Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

State of South Dakota; Springfield (SD); On-site; USD 35,445 - 46,879; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full state benefits

$5,000 hiring incentive

Paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave

Job summary

State of South Dakota is hiring a Clinic LPN at Mike Durfee State Prison in Springfield. The role involves providing skilled nursing care to incarcerated offenders, requiring a valid LPN license. Responsibilities include documenting medical records, assisting in telehealth, and ensuring safety in the clinical environment. The position offers a salary of $25.73 to $34.03 per hour, plus additional incentives for night and weekend shifts. Comprehensive benefits and a hiring incentive of $5,000 are provided.

Qualifications

• Current, valid license as a Licensed Practical Nurse.
• Experience in acute and long-term care is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Document offender medical records in a timely manner.
• Assist in telehealth, providing medical assistance.
• Promote safety and security in the clinical environment.
• Operate clinical equipment relevant to the unit.

Skills

Ability to effectively treat patients

Ability to follow patient confidentiality standards

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

Ability to respond to emergency situations

Ability to read and comprehend English

Excellent discernment and decision-making skills

Ability to work a variety of shifts

Education

Current LPN license from the South Dakota Board of Nursing or eNLC

Job description

Job Overview

Clinic LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse) position providing skilled nursing care for incarcerated offenders in various clinic settings at Springfield - Mike Durfee State Prison. Night shift from 6 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. The role offers a minimum salary of $25.73 to $34.03 per hour depending on experience, plus $5.00 night differential, $1.50 weekend differential, and potential overtime.

What You Will Do

• Document in an accurate and timely manner to provide comprehensive offender medical records;
• Assist telehealth providers by facilitating medical appointments and providing medical assistance including taking medical histories, vital signs, height and weight, and appropriate documentation; other treatments include dressing changes, suture removal, medicated nebulizer treatments, eye/ear irrigations;
• Provide standardized patient education within established nursing guidelines;
• Transcribe reports at change of shifts;
• Preserve confidentiality;
• Provide physical care and treatments, administer medications, collaborate on treatment plans, employ infection control measures, provide referral to appropriate Clinical Services staff for new arrivals, crisis intervention, interview and triage offenders, and perform instruction and orientation;
• Assist physicians, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners with minor medical and surgical procedures;
• Ensure ordering and restocking of medications and supplies;
• May occasionally be required to participate in restraining an offender primarily for medical reasons;
• Observe and report the physical and emotional condition of offenders, including the effectiveness of medications and treatments during sick call and emergencies;
• Promote and be accountable for safety and security of the clinical environment through conscientious observations and sensitive item/contraband control including counting syringes, needles, narcotics, instruments, and key control;
• Operate a variety of clinical equipment dictated by the type of equipment available in the assigned work unit;
• Inform supervisor of any violations of security or safety through the report writing process;
• Attend training programs as assigned, including successful completion of the Basic Training Academy and Threat Pattern Recognition self‑defense course.

Minimum Qualifications

Current, valid license as a Licensed Practical Nurse from the South Dakota Board of Nursing or any state participating in the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC).

Required Competencies

• Ability to effectively treat patients on a daily basis in a variety of settings;
• Ability to follow patient confidentiality standards;
• Ability to respond to emergency situations involving offenders and/or medical situations;
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills;
• Ability to read and comprehend the English language;
• Ability to effectively communicate fluently in English both verbally and in writing;
• Excellent discernment and decision making skills;
• Ability to follow instructions and pay attention to details;
• Ability to work a variety of shifts on a full‑time basis.

Preferred Qualifications

• Intravenous Certification;
• Long‑term and acute care experience;
• Experience as an LPN in a correctional environment.

Conditions of Employment

The SD DOC is committed to a work environment free from illegal drugs and alcohol. All job offers are contingent upon successful completion of a background investigation, urine drug screen, and the candidate's ability to perform the essential functions of the position. Selected staff may carry Oleoresin Capsicum (OC/pepper spray) upon completion of a written and practical self‑defense exam and CPR to AHA guidelines, and the position requires successful completion of a TB screening upon hire.

Self‑Defense & Pepper Spray Requirements

• Lift arms above head and kick as high as own waist;
• Stabilize another person to accomplish a controlled take down;
• Use arms, palms of hands, and feet to deliver blows;
• Withstand impact (slow speed or with a safety bag) on own body from strikes/blows;
• Rotate body 90 degrees with feet planted for striking with foot or using a defensive tactic;
• Get down on one or both knees and up again with multiple repetitions.

Benefits

• Full state benefits and SDRS retirement;
• $5,000 hiring incentive;
• Paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave accrual, dental, vision, and other insurance options;
• Eligible for Veterans’ Preference per ARSD 55:10:02:08;
• Class A retirement under SDRS.

Equal Opportunity Statement

An Equal Opportunity Employer.