Contract Registered Nurse

The Contract Registered Nurse provides professional nursing services to incarcerated individuals housed at the Klickitat County Department of Corrections. Working collaboratively with the facility's contracted medical provider, correctional staff, and jail administration, this position conducts health screenings and assessments, administers medications, monitors individuals experiencing withdrawal, responds to medical emergencies, and maintains accurate and confidential medical documentation.

Care is delivered in a manner that promotes the health and well-being of incarcerated individuals while supporting the safety, security, and operational needs of the correctional facility.

This position also plays a key role in developing and implementing the jail's nursing program by establishing clinical workflows, implementing essential healthcare services, and assisting in the development, review, and continuous improvement of medical policies, procedures, and protocols. These efforts help ensure compliance with applicable federal and state laws, correctional healthcare standards, accreditation requirements where applicable, and recognized best practices.

This position exercises independent professional judgment within the scope of the Washington State Nurse Practice Act and established correctional healthcare protocols. The position requires sound clinical decision-making, strong communication skills, and the ability to work collaboratively with contracted medical providers, correctional staff, and jail administration to provide safe, effective, and legally compliant healthcare services within a secure correctional environment.

Work is performed within a secure correctional facility and requires strict adherence to all safety, security, and infection control procedures. The Contract Nurse may routinely encounter inmates with communicable diseases, behavioral health disorders, substance use disorders, and individuals who may exhibit aggressive or violent behavior.

Potential exposures and working conditions include:

• Contact with individuals who have been accused of or convicted of serious criminal offenses, including violent and sexual crimes.
• Exposure to infectious diseases, bloodborne pathogens, and other communicable illnesses.
• Exposure to blood, bodily fluids, and other potentially infectious materials.
• High-stress, fast-paced, and emergency medical situations.
• Loud noises, secured detention environments, and frequent security-related interruptions.

Working in an environment where judicial processes and legal outcomes may differ from personal beliefs while maintaining professionalism, impartiality, and ethical standards

This position performs a variety of professional nursing duties, including but not limited to:

• Develop and assist in the implementation of jail medical policies, procedures, protocols, and clinical workflows.
• Conduct inmate medical intake screenings and review health histories during the booking process.
• Assess inmates presenting with illness, injury, intoxication, withdrawal symptoms, or other medical concerns.
• Administer prescribed medications in accordance with provider orders and Department of Corrections policies.
• Monitor inmates receiving medication-assisted treatment (MAT), detoxification protocols, or other specialized medical care as directed by the contracted medical provider.
• Perform withdrawal assessments using approved screening tools and established clinical protocols.
• Evaluate inmates for emergency medical conditions and initiate appropriate emergency response procedures.
• Coordinate referrals to physicians, hospitals, specialists, behavioral health providers, and emergency medical services, as needed.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential medical records and documentation, including data required for grant reporting.
• Verify outside prescriptions and coordinate medication verification with pharmacies and healthcare providers.
• Provide medical guidance to correctional staff regarding inmate housing, observation status, fitness for confinement, work assignments, and medical restrictions.
• Participate in chronic care management and follow-up evaluations as directed by the contracted medical provider.
• Monitor infection prevention and control practices and provide guidance regarding communicable diseases.
• Provide health education to inmates regarding medications, chronic conditions, personal hygiene, wellness, naloxone use, and overdose prevention, as appropriate.
• Assist with quality assurance activities and ensure compliance with Washington State jail standards, applicable regulations, and correctional healthcare best practices.
• Participate in medical emergency drills, preparedness activities, and staff training as requested.
• Maintain appropriate inventories of medical supplies, medications, and related equipment.
• Perform other duties within the scope of licensure and the terms of the contractual agreement as assigned.

Knowledge of:

• Washington State Nursing Practice Act and applicable nursing standards.
• Medication administration, documentation, and monitoring.
• Recognition and management of alcohol and drug withdrawal.
• Emergency nursing procedures and response protocols.
• Infection prevention and control practices.
• Medical confidentiality, HIPAA, and applicable privacy regulations.
• Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems and medical documentation.
• Correctional healthcare principles and applicable state regulations, including RCW 70.48.130.

Ability to:

• Exercise sound independent clinical judgment and decision-making.
• Adapt to the unique principles and practices of correctional healthcare.
• Apply healthcare standards in accordance with RCW 70.48.130 and established medical protocols.
• Maintain professional boundaries within a secure and potentially volatile correctional environment.
• Communicate effectively with correctional staff, inmates, physicians, advanced practice providers, and outside healthcare professionals.
• Remain calm and provide appropriate medical care during high-stress and emergency situations.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and legally compliant medical documentation.
• Work collaboratively with interdisciplinary stakeholders while maintaining professional nursing independence.
• Assess, prioritize, and manage multiple medical concerns in a secure correctional setting.
• Demonstrate critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective time management skills.
• Maintain confidentiality while exercising sound judgment in sensitive situations.

Applicants must possess:

• Current Washington State Registered Nurse (RN) license in good standing.
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS)/CPR certification.
• Valid Washington State driver's license or the ability to obtain one by the date of hire.
• Ability to successfully pass a criminal background investigation.
• Ability to work safely and effectively within a secure correctional environment.
• Ability to successfully complete required correctional and department-specific training.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous correctional nursing experience.
• Experience in Emergency Department, Urgent Care, Medical-Surgical, Critical Care, or Psychiatric nursing.
• Experience managing substance withdrawal and medication-assisted treatment (MAT).
• Experience providing care for patients with substance use disorders, chronic diseases, and complex medical conditions.
• Experience providing trauma-informed care.
• Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), or other advanced emergency care certifications.
• Experience using electronic health record (EHR) systems.

Physical Requirements

The Contract Nurse must be able to:

• Walk throughout the correctional facility, including navigating stairs.
• Stand, walk, and sit for extended periods.
• Lift, carry, push, and pull up to 30 pounds.
• Respond quickly and effectively to medical emergencies.
• Operate standard medical and office equipment.
• Perform nursing assessments and provide care in confined or secure housing areas.
• Wear required personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Demonstrate sufficient visual, auditory, and manual dexterity to safely perform essential nursing duties.

Contract Expectations

The Part-Time Contract Nurse serves as an independent contractor and shall:

• Maintain all required professional licenses, certifications, and credentials in good standing throughout the contract period.
• Maintain professional liability insurance with minimum coverage of $1,000,000 per occurrence and $6,000,000 aggregate.
• Comply with all applicable Klickitat County Department of Corrections policies and procedures governing contract personnel.
• Successfully complete all required facility orientation, security training, and annual mandatory training.
• Maintain strict confidentiality of inmate medical information in accordance with HIPAA, 42 CFR Part 2, applicable Washington State laws, and agency policies.
• Provide services during scheduled contract hours and coordinate with the Jail Administrator or designee regarding scheduling, medical consultations, and continuity of care.
• Comply with all Klickitat County Department of Corrections security procedures while maintaining professional nursing standards, clinical independence, and patient confidentiality.
• Perform all contracted services in accordance with accepted standards of nursing practice, applicable federal and state laws, and established clinical protocols.