Job Summary

Provides patient nursing services to incarcerated persons held in the Alamosa County jail.

Essential Job Functions

• Identifies the physical, social, and emotional health needs of individuals through systematic assessment utilizing professional skills, health history, physical evaluation, laboratory and other diagnostic tools.
• Provides for continuity of patient care by appropriate referral and follow-up.
• Attends training on the legal aspects of corrections, security concepts, emergencies, interpersonal communications, unarmed self-defense and Minimum Standards for jails in Colorado.
• Required to work a flexible schedule that includes nights, days, weekends and holidays.
• Must be able to endure and perform in potentially stressful or hazardous situations and exposure to communicable diseases.
• Administer medications and treatments authorized by a health care provider such as a physician.
• Establishes correctional facility care goals and assures quality of care by measuring health care goals and standards.
• Complies with procedures, rules and regulations, documents assessments, interventions/treatments and outcomes appropriately.
• Maintains confidentiality.
• Maintains a cooperative relationship with health care associates.
• Maintains professional and technical knowledge.
• Performs other related functions as required from the Medical Director and Sheriff.
• Computer skills including record keeping as required.
• Show up for work on time and be ready to work.
• Ability to work schedule to meet all the obligation of the position.
• Ability to work independently or in a team.
• Ability to follow the policies and procedures of the County and the Sheriff’s Department.
• Ability to meet the physical requirements listed below.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

Knowledge

• Current RN license in State of Colorado.
• CPR training.
• Keeping current on trends and training in the nursing profession.

Skills

• Learn and operate software specific to program.
• Computer/word processing to include MS-Word, Excel & Outlook.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Decision making in a stressful environment.
• Maintain composure with detainees.

Abilities

• Ability to take initiative to accomplishing all tasks assigned.
• Ability to work alone and unsupervised.
• Ability to work in a confined, stressful environment.
• Ability to understand medications and treatments as prescribed by physician.
• Addressing complaints and resolving problems.
• Ability to work with Law Enforcement personnel to administer health needs of the detainees.

Education and Experience

• An Associates’ Degree or Bachelor Degree in Nursing.
• At least two (2) years of experience as a nurse.
• Ability to complete Certified Correctional Health Professional certificate within one (1) year of employment.
• Valid Colorado Driver’s License required.

Physical Requirements, Work Conditions and Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Requires 24-hour, 7-day on all status. Nights, weekends and holidays coverage can be expected. Ability to work in a detention facility and with detainees of all ages. Ability to maneuver uneven terrain for calls. Duties performed in all types of weather conditions, extreme cold, hot temperatures, high winds. Position requires the ability to operate a computer keyboard and standard office equipment at efficient speed. The employee is frequently required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls, and to reach with hands and arms. The employee is required to sit, talk, walk, stand, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, see, and hear. Hearing and vision correctable to normal ranges; close-up vision and the ability to adjust focus across a distance. The employee is required to communicate both orally and in writing. Employee must be able to reach and manipulate objects, tools or controls, drive, and lift up to 25 pounds. Employee must be able to work in a variety of environments wherever victims of crimes may be found.

Policy Statement

The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the essential functions of this job, the level of knowledge, skills and abilities typically required, and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods, or otherwise to balance the workload.

It is the policy of Alamosa County to not discriminate against any person with regard to all federally protected classifications including race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, marital status, any disability, genetic information and testing, family and medical leave, sexual orientation and gender identity or expression.

This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and the employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.