About the Department
In the Jail Clinic location, the Public Health Nurse provides a variety of nursing services and treatment to clients in a secured correctional setting; does related work as required. An employee in this classification is responsible for the delivery of a variety of nursing services. Work is performed under general supervision and is reviewed primarily based on results attained, case conferences and evaluation of progress on established annual goals. Although supervision is not normally a responsibility of positions in this classification, incumbents may be responsible for overseeing the work of and providing technical nursing instructions to Associate/bachelor’s degree in nursing students in clinical settings.
This position will primarily be responsible for providing care and services to clients in custody. All clinical staff are responsible for maintaining current Policies & Procedures (P&P) related to their role (with administrative support) and supporting the gathering and compiling of evidence in support of programmatic audits. Public Health Nursing programs include but are not limited to:
Clinical Services
Work under the direction of the county Health Officer, Nurse Practitioner, and Nursing Supervisor to maintain the Jail Clinic, prepare patients for care, and the administration of care to patients at the top of your license. This includes but is not limited to preparing patients for the administration of medications or treatments, wound care, reproductive health care and guidance, and referral of patients for care.
Training
Provide training for staff and patients on a variety of topics, including but not limited to epinephrine auto-injectors, naloxone, CPR, and first aid.
Position Duties
(Illustrative Only. Any single position in this classification will not necessarily involve all the listed duties below and other positions will involve duties which are not listed. These duties represent the essential functions needed of persons in this classification.)
- Provides counseling and/or support group facilitations for a variety of health issues; teaches basic health care practices.
- Interviews clients, gathers medical history, performs general health screenings and assessments, performs examinations, and provides nursing diagnosis.
- Assesses medical needs and evaluates medical requirements of adults in custody. Conducts preliminary screenings, obtaining medical history, coordinates medical needs of patients with jail providers and custody staff.
- Reviews medical clinic and immunization caseloads and recommends changes to staffing, training, and management to ensure well-run clinical programs.
- Drafts and recommends departmental policies and procedures.
- Provides non-emergency medical care during daily sick-call in the facility, including mental health concerns, dental issues and wound care.
- Plans and administers treatment and medication, monitors results.
- Investigates communicable disease cases; provides and/or refers for treatment; completes necessary forms and/or reports.
- Assists in providing emergency medical care of patients; notifying providers for orders and contacting local hospital if needed.
- Establishes and maintains client medical charts (written & electronic) and other necessary records; prepares reports related to departmental programs and activities.
- Performs front office duties as necessary including answering phones, scheduling appointments, filing, typing etc.
- Other duties as assigned.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
This position has no supervisory responsibilities. As licensed professionals, Nurses in this classification may, however, act as Lead in their respective areas of expertise and may therefore, direct the work of others as delegated by the Supervisor. Lead responsibilities include providing input to Supervisor for employee performance evaluations, organizing workflow, ensuring adequate tools and supplies, and directing, coordinating, monitoring, training, providing feedback, and checking the work of the employees.
Minimum Qualifications
QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Requires a thorough knowledge of the methods, principles, techniques, and practices of nursing; considerable knowledge of the laws and regulations governing public health; medication; interviewing, conflict resolution and counseling techniques. Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing; work tactfully and patiently with patients and Law enforcement personnel within a secure environment; maintain records and prepare reports; use initiative and judgment; work independently with minimal supervision; establish and maintain effective working relationships with social service agencies, law enforcement personnel, physicians, and other health care providers; promote awareness and provide information on public health issues. Decisions made are based on nursing training, education, and experience; departmental policies and procedures; State health regulations; and consultation with supervisor and/or Public Health Officer.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Bachelor’s degree in nursing; and two years of nursing experience; or any satisfactory combination of experience and training which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and ability to perform the above-described duties.
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS
Licensed by the State of Oregon as a Registered Nurse; Must be able to obtain and maintain current CPR certification.
Other Qualifications
BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION
Those employed in this position are subject to drug testing and background investigation including criminal background investigation. Conviction of a crime may disqualify an individual for this position. Must pass and maintain Criminal Justice Information Systems (CJIS) security clearance.