects of healthcare and makes appropriate referrals to health care team members.
• Administers and documents medications on the Medication Administration Record. Maintains accountability of all controlled substances and prescription medications according to state law, National Detention Standards, and departmental policy.
• Utilizes effective communication skills by demonstrating respect, concern, and courtesy in all interpersonal relationships. Communicates information in an accurate, concise, and timely manner.
• Protects confidentiality of information relating to inmate healthcare and confidential information identified in facility policies and procedures.
• Participates in problem-solving activities of the healthcare team by attending meetings and using positive interpersonal skills to initiate change.
• Functions as a role model for other health care unit personnel and maintains harmonious relationships with detention officers, certified medication aides, and members of the health care team.
• Promotes a safe and secure environment.
• Maintains clinical area in a clean, neat, safe manner and participates in required counts and cleaning assignments.
• Adheres to Universal Precautions and infection control practices; adheres to medical department and jail security policies.
• Participates in emergency preparedness drills.
• Reports safety and security issues and concerns to supervisor in a timely fashion.
• Follows and enforces security regulations for keys, sharps, and controlled medications.
• Notifies Health Services Manager and completes required reports for job-related injuries or accidents in accordance with jail policy and procedures.
• Maintains knowledge of and adheres to operational and personnel policies to enhance the operation of the healthcare unit.
• Familiarizes with and follows jail policies and procedures.
• Regular and reliable attendance is required. Employees must adhere to the established work schedule and report to work on time. In emergencies or staffing shortages, must be available to work beyond scheduled hours as needed. On-call duty as requested or as assigned by the Health Services Manager; must be available to work various shifts, holidays, or weekends as assigned.

• Knowledge of patient care as it relates to the inmate population and management, including awareness of inmate rights.
• Knowledge of the principles, theories, and practices of nursing within a correctional setting.
• Ability to read and interpret medical and psychological reports and evaluations and carry out instructions provided in written or oral form.
• Ability to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to maintain an accurate and confidential system of communications, documents, and correspondence relating to inmate care.
• Ability to quickly analyze, maintain composure, and use sound independent judgment in…