Correctional Health Nurse III

• As the team supervisor, counsels, guides, directs, and supervises subordinates in the administration of appropriate and effective inmate health care, and participates in the development of procedures for delivery of health care;
• Oversees and administers routine and emergency health care to inmates;
• Ensures that subordinates adhere to agency operating procedures and health care standards adopted by the Virginia Board of Corrections, the American Correctional Association, the Virginia Board of Health Professionals, and the National Commission on Correctional Health Care (NCCHC);
• Ensures adequate staff coverage for all medical work stations;
• Ensures preliminary physical examinations are completed as mandated by NCCHC;
• Ensures blood for DNA analysis is drawn;
• Ensures medications are properly receipted, stored, distributed, administered, and documented;
• Reviews orders directed by the staff physician, nurse practitioner, dentist, or psychiatrist, and manages the administration of such orders;
• Serves as the resource nurse for the health care team, and as quality improvement nurse as designated;
• Makes final decision regarding care or treatment of inmates that can be resolved at the shift level, deferring to higher level medical personnel as needed;
• Discusses and counsels inmates on complaints and grievances related to health care;
• Educates and counsels inmates on special health care needs;
• Consults with inmate's families and attorneys regarding health care delivery;
• Ensures that proper protective equipment is worn and used by staff, and oversees the proper disposal and destruction of soiled and/or contaminated clothing and equipment;
• Evaluates the work performance of subordinates.

• Thorough knowledge of nursing standards, theories, principles, practices, methods, and protocols;

• Through knowledge of federal, state, and local regulations, policy and procedures relating to the nursing services provision;

• Knowledge of the principles and techniques of supervision and training;

• Knowledge of general operations in the Adult Detention Center;

• Knowledge of available community resources for referral, continuity of care and/or community reintegration;

• Knowledge of human growth and development, anatomy and physiology, pharmacology (e.g., medication therapeutic use, side effects, contraindications), preventive medicine, epidemiology, and nutrition;

• Knowledge of federal and state pharmacology regulations specific to the storage, dispensing and administration of medications;

• Knowledge of psychiatric, psychological, and/or sociological terminology and concepts;

• Knowledge of substance use disorders, addiction signs and symptoms, assessment techniques, and applicable treatment interventions;

• Ability to effectively supervise, guide, educate and motivate nursing personnel;

• Ability to assess and monitor the effects of medical and psychiatric medications;

• Ability to maintain security of the work environment and comply with facility rules, regulations, policies and directives;

• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, public and private organizations, and community medical and mental health providers;

• Ability to maintain composure in fast-paced, potentially stressful situations.

• Possession of a current license or a multistate licensure privilege to practice as a Registered Nurse in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
• Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification (Required within 12 months).

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
The appointee to this position will be required to complete a criminal background check, credit check, polygraph exam, psychological exam, pre-employment medical evaluation, and clearance from the National Practitioners Database to the satisfaction of the employer. 

This position is emergency/essential services personnel. (Required to report for duty during inclement weather and/or other emergencies.)   

• Emergency room or critical care nursing experience.
• Certified Correctional Health Professional Registered Nurse (CCHP-RN) certification.
  
• Experience working as a nurse in a correctional facility.
• Experience providing hands-on health care.
  
  

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: