Registered Nurse I

West Texas Detention Center•Sierra Blanca, TX

About The Position

A registered professional nurse responsible for delivering patient care through assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation. The nurse directs and guides patient teaching, activities, and ancillary personnel while maintaining professional nursing standards. The role defines staff-level nursing duties and responsibilities to support quality care at the facility. It works effectively with patients’ families when appropriate, medical and nursing staff, security, administrative staff, and support services such as pharmacy and laboratory. The nurse assists healthcare staff in providing nursing care to offenders in accordance with facility administration policies and local, state, and federal regulations. The position assesses patients’ physical, psychological, and social needs; plans and implements individual treatment programs; administers medications and treatments; obtains specimens and diagnostic tests as ordered; supports nutrition and therapeutic diet plans; documents care using SOAP charting; and communicates with other care providers. It also contributes to professional development, quality assurance, staff leadership, and continuous improvement in patient care.

Requirements

Graduate from an accredited school of nursing.
Current license as a registered professional nurse in the state of practice.
Current CPR certification.
Good physical and mental health; ability to work under pressure and relate well to patients, security staff, visitors, and coworkers.
Able to meet the stated physical requirements, including sitting, walking, standing, occasional stair climbing, remaining awake and alert, lifting and carrying, computer/tablet use, and frequent grasping, reaching, pushing, pulling, bending, and twisting.

Nice To Haves

A minimum of two years of clinical experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

Assess patients’ physical, psychological, and social dimensions in the healthcare unit and, as necessary, in housing units.
Use available resources to obtain health histories and conduct assessments.
Provide written assessments on admission, during confinement, and on discharge as requested.
Summarize assessment data, make triage decisions, document them, and communicate them to other patient care providers.
Plan individual treatment programs and use treatment protocols written by the psychiatrist.
Refer patients to appropriate providers as necessary.
Plan care and patient teaching using available knowledge and resources; consult nurses, physicians, correctional officers, and others as needed.
Implement individual treatment programs in healthcare and housing units, following clinical and technical policies and procedures.
Use appropriate techniques, procedures, and safety precautions to meet individual patient needs.
Implement mental health plans by administering medications and obtaining diagnostic tests in accordance with physician orders.
Administer medications, including IV therapy and other approved routes, using proper techniques and applying pharmacology knowledge, including awareness of drug reactions and overdoses.
Obtain body-fluid specimens using proper techniques and procedures.
Implement physician- or therapist-ordered treatment plans.
Implement physician-ordered nutrition and therapeutic diet plans, using facility referral processes and available resources.
Document nursing encounters using SOAP charting as required.
Communicate information to nursing staff, physicians, medical-unit supervisory personnel, correctional officers, and department heads.
Respect patient dignity and confidentiality.
Assess personal learning and development needs and pursue development through in-service attendance and other formal or informal means.
Demonstrate knowledge of and perform nursing policies and procedures; support the nursing department’s philosophy, objectives, and goals.
Accept staffing assignments and perform other related duties as required or assigned by the Director of Nursing.
Practice within the state practice act, Code of Ethics for Nurses, applicable policies and procedures, and professional standards.
Participate in quality-of-care chart audits and other quality assurance activities.
Develop and maintain professional relationships with patients, medical personnel, and correctional personnel, and promote effective working relationships across staff and departments.
Provide leadership to nursing staff and promote excellent patient care by addressing and correcting peers’ errors as necessary to protect patient safety and well-being.
Identify existing and potential problems and take effective action.
Identify needed improvements in patient care, procedures, equipment, and supplies, and make recommendations to supervisors.
Assist with in-service education presentations as requested.
Maintain accountability for personal conduct and professional appearance.
Participate in correctional nursing activities that promote the growth and development of nursing and/or patient care.
Approach change positively, motivate staff to work as a team, and accept and learn from constructive criticism.