Summary
This job involves providing hands-on nursing care to inmates in a county jail, including giving medications, handling treatments like wound care, responding to emergencies, and keeping detailed health records.
It's a good fit for a licensed practical nurse who is comfortable working in a secure, high-stress environment with people in custody and can handle irregular shifts including nights and holidays.
Candidates should be detail-oriented, calm under pressure, and committed to following medical protocols.
Full Job Description
BASIC FUNCTION
Provides basic direct practical nursing care to inmates in the County Jail.
Requirements
- Administers and dispenses prescribed medications on all modules to all patients on assigned modules as delegated by physician.
- Prepares treatment carts for daily treatments within scope of practice such as skin care, dressing changes, ointment applications, ear irrigations and the removal of slivers.
- Responds to medical emergencies; performs emergency treatment until the arrival of a registered nurse or a physician; focused assessment within scope of practice on patients and refers to physician or registered nurse in accordance with established policies.
- Takes recordings of vital signs including respiration, temperature and blood pressure; determines patient's medical and physical needs; performs emergency medical treatment as required.
- Charts information on patient's health status records and medication logs and prepares required reports.
- Maintains inventory records of medications, supplies and equipment.
- Records medications when necessary
STATEMENT OF OTHER JOB DUTIES- Assists with maintaining the cleanliness of the work area.
- Performs related duties as required.
Qualifications
State of Washington or Compact (multi-state) Practical Nurse License. Successful completion of National Association of Practical Nursing Education and Service, Inc. (NAPNES) Medication Course is preferred. Must be a United States citizen, a lawful permanent resident, or a deferred action for childhood arrival (DACA) recipient as per RCW
41.14.100. One (1) year with medication administration is preferred. Must pass job related tests.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTSCandidates for employment must successfully pass a criminal history background investigation, a polygraph examination and a psychological evaluation and pre-employment drug screening. Candidates must be at least 21 years old at the time of application. No maximum age. As a condition of continued employment, must maintain Practical Nurse certification and license as required by applicable statutes.
Additional Information
KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of:
- practical nurse principles, practices and concepts
- basic problem-solving methods
- clinic medications
Ability to:
- utilize basic problem-solving skills
- work and effectively communicate with inmates and co-workers
- utilize practical nursing knowledge and apply nursing techniques
- follow oral and written instructions
- keep records and prepare reports
- promptly and accurately assess emergency situations
SUPERVISIONEmployees independently perform recurring duties as assigned by a registered nurse or practitioner. New or unusual assignments are performed under specific instructions and technical direction by a registered nurse or practitioner.
WORKING CONDITIONSThe work is performed in a maximum-security detention facility. Employees are required to work weekends, swing shift and holidays as assigned. There is constant exposure to hazardous chemicals, hazardous waste, bio-hazardous material; pharmaceuticals, infectious diseases and in-person contact with inmates. Physical and mental demands include ability to perform tasks involved in operating common office equipment; move and/or lift up to forty (40) pounds; sit and stand for long periods of time; manual dexterity to include bending, stooping, pushing, pulling and reaching; digital dexterity; talking; seeing; hearing; reasoning and analyzing complex information.
Snohomish County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer.
Accommodations for individuals with disabilities are provided upon request.