Nurse Practitioner; PC

Rikers Island Nurse Practitioner

Step into a pivotal role within one of the nation’s largest jail systems, where we handle approximately 40,000 admissions each year and maintain an average daily population of 6,500 patients. The Correctional Health Services (CHS) which is part of NYC Health and Hospitals is not just leading; we are setting the standard for outstanding medical and mental health care in correctional medicine, leading the field in an approach that holds population health, human rights, and evidence-based clinical care at its heart.

At CHS, we conduct comprehensive health assessments the moment an inmate is admitted, implementing rigorous screenings and prompt treatments for critical conditions such as HIV, hepatitis C, STDs, and TB. We prioritize the effective management of chronic diseases, reaching underserved populations who might otherwise not receive essential healthcare in the community. Our proactive involvement in research on jail healthcare and its public health impacts establishes us as a national leader in this domain.

By forging robust collaborations with the public hospital system and promoting continual professional development and staff engagement, CHS is firmly dedicated to advancing clinical care and setting the benchmark for excellence in the young and growing mission driven field.

Under the supervision of the Site Medical Director, Nurse Practitioners will deliver comprehensive, compassionate, and thoughtful care to patients with complex chronic diseases within the New York City jail system. This role involves collaboration with physician leadership to provide general primary care, which includes conducting detailed histories and physical exams, diagnosing and managing both acute and chronic illnesses, and assessing the necessity for consultative services.

In addition, the Nurse Practitioner will engage as part of an interdisciplinary team, focusing on patients with chronic medical conditions or physical disabilities who do not require acute inpatient admission. This approach ensures a holistic view of patient care and leverages the expertise of diverse healthcare professionals to optimize treatment outcomes.

• Diagnose and treat acute and chronic illnesses. Evaluate the need for consult services and submit the prioritized consult when indicated.
• Complete comprehensive histories and physicals on all new admissions including documentation of problem list, diagnosis, orders (e.g. labs, imaging and referrals) and ordering appropriate medications where applicable.
• Evaluate patients requesting sick call, schedule follow-ups and update medication orders. Update problem lists and reconcile patient orders at all visits.
• Implement plans for patient care utilizing protocols approved by the Medical Director and/or treatment plans reflecting the current standard of care.
• Request radiology exams, lab tests, EKGs when clinically indicated and interpret these results based on clinical findings and in consultation with supervisors where appropriate.
• Review all specialty consults and hospital returns to ensure that the standard of care is met and recommendations of the consultant are implemented.
• Perform chart reviews and summaries for patients transferring facilities including updating problem lists, rewriting medication orders, and reconciling orders and consults as needed.
• Generate special needs referrals and documentation as needed (for patients with disabilities, dietary restrictions, heat sensitivity, or other relevant flags).
• Teach patients about their medical conditions and treatments; counsel on risks and benefits of different treatment decisions; witness, sign, and document patient refusals of care.
• Ensure that all progress notes and orders are signed before the end of the shift.
• Respond to emergencies in a timely and professional manner.
• Notify the staff MD and Urgicare about 3 hour runs and EMS activation.
• Complete special housing rounds when assigned.
• Be familiar with quality of care and population health indicators. Take appropriate action to meet or exceed standards.
• Maintain clinical competency by participating in all CME and CHS training and…