Licensed Practical Nurse (SDWP) (DAY SHIFT)

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

Benefits offered by this job

Employee health insurance with $0 premium

Paid holidays

Generous vacation and sick leave

Retirement benefits

Job summary

The South Dakota State Government is seeking a Licensed Practical Nurse to provide skilled nursing care for incarcerated offenders at the South Dakota Women's Prison. This full-time role includes responsibilities such as documenting medical records, administering medication, and collaborating on treatment plans.

The ideal candidate must hold a valid LPN license and possess strong communication and interpersonal skills. A commitment to professional development and teamwork is essential in this impactful position.

Qualifications

• Must possess a current, valid license as a Licensed Practical Nurse from the South Dakota Board of Nursing.
• Ability to follow patient confidentiality standards.
• Excellent discernment and decision-making skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide skilled nursing care for incarcerated offenders.
• Document comprehensive offender medical records.
• Administer medications and provide physical treatments.

Skills

Patient care

Confidentiality standards

Emergency response

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Detail-oriented

Education

Valid Licensed Practical Nurse license

Job description

Job ID: 36533
Agency: Department of Corrections – Correctional Health
Location: Pierre, SD
Salary: $25.73 to $34.03 per hour
Closing Date: open until filled

Overview

This is a Full‑time position with the Department of Corrections South Dakota Women's Prison. The role provides skilled nursing care for incarcerated offenders in various clinic settings.

Why the Department of Corrections?

• Creativity – We are always looking for innovative ideas to achieve improved outcomes.
• Making a difference – You will have an opportunity to make a difference in the life of fellow South Dakotans.
• Professional development – We provide valuable trainings to ensure well‑trained staff that is competent, accountable, and empowered and will assist you in reaching your career goals.
• Teamwork – In a team‑oriented approach, you will have the ability to work cooperatively with others in a friendly work environment to achieve shared goals.

What you will do

• Document in an accurate and timely manner to provide comprehensive offender medical records.
• 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.
• Possibly 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.

This position may be required to work any shift, weekends, and holidays.

Minimum Qualifications

Applicant must possess a current, valid license as a Licensed Practical Nurse from the South Dakota Board of Nursing.

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. Individuals selected for the position must successfully complete a written and practical self‑defense exam, CPR to AHA guidelines, and possess the physical ability to perform the defensive maneuvers listed in the job description. TB screening is required of all new employees upon hire.

Record of decision: This position is exempt from the Civil Service Act. The position is eligible for Veterans' Preference per ARSD 55:10:02:08.

Benefits

The State of South Dakota offers a $0 premium employee health insurance option plus eleven paid holidays, generous vacation and sick leave accrual, dental, vision, and other insurance options, and retirement benefits. This position is a member of Class A retirement under SDRS.

Equal Opportunity Employer.