Director of Nursing

The Director of Nursing directs and supervises the provision of care given to detainees by professional and paraprofessional nursing staff within the correctional setting. This individual interacts with a variety of healthcare providers, security and administrative staff to achieve the goals of the health service department and to fulfill contractual requirements.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Although it is not possible to provide an exhaustive list of all types of duties, responsibilities and performance standards, the following are the essential job functions:

Orientation, training, and supervision of all nursing staff.

• Provides consistent leadership in organizing the delivery of care according to department standards and protocols, including identification of areas that need revision or improvement
• Responsible for providing and maintaining the monthly nursing work schedule to cover all staff shifts.
• Prepares written responses for the Health Service Administrator to detainee grievances and is responsible for follow-up to determine appropriate actions or charges that ensure the quality of care.
• Development and implementation of nursing policies, procedures, and protocols that reflect applicable standards and quality care.
• Supervise and implement appropriate utilization resources, including equipment logs, supply requisitions, medication and hours worked.
• Ensure the timely and effective delivery of medical care to the detainees, whether on-site or off-site, including coordination with other disciplines such as mental health, security, and any outside hospitals or clinics.
• Observe and ensure that nursing staff adheres to security regulations for keys, sharps and controlled substances, including participation in disaster drills.
• Conducts regular meetings with nursing staff and other healthcare team members to communicate, develop and implement nursing objectives, and goals, and ensure detainees are receiving appropriate care.
• Routine monitoring and evaluation of individual nursing staff to ensure quality performance, including yearly written reviews.
• Actively participates in continuing education programs to ensure professional growth and competency for staff and his or herself and is responsible for developing educational programs for detainees a well as custody staff on universal precautions, communicable diseases, medical protocols, etc.
• Attends inter-department meetings, mandatory in-services and seminars to develop progressive plans of action for problem-solving
• Always conduct themselves in a professional, courteous way
• Performs any other duties as requested by the Health Service Administrator or Medical Director
• Responsible for maintaining the “Narc Room,” which is where all the storage of sharps is kept under double lock. The Director of Nursing and the HSA are the only two healthcare team members with the key.

FACTOR 1 – KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION

a: knowledge required

Good knowledge of:

• Nursing theory and process
• Excellent assessment skills and computer skills

Working skill in:

• Making sound judgments in making decisions in accordance with departmental rules, regulations, and policies
• Communicating effectively both orally and in writing
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with co-workers and the general public.

b: qualifications

Graduate of an approved nursing education program with a degree of Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Associate degree candidate considered with an appropriate management background—supervisory experience.

c: license & Certification Required

Must have a valid current nursing license in the state of Rhode Island and satisfy a background check.

FACTOR 2 – SUPERVISORY CONTROL

This position reports to the Health Service Administrator and is responsible for supervisory control over the nursing staff.

FACTOR 3 – GUIDELINES

Must follow all appropriate policies and procedures of the institution.

May devise policies and procedures with appropriate approval of the Health Service Administrator consistent with sound correctional policies and procedures.

FACTOR 4 – PERSONAL CONTACTS

Not Applicable.

FACTOR 5 – ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Requires regular and reliable attendance and physical and mental endurance to respond appropriately and professionally to stressful situations and work environments. Organized and well-disciplined to document all treatment, incidents, training, etc.

FACTOR 6 – PHYSICAL DEMANDS

[th1] While performing this job, the employee may be exposed to extensive sitting, walking, standing, bending, stooping, lifting up to 25 lbs, carrying/moving heavy objects, or ascending/descending stairs. Employees must be capable, if required, of averting danger, breaking up an altercation, defending themselves again physical threats,s and protecting facility property. Employees will participate in defined staff training.

FACTOR 7 – WORK ENVIRONMENT

The correctional environment is a fast-paced, stressful area of the nursing specialty.

Applicant must possess a professional work ethic and work well under pressure.

Training and Experience:

Experience is preferred, but we will train the right candidate.