Licensed Practical Nurse

SUMMARY

Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) deliver care to inmate patients utilizing the nursing assessment protocols in assessment, planning, intervention, implementation, and evaluation, in accordance with established philosophy. LPNs collaborate with the Registered Nurse to ensure effective patient care delivery and achievement of desired patient outcomes. LPNs effectively interact with patients, while maintaining the standard of professional nursing.

Corrections Nurses provide care to inmate patients to promote & improve their overall health utilizing the nursing process in triage, professional training and various resources in accordance with regulatory agencies and established guidelines. The inmate patient population generally has not had consistent access to healthcare prior to their incarceration. This provides an opportunity for nurses to see and care for an interesting variety of health concerns from minor ailments to major and atypical conditions.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

Corrections Nurses provide direct and individualized nursing care to the correctional facility, guided by the nursing protocols. In addition to general nursing care, responsibilities of Corrections Nurses include (but are not limited to):

Performs assessments of inmate patients in a variety of settings within the institution such as: initial intake area, health care unit for sick, emergency situations on housing units, chronic care clinics, and medical units.
Collaborates with primary care providers and other health care providers to ensure continuity, timeliness, and appropriateness of care to inmate patients
Coordinates and/or administers medication, therapeutic agents, and treatments, to inmate patients
LPNs also ensure Medical Record documentation is in SOAP format, problem-oriented, and corresponds to the therapeutic order. Ensures all documentation is timed, legible, and signed
Promotes a culture of safety for patients and employees through proper identification, reporting documentation, and prevention.
Maintains competency and knowledge of current standards of practice, trends, and developments in related scope of job role or practice.
Reports reactions to treatments and medications, as well as changes in the inmates emotional or physical condition
Provides inmate patient education and/or discharge planning
Records all care information concisely, accurately, and completely, in a timely manner, in the appropriate format, and on the appropriate forms
Promotes a therapeutic environment to ensure inmates are treated in a professional, ethical, and tactful manner
Performs other position-related duties as assigned, depending on the assignment setting
Adheres to professional standards, policies and procedures, federal, state, and local requirements, and NCCHC standards and/or standards from other accrediting bodies.
Maintains an active Basic Life Support (BLS) certification or Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).

#INDS

QUALIFICATIONS

Excellent critical thinking and assessment skills
Ability to make decisions independently
Assertive, empathetic, and able to provide care objectively
Strong interpersonal communication and customer service skills
Basic computer skills
Ability to command the respect and confidence of inmates and staff; and philosophically committed to the objectives of the facility.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Graduate from an accredited school of nursing program
Current, unrestricted license to practice as a Licensed Practical Nurse in the state the facility is located (maintain a current copy of the license on file at the facility at all times)
At least one (1) year of LPN experience
Previous correctional health care experience preferred.

ORGANIZATIONAL EXPECTATIONS

Provides a positive and professional representation of CFG Health Systems, LLC.
Participates in ongoing quality improvement activities.
Completes required orientation as directed by the facility
Follows facility and OSHA safety rules and procedures while on assignment
Adheres to infection control policies and protocols, medication administration and storage procedures, and controlled substance regulations.
Maintains correctional facility standards for a clean patient environment to maintain a positive patient care experience.
Follows facility and CFG Health Systems Occurrence Protocol
Upholds HIPAA and PREA regulations
Punctual and dependent on assigned/confirmed shifts
Maintains security clearance for the assigned facility

FUNCTIONAL DEMANDS

Ability to pass all required health and other screening tests.
May be required to work nights, weekends, and holidays
On-call duty may be required (available to work on short notice).

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 upon written request to your supervisor for individuals with disabilities to perform the essential responsibilities and functions.

May regularly be required to stand, sit, walk, reach, bend, kneel, crouch, or stretch, for prolonged periods of time.
Ability to communicate and understand written and verbal communication.
The employee must be able to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.