DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

The work involves responsibility for performing professional nursing services in the care and treatment of patients who may reside at either the Onondaga County Sheriff's Department Justice Center or the Onondaga County Correctional Facility. This is a professional nursing position involving responsibility for coordinating individual patient care and for performing nursing services requiring substantial specialized judgement and skills in a security setting. Work is performed under the general direction of a supervisory level nursing position and in accordance with a prescribed nursing care plan. Supervision is not typically a function of this position. Does related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES

Assesses and evaluates inmates health condition for referral to doctor.
Performs emergency first aid treatment of injuries.
Evaluates complaints, assesses injuries.
Performs equipment check as assigned.
Completes incident reports on events within the tour of duty.
Assists in the orientation of new nurses.
Participates in daily intershift reports and rounds to obtain status of unit inmates.
Completes rounds at required intervals (e.g. each hour, each shift).
Assumes unit charge responsibilities when assigned.
Administers prescribed medications by the appropriate route and instructs inmates and other staff to possible side effects of those medications.
Observes, assesses, record and reports on inmates’ physical condition, mental status, behavior and systemic sings for complications, regressive behavior, or relapse.
Participates with the Behavioral Health Services team in the development, implementation, evaluation and revision of an individual service plan for inmates with mental illness. As a team member, may conduct individual and group discussion with inmates to assist them in adapting to the Behavioral Health unit and to the jail environment and in establishing constructive living patterns. May teach and counsel inmates in support of the total service plan.
Provides the nursing care component of the service plan, including areas of personal hygiene, self-care activities, the alleviation of problems dealing with personal care or psychological needs and other health related needs. Records nursing needs of inmates in the health record to assure continuity of care.
Identifies and assesses physical and emotional health problems taking appropriate nursing actions or making recommendations to modify the individual service plan as necessary.
Counts narcotics and syringes and documents each shift per nursing policy.
Obtains specimens and cultures as ordered.
Draws blood for use in laboratory testing.
Observes symptoms and carries out diagnostic procedures ordered by the physician.
Prepares and applies dressings, gives medication and nursing treatment as prescribed by a physician.
Performs related services for patients in the prevention of illness and attainment of maximum health.
Maintains a variety of records and prepares reports.
Orders supplies and medications as prescribed
Maintains medication and medical tool inventories in accordance with legal and departmental mandates.
Participates in public health preparedness activities as trained and assigned.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

Good knowledge of nursing principles and techniques and their relation to medical and surgical practices and skill in their application.
Working knowledge of materia medica, dietetics and personal hygiene.
Working knowledge of medications and drugs, common dosages, their physical and psychological effects and possible adverse reaction.
Working knowledge of biological and social sciences supportive of nursing.
Working knowledge of abnormal signs and symptoms relating to physical and emotional health.
Working knowledge of the signs, symptoms, and treatment of mental illness as appropriate.
Skill in the application of nursing techniques and practices.
Ability to deal effectively with emergency situations.
Ability to understand and follow technical oral and written instructions.
Ability to keep records and write reports.
Ability to get along well with patients, physicians and others.
Ability to successfully carry out the therapeutic measures prescribed.
Ability to work effectively in a security environment, following basic security routines, procedures, and policies.
Ability to give support, comfort and reassurance to inmates.
Physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Graduation from a school of nursing approved by the State Education Department as qualifying for Registered Professional Nurse.

SPECIAL NECESSARY REQUIREMENTS

1. Possession of a New York State Registered Professional Nurse's license at time of appointment.

Limited permit - although not eligible for permanent appointment, candidates in possession of limited permits issued by the New York State Education Department may be employed on a temporary basis under conditions specified by the New York State Education Department.

07/2006 Revised