Licensed PRactical Nurse (LPN) Paramedic

County of Luna; Deming (NM); On-site; USD 42,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

County of Luna seeks a licensed practical nurse/licensed vocational nurse to support the Luna County Detention Center Medical Department. Under RN supervision, you will assess inmates, plan and implement care, and assist with procedures and teaching.

You will administer medications (including IVs when certified), document care, and participate in triage and charting. A valid NM license, CPR/BLS, and background clearance are required; correctional experience is preferred.

Qualifications

• Graduate from an accredited LPN/LVN program. Must maintain current licensure in NM.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and be able to pass a background check/drug screen.
• Prior correctional or jail setting experience preferred.
• CPR/BLS certification required.

Responsibilities

• Under RN supervision, assist in assessment of inmates’ physical, psychological, and social needs.
• Plan and implement individual care plans and provide inmate teaching under supervision.
• Administer medications and IV therapy as certified and as permitted.
• Assist providers with evaluations, procedures, and charting (SOAP).
• Triaging healthcare requests and maintaining accurate records.

Skills

Nursing assessment

Medication administration

Inmate care

HIPAA compliance

Communication

Education

LPN/LVN program

Current NM nursing license

Valid driver’s license

Background check & pre-employment drug screen

Correctional experience preferred

Job description

Summary

Under the direction of the Health Services Administrator (HSA) and Nurse Practitioner (NP) this role supports the daily operations of the Luna County Detention Center Medical Department. This position assists in the delivery of inmate care through the nursing process of assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation. Under the supervision of the RN(s), directs and guides inmate teaching and activities that commensurate with his/her education and demonstrated competencies. The ideal candidate will have the skills to deal with individuals at all levels, including detainees, officers, and other Detention Center employees.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

• Under supervision of a Registered Nurse, assists in the assessment of the physical, psychological, and social dimensions of inmates in the Health Care Unit and, as necessary, in the housing units
• Assists in planning and implementing individual treatment programs, using available knowledge, diagnostic tests, resources, and consults with RNs and other staff as appropriate while applying knowledge and resources in planning care and inmate teaching
• Administers medications according to proper techniques and procedures, including IV therapy (when certified), and all other approved routes of administration
• Assists the provider in evaluations, medical procedures, and minor surgical procedures as necessary, using SOAP form of charting
• Obtains body fluid specimens and performs EKGs using proper techniques and procedures
• Maintains and documents controlled substances and medical equipment
• Intervenes in a variety of situations with proper safety techniques, procedures, and standard precautions
• Implements nutrition and therapeutic diet plans through proper techniques and procedures as ordered by provider
• Triaging and assessing healthcare requests
• Other duties as assigned

Education and Experience

• Graduate from an accredited LPN/LVN program or Paramedic License.
• Have and maintain current licensure as a LPN/LVN within the state of employment. Must provide a copy of current nursing license
• Must have a valid driver’s license
• Must be able to pass a criminal background investigation and a pre-employment drug screen
• Prior experience in a correctional or jail setting is preferred

Competencies

• Clear and effective verbal and written communication with all coworkers, supervisors, jail administration, and patients
• Excellent verbal and written comprehension
• Excellent deductive reasoning and problem-solving abilities
• Excellent organizational skills
• Ability to use a computer and use/learn a variety of software, including site-specific computer programs
• Must demonstrate ability to appropriately and safely use standard medical equipment
• Ability to respect the dignity and confidentiality of inmates

Employment Requirements

• Must maintain all certifications, educational requirements, licensing, etc. for this position
• Must have current CPR/BLS certification
• Must have current TB test (taken within one year)
• Must adhere to all facility policies and procedures as well as the policies and procedures listed in the Employee Handbook
• Willing to assist coworkers in the job duties and work overtime if required; may act as a resource to other coworkers
• Maintains confidentiality, dignity, and security of health records and protected health information in compliance with HIPAA requirements

Security Requirements

Must undergo security training and orientation on facility safety policies and procedures

Physical/Mental Requirements

This position routinely requires (but is not limited to) the following:

• Ability to both remain stationary and move/traverse throughout the facility, including up and down flights of stairs
• Ability to position oneself in different spaces
• Ability to convey and discern information in a conversation, frequently communicate with patients; must be able to exchange accurate information.
• Ability to identify and detect objects and assess situations from a variety of distances
• Ability to stay calm in stressful and demanding situations
• Frequently transports objects up to 50 pounds

Work Environment

Work is performed inside a correctional facility. Employees are exposed to some level of risk and/or harm by inmates, including exposure to blood borne pathogens. Employee is expected to work in accordance with all security rules and regulations to minimize the risk of danger and/or harm to themselves or other employees.

Other

Employee must comply with all current and future State, Federal, and Local laws and regulations, court orders, Administrative Directives and standards and policies, including those of professional organizations such as ACA, NCCHC, etc.?