Job Title: Registered Nurse (RN)

Position Level: RN

Job Classification: Registered Nurse

FLSA Status: Exempt

Starting Salary: Competitive

SUMMARY:

The Registered Nurse (RN) provides direct patient care to inmates within the correctional facility, ensuring adherence to all medical protocols, safety procedures, and state regulations. This role focuses on delivering high-quality patient care through accurate assessment, treatment, and documentation, supporting the well-being of inmates within a secure environment. The RN works as part of a collaborative medical team and must be able to handle a dynamic and sometimes high-stress environment.

REPORTING: RN Supervisor / Manager

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following:

Patient Assessment and Care:

• Perform comprehensive health assessments of inmates upon intake and during their stay, monitoring vital signs, documenting medical history, and evaluating physical and mental health conditions.
• Develop individualized care plans based on assessment findings and collaborate with physicians, other nurses, and healthcare professionals to implement appropriate treatment plans.

Medication Administration and Monitoring:

• Administer medications as prescribed, ensuring accurate dosing and documentation.
• Monitor patients for adverse reactions, document observations, and report concerns to appropriate medical personnel.

Emergency Response:

• Respond to medical emergencies within the facility, providing immediate and effective care to stabilize patients.
• Utilize critical thinking skills to assess urgent situations and make quick, informed decisions in line with protocols.

Treatment and Wound Care:

• Perform routine treatments such as wound care, dressing changes, and injections.
• Educate patients on wound care and self-management techniques when appropriate.

Patient Education and Counseling:

• Provide inmates with education on health-related topics, including chronic disease management, medication adherence, and preventive care.
• Counsel patients on health behaviors and offer resources for maintaining well-being.

Documentation and Compliance:

• Accurately document all patient interactions, assessments, treatments, and medication administration in the facility's medical records system.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable state regulations and facility policies regarding patient care, privacy, and documentation.
• Maintain the security and confidentiality of all medical records, ensuring compliance with Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office (CPSO) policies.

Infection Control and Sanitation:

• Adhere to all infection control protocols, including hand hygiene, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and safe handling of medical waste.
• Monitor facility areas for potential infection risks and report any concerns to the appropriate personnel.

This list is not intended to be all-inclusive, and the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office (CPSO) reserves the right to assign additional functions and responsibilities as necessary. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The RN operates within a secure correctional facility, adhering to strict safety and security protocols. This position requires working closely with inmates in a structured setting, collaborating with other medical staff, and providing high-quality care within a unique healthcare environment.

SUPERVISES OTHERS: Yes

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

• Registered Nurse (RN) with a current, unencumbered license to practice nursing in the State of Louisiana.
• Experience in correctional healthcare, emergency medicine, or critical care preferred but not required.

QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The following are the minimum qualifications required for this position:

• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to effectively interact with patients, correctional staff, and other medical personnel.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, sometimes high-stress environment.
• Proficiency in basic computer skills for record-keeping and documentation
• Must pass a Criminal Background Check, Physical Examination, and Drug Urinalysis testing.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

The following are the core knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required to successfully perform this job.

• Knowledge of nursing protocols, patient care practices, and correctional healthcare policies.
• Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion and maintain patient confidentiality.
• Strong critical thinking skills to assess patient needs and respond appropriately to medical situations.
• Familiarity with infection control standards and practices.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The physical activities listed below are representative of a typical workday:

• Prolonged periods of standing, walking, and moving within the correctional facility.
• Ability to lift, position, or move patients and medical equipment as needed (up to 30 pounds).

DISCLAIMERS:

• RNs do not have to attend the regional training academy following employment.
• RNs do not have to be certified in any Security or Firearms training.