Travel Registered Nurse - Correctional Nursing

Job Description Certification Details

• BLS
• New Mexico RN Licensure

• The Registered Nurse (RN) plans and provides comprehensive nursing care including executing Licensed Independent Provider’s orders, dispensing and administering medications, and assisting Licensed Independent Provider in examinations and treatment of patients.
• Applies nursing and supervisory techniques required in the care, treatment and referrals of inmates/residents.
• Performs all technical/clinical procedures within the scope of education and licensure.
• Attend sick call with the physician to see inmates/residents; prepare a list of inmates/residents to be examined; prepare examining room and equipment.
• Operate pill call, dispense medication and document as required by applicable policies and/or procedures.
• Call Licensed Independent Providers for medication and treatment orders, and/or other emergencies.
• Examine and assess new inmates/residents with illnesses or injuries or those who become ill or injured; refer to emergency room or other healthcare facility as required.
• Perform emergency procedures as needed and notify Licensed Independent Provider for treatment orders.
• Assist in coordinating professional medical services provided by contract personnel and ensure their needs are addressed.

• Graduate from an accredited college, university or nursing program with a degree/diploma in nursing.
• Must possess current licensure in the state of employment (New Mexico).
• One year of professional nursing experience preferred.
• A valid driver’s license is required.

• Rotating shifts including physically checking doors, windows and other areas to verify security.

• Monitor inmate/resident inpatient hospitalizations for early releases when appropriate.
• Provide guidance, supervise and monitor nursing care provided by licensed vocational/practical nursing staff and non-licensed medical staff.
• Maintain good working relationships with facility staff, nursing staff, contract providers and outside provider agencies.
• Utilize established corporate, facility and correctional policies and procedures in decision making.
• Regularly evaluate provision of medical services to prevent inappropriate use or duplication.
• Maintain absolute security and confidentiality of all medical records.
• Assist Health Service Administrator with review of medical files to ensure documentation of services.
• Closely monitor all potential catastrophic illnesses.
• Audit pharmacy use for adherence to formulary as directed or required.
• Comply with all applicable pharmacy laws, especially those covering controlled substances.
• Observe and record inmate/resident behavior.
• Inspect medical unit for contraband; securely store or safely dispose of supplies and equipment.
• Provide health counseling and education on individual or group basis as required.
• Assist Health Service Administrator to prepare and maintain various records, reports and logs.
• Read, analyze, comprehend and interpret medical and technical procedures, governmental regulations, legal and non-legal documents.
• Review, process and respond to lawsuits; attend court hearings when necessary.
• Evaluate and recommend physical safety requirements for a safe working environment.
• Facilitate NCCHC/ACA/JCAHO accreditation of the medical program by providing required medical services.
• Prepare and disseminate safety and accident reports as required; take appropriate action in serious incidents and emergencies.
• Escort or coordinate movement of inmates/residents for medical treatment.
• Perform searches for contraband involving detection and identification of objects.
• Engage in functions in confined areas including working rotating shifts and verifying security.
• Take appropriate action to prevent or diffuse potentially disruptive situations.
• Perform rescue functions at accidents, emergencies and disasters including administering basic emergency medical aid and evacuations.