Jobs Registered Nurse - Jail

Summary

The Pottawattamie County Sheriff's Office, Jail Division, is currently seeking 2 full-time Registered Nurses who have a passion for providing the highest quality of care in an institutional setting. If you've been looking for a rewarding career outside of a typical office or hospital setting, this position is for you! 

Individuals in this position are responsible providing professional nursing care to inmates at the County jail.  Utilizes the nursing process to meet a variety of healthcare needs with ambulatory care as primary focus.  Implements nursing care and medical care orders in a knowledgeable, safe, and cost-effective manner.  Essential functions guided by nursing protocols.

Starting pay for this position will increase to $32.47 starting July 1, 2024! 

Pottawattamie County offers employees a strong benefit plan at a reasonable cost. Our benefit offerings include health, dental, vision, life insurance, long-term disability, and other voluntary benefits.
 
To highlight some of our amazing benefits:
 

• We offer a family plan at $233.28 per month cost to the employee, with an additional $30 savings if the employee participates in the wellness program.
• $1,500 family deductible
• 100% employer paid long-term disability coverage
• Premium free dental coverage
• generous paid time off; sick leave and vacation leave
• IPERS retirement; Unlike benefits from other retirement plans, IPERS benefits aren’t tied to the performance of the stock market. With IPERS, you don’t need to make complicated investment decisions for your retirement dreams to become a reality.

For full details on Pottawattamie County's extensive benefits, view the Benefit Guide!

Position will remain posted until filled. 

Essential Functions

Provides direct and indirect nursing care to meet physiological, psychosocial, and emotional needs of the inmate within the framework established by jail administration.  

 

Communicates assessment data in a comprehensive, orderly fashion verbally and in writing with appropriate parties. Document all care utilizing establish health record system.

 

Responds to and initiates care for inmate and staff medical emergencies throughout the jail facility.  This includes the ability to perform continuous CPR until properly relieved.

 

Performs health assessments of inmate in a variety of settings such as initial intake area, health care unit, and inmate housing areas.  Utilizes assessment skills that require a knowledge base of both normal and abnormal adult health status. 

 

Performs histories and physicals on inmates.  Plans nursing care by identification of inmate needs based on assessments.  Makes appropriate, timely referrals and initiates appropriate nursing care based on institutional policies and procedures.  

 

Physically assists Physician in inmate examinations and treatments. 

 

Performs venipuncture and I.V. therapy.  Collects samples, specimens, and cultures per Physician orders, etc.

Provides inmate education as an integral part of total patient care.

 

Implements and follows up on Physician/Dentist/Psychiatrist verbal and written orders. Evaluates and documents inmate responses to aspects of healthcare and makes appropriate referrals to members of the healthcare team.

 

Administers and documents medications on the Medication Administration Record.  Maintains accountability of all controlled substances and prescription medications according to state law, National Detention Standards, and departmental policy.

 

Utilizes effective communication skills by demonstrating respect, concern, and courtesy in all interpersonal relationships.

 

Communicates information in an accurate, concise, and timely manner.

 

Protects confidentiality of information relating to inmate healthcare, as well, as confidential information identified in facility policies and procedures.

 

Participates in problem solving activities of the healthcare team by attending meetings, utilizing positive interpersonal skills and appropriate channels to initiate change.

 

Functions as a role model for other health care unit personnel and maintains harmonious relationships with detention officers, certified medication aides, and members of the health care team.

 

Promote a safe and secure environment.

 

Maintains clinical area in clean, neat, safe manner and participates in required counts and cleaning assignments.

 

Adheres to Universal Precautions and other appropriate infection control practices.

 

Adhere to medical department and jail security policies. 

 

Participates in emergency preparedness drills. 

 

Required to report safety and security issues and concerns to supervisor in a timely fashion.  

Follows and enforces security regulations for keys, sharps, and controlled medications.  

 

Notifies Health Services Manager and completes required reports for job related injuries or accidents in accordance with jail policy and procedures.

 

Maintains knowledge of and strictly adheres to operational and personnel policies to enhance the operation of the healthcare unit.

 

Ensure familiarization with and follows jail policies and procedures. 

 

Regular and reliable attendance is required of this position.  Employees are required to adhere to established work schedule and are required to report to work on time.  In the event of an emergency or staffing shortage, the incumbent must be available to work beyond scheduled hours as needed.  Responsible for on-call duty as requested, or as assigned by the Health Services Manager and as a result, must be available to work various shifts, holidays, or weekends, as assigned.  

Essential Knowledge, Experience, and Ability

Knowledge of patient care as it related to inmate population and management including awareness of inmate rights.

 

Knowledge of the principles, theories, and practices of nursing within a correctional setting.

 

Ability to read and interpret medical and psychological reports and evaluations and carry out instructions furnished in written or oral form.

 

Ability to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing.

 

Ability to maintain an accurate and confidential system of communications, documents, and correspondence relating to inmate care.

 

Ability to quickly analyze, retain composure, and utilize sound independent judgment and actions in stressful and emergency situations, occasionally with violent or hostile inmates.

 

Ability to operate standard office equipment in the performance of job duties, i.e. fax machine, copier, personal computer, calculator, etc. Experience with Microsoft Office products.

 

Ability to work independently, prioritize work, meet deadlines, make decisions, and solve practical problems dealing with a variety of inmate health issues.

Essential Education, Certification, and/or Licenses

Graduate of an accredited School of Nursing with current licensure as a Registered Nurse in the State of Iowa or residing compact state.   Must attend and participate in continuing education consistent with the requirements of the State Board of Nursing.

 

Must possess a current CPR certification and maintain it throughout the course of employment.

 

Selected applicants are subject to, and must pass, a full background check and employment physical which includes drug screen.   

 

Must pass initial training and continued required annual trainings.