Registered Nurse -RN Full-time

The Newport News Sheriff’s Office has an immediate opening for a full-time Registered Nurse (RN). The Sheriff’s office operates two facilities housing over 500 inmates.

GENERAL STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITIES

Under limited supervision, this position provides comprehensive, professional nursing care to inmates detained in the Newport News City Jail and Annex. Reports to Health Services Administrator.  

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Provides medical treatment to inmates in secure detention to include assessing individual medical complaints and administering appropriate treatment within current medical practice guidelines to include prescribing appropriate medication. Performs daily sick calls. Coordinates inmates’ special dietary needs with dietary personnel for conditions such as diabetes; ensures facility personnel are aware of and properly trained with regard to dietary needs/restrictions. Ensures proper dispersion and destruction of unused prescription medications in accordance with the State Board of Pharmacy guidelines and completes the necessary documentation.

Assists the facility doctor with performing physical examinations on all inmates including a basic physical assessment of all systems, mental status examination, substance abuse and potential for suicide assessments, vision testing, and a summary of findings with recommendations for follow-up care. Stipulates any physical limitations.

Makes referrals to local health agencies including hospital emergency rooms and private physicians; arranges for transport of inmates to outside appointments, such as doctor and dental appointments; provides for continuity of care when inmates are released to other facilities. Serves as primary liaison to hospitals, mental health facilities, detention facilities, pharmacies, medical supply companies, health insurance companies, and local health department.

Responsible for the effective supervision and administration of the Medical Services Branch including training, performance management, employee relations, prioritizing and assigning work and related activities. Instructs and supervises non-medical staff in areas of administering medication and treatments that are ordered on a 24-hour basis.

Maintains a medical record on each inmate that includes medical history, current physical and mental status, immunization record, and history of communicable diseases; maintains daily records of medication and treatment administered; ensures compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). 

Maintains insurance records for inmates who have been treated by an outside medical facility.

Assists security staff during medical emergencies to determine the appropriate medical response.

Performs other duties as assigned.

 PERFORMANCE STANDARD

Employees at all levels are expected to effectively work together to meet the needs of the community and the organization through work behaviors demonstrating the Sheriff’s Office Values. Employees are also expected to lead by example and demonstrate the highest level of ethics.

 REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE

Healthcare – Knowledge of practical nursing theory, standard nursing protocol, state regulations, and the legal implications of nursing practice. Knowledge of basic nursing principles, standards, practices, and techniques including basic body systems/functions and related medical assessment techniques. Knowledge of medications, their uses, and potential adverse effects, including narcotics, mood altering, and behavior control drugs. Knowledge of local healthcare facilities and resources, including but not limited to local hospitals, mental health agencies, and private physicians.  

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Supervision – Knowledge of leadership techniques, principles and procedures to assign work, schedule, supervise, train, and evaluate the work of assigned staff.

REQUIRED SKILLS

Critical Thinking – Using logic and reasoning to understand, analyze, and evaluate complex situations and research information to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to the situation.

Interpersonal Relationships – Develops and maintains cooperative and professional relationships with employees, managers, and representatives from other departments and organizations.

Time Management - Plans and organizes daily work routine. Establishes priorities for the completion of work in accordance with sound time-management methodology to meet strict deadlines.

REQUIRED ABILITIES

Nursing – Ability to recognize, assess, and apply basic practical nursing techniques and procedures to respond to medical complaints and critical medical situations in accordance with recognized policies. Utilizes medical reference books and manuals to research medication and treatment protocol as needed.

Coordination of Work – Ability to establish and implement effective administrative programs and procedures. Ability to plan and organize daily work routine. Establish priorities for the completion of work in accordance with sound time-management methodology. Performs a broad range of supervisory responsibilities over others.

Communication – Excellent ability to communicate complex ideas and medical protocol effectively so others will understand to include preparation of reports, medical records, and policies. Ability to handle a variety of medical issues with tact and diplomacy and in a confidential manner.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Requires graduation from an accredited school of professional nursing and 3-5 years of experience in providing medical care and treatment for various types of illnesses and injuries, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Supervisory experience and/or experience in a correctional and/or psychiatric nursing environment preferred.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Acceptable comprehensive background investigation to include a local, state, and sex offender criminal history check as well as FBI Fingerprinting, a valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.

This position requires pre-employment substance abuse testing and is subject to random alcohol and controlled substance testing.

A valid license issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), certification in CPR and multi-media First Aid.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Tasks require the ability to exert moderate, though not constant physical effort.

Some combination of climbing and balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and crawling.

Some lifting to include overhead lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of moderate weight (10-20 pounds). 

SENSORY REQUIREMENTS

Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate colors or shades of colors, sounds, odor, depth, texture, and visual cues or signals.

Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally.

ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURES

Performance of essential functions may require exposure to adverse environmental conditions such as odors, hazardous materials, disease, pathogenic substances, or rude/irate patients.

• Must be a citizen of the United States.
• Requires an acceptable background check and acceptable credit check.
• Requires a valid drivers license with an acceptable driving record.
• Employees in this job are required to refrain from all use of controlled substances and are subject to random controlled substances testing.
• Currently licensed to practice nursing in the state of Virginia
• Current CPR certification

The Newport News Sheriff's Office shall safely and securely provide appropriate supervision of all persons entrusted to the care of the Newport News City Jail and Annex; provide for safe and secure operations in the courts; guarantee expedient and accurate service of civil and criminal warrants, and enforce the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia.