Description
Position is open until filled.
First application review date is 8/28/2024.
Jefferson County is seeking qualified RN applicants for
Corrections Nurse at the Jefferson County Jail in Madras, Oregon
Schedule is typically a rotating 12-hour work schedule and a 30-60 minute unpaid lunch break (4 days on and 4 days off); however, alternative scheduling may be available. This position performs first-line assessment and care of inmates in the County Correctional Facility exercising considerable independent judgment in all aspects of the medical program.
The Corrections Nurse performs a variety of duties in the jail facility, providing initial screening, care, and application of medications to person(s) in custody, including record keeping of services. Works closely with Jefferson County Correctional Facility staff to provide direct client services. This position works in an institutional atmosphere with individual contact, ranging from congenial to confrontational. Position is subject to 24-hour call-back and may need to respond to the jail at all hours to contend with problems of an urgent nature.
Lead Corrections Nurse
In addition to the above description, this position supervises other Corrections Nurses, in coordination with the Department Director.
Essential Duties
- Provide initial assessment and ongoing health care to all inmates. Identify changes in the physical and emotional parameters.
- Continually assess mental health status of all inmates, identifying change in emotional parameters.
- Assess and act upon all inmate medical requests within departmental policy.
- Follow established and standard practice for maintaining confidentiality, HIPAA guidelines, PHI (Protected Health Information) while ensuring quality of services, and respect all individual beliefs.
- Maintain complete medical records for each inmate.
- Triage patient care and make necessary outside referrals to ensure their welfare.
- Assess and monitor all drug/alcohol detox patients for medical stability or change in status.
- Ensure compliance with state and county regulations and medical standing orders.
- Work with Jail supervisors and/or Jefferson County Sheriff to ensure Correctional Deputies are compliant with health care policies.
- Coordinate with Jail supervisors and/or Jefferson County Sheriff to provide Case Management services for inmates to ensure appropriate and timely referrals to outside medical/dental/behavioral health appointments.
- Follow all medical and administrative policies and procedures for the department.
- Maintain delegation of the medications and treatments provided to the inmates by the correction deputies as directed by the Oregon State Board of Nursing and Nurse Practice Act. This includes initial and periodic training.
- Counsel and provide testing for all STDs & communicable diseases for patients.
- Continue with outside resources to promote optimal outcome for patients.
- Ensure that all medications, lab tests and health care management are in the best interest of the patient.
- Appropriately documents use of all medications and medical supplies.
- Maintain inventory of all medical supplies, including medications, per agreements. Check expiration dates and reorder as necessary.
- Abide by Jail Policies, including but not limited to relationships/fraternization of inmates (pre/post release).
- Appropriately stock infirmary.
- Train new Corrections Nurses.
- May be assigned the duty to maintain Corrections Nurses’ working scheduling.
- Monitor the biohazard waste box and call for pick-up as necessary.
- Monitor and maintain training and licensing requirements to maintain RN license.
- Review billing for services as appropriate.
- Regular attendance is an essential function of the position.
- Perform other duties as assigned that support the overall objective of the position.
Lead Corrections Nurse:
In addition to duties and responsibilities above, the Lead Corrections Nurse supervises, guides, and assigns duties to the other Correction Nurses, including reviewing their work. Also responsible for setting and maintaining the working schedule for Correction Nurses.
Qualifications
Knowledge and Skills
Knowledge of principles and practices of professional nursing, preferably in a correctional facility or jail setting. Must have ability to work effectively with angry, hostile or upset inmates.
Abilities
Requires ability to function independently with minimum supervision; act in a professional manner within a secured environment; work rotating hours/shifts; respond to stress and medical emergencies with haste and sound judgment; maintain orderly medical records; write clear and concise reports; communicate effectively in both oral and written form; operate a computer; operate general office equipment; ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with individuals, whether members of the public or coworkers, from diverse groups and backgrounds. Ability to use microscope, computer and basic medical equipment. Ability to pass criminal background check established by the County Sheriff. Ability to abide by Jail Policies, including but not limited to relationships/fraternization of inmates (pre/post release).
Physical Abilities
Ability to sit, walk and stand for extended periods of time. The ability to stoop, bend, kneel or crawl occasionally. Ability to lift, push or pull more than 30 lbs. when necessary. Must maintain sufficient strength, agility and endurance to perform during stressful (physical, mental and emotional) situations encountered on the job without compromising their health and well-being, or that of fellow employees or other inmates.
Education and Experience
Completion of an accredited Registered Nurse program. Experience in client education. STD/HIV education/examination, trauma assessment and correctional nursing training and experience preferred.
Licenses and Certificates
Current license as a Registered Nurse in the state of Oregon. Continuous maintenance of license is a condition of employment. A valid Oregon driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.
Lead Corrections Nurse
In addition to all of the above qualifications, the Lead Corrections Nurse will have the following:
- Ability to plan, direct, lead, review, and coordinate the work of others
- Ability to lead support, advise, train, and motivate employees.
- Two years supervisory preferred.
Supplemental Information
Working Conditions
Work is performed indoors and outdoors where some safety considerations exist from physical labor and handling of light-to-medium weight, yet, awkward materials. This position deals directly with inmates that at times may be angry and hostile.
Probationary Period
This position is based on the successful completion of a nine-month probationary period.
Benefits
- Medical, Vision and Dental Coverage
- HRA Account with employer contribution
- Vacation
- Sick Leave
- 9 Holidays
- Basic Life Insurance
- Oregon PERS Retirement (employer/employee participation varies)
- 457(b) Deferred Comp Plans Available
- Discounted Air Ambulance membership available
- Flexible Spending Program
- Employee Assistance Program
- Voluntary Benefits through AFLAC and American Fidelity
