Registered Nurse (RN)

Registered Nurse (RN)The Registered Nurse (RN) plans and provides comprehensive nursing care including, but not limited to, 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 his/her education and licensure. Apply appropriate nursing skills in the area and treatment of inmates/residents. 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 the Licensed Independent Providers for medication and treatment orders, and/or other emergencies. Examine and assess new inmates/residents with illnesses or injuries or inmates/residents who become ill or injured; refer inmates/residents to the emergency room or other appropriate healthcare facility as required by their condition. Perform emergency procedures as needed and notify Licensed Independent Provider for treatment orders. Assist in coordinating professional medical services provided by contract personnel and seeing that their needs are addressed.Job responsibilities include: monitoring, as directed, inmate/resident inpatient hospitalizations for early releases whenever appropriate; providing guidance, supervising and monitoring nursing care provided by licensed vocational/practical nursing staff and non-licensed medical staff; maintaining a good working relationship with facility staff, nursing staff, contract providers and outside provider agencies; utilizing established corporate, facility and correctional policies and procedures in making decisions, but using sound independent judgment in meeting the responsibilities and performing the duties of the position; regularly evaluating the provision of medical services to prevent the inappropriate use, or duplication of those services; maintaining absolute security and confidentiality of all medical records; assisting Health Service Administrator with the review of medical files to determine all provided services are documented; closely monitoring all potential catastrophic illnesses; auditing pharmacy use for adherence to formulary, as directed or required; complying with all applicable pharmacy laws, especially those covering controlled substances; observing and recording inmate/resident behavior; inspecting the medical unit for items that could be used as contraband by inmate/residents; securely storing or safely disposing of supplies and equipment; providing health counseling and health education on individual or group basis, as required; assisting Health Service Administrator to prepare and maintain a variety of standard narrative, statistical, summary and/or operational records, reports and logs, using appropriate grammar, to include filing, alphabetizing and labeling; properly processing all reports and documents in a timely manner; reading, analyzing, comprehending and interpreting medical and technical procedures, governmental regulations, legal and non-legal documents; reviewing, processing and responding (via corporate counsel) to lawsuits; attending court hearings, when necessary; facilitating, where applicable, NCCHC/ACA/JCAHO accreditation of the medical program by providing the required level of efficiency and approved, appropriate medical services; preparing and disseminating safety and accident reports as required by policies and procedures; taking appropriate action in cases of serious and unusual incidents and emergencies.Preferred skills and experience include: one (1) year of professional nursing experience. Required education: graduate from an accredited college, university or nursing program with a degree/diploma in nursing. Required certifications & licensure: must possess current licensure in the state of employment. A valid driver's license.