Registered Nurse (RN) - Night Shift

South Dakota State Government; Pierre (SD); On-site; USD 46,838 - 53,726; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full state benefits

$0 premium employee health insurance

Eleven paid holidays

Vacation and sick leave accrual

Dental and vision insurance

Job summary

The South Dakota State Government is seeking a registered nurse for the Women’s Prison in Pierre, South Dakota. This position involves providing nursing care during night shifts, offering a competitive salary ranging from $34.00 to $39.00 per hour, along with additional benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans.

Key responsibilities include maintaining comprehensive inmate medical records, administering medications, and responding to medical emergencies. Preferred qualifications include correctional nursing experience and knowledge of acute or long-term care.

Qualifications

• Current, valid registered nurse license from the South Dakota Board of Nursing or a participating state.
• Ability to treat patients daily in various settings.
• Knowledge of patient confidentiality standards.
• Ability to respond to emergency situations involving offenders and/or medical issues.

Responsibilities

• Document patient care accurately to maintain inmate medical records.
• Transcribe reports at change of shifts.
• Provide standardized patient education.
• Preserve confidentiality of inmate information.
• Provide physical care, administer medications, and collaborate on treatment plans.
• Assist medical staff with procedures.
• Order and restock medications and supplies.
• Participate in restraining offenders when needed.
• Perform assessments during triage and emergency situations.

Skills

Patient confidentiality standards

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

Strong discernment and decision-making skills

Attention to detail

Ability to respond to emergencies

Proficient in English

Education

Valid registered nurse license from South Dakota or participating state

Job description

Department of Corrections – Correctional Health

Job ID: 36490 | Location: Pierre, South Dakota Women’s Prison | Shift: Night shift 6:00 pm – 6:30 am.

Salary: $34.00 to $39.00 per hour, depending on experience, plus $5.00 night differential, $1.50 weekend differential, and potential overtime. Benefits include full‑state benefits, SDRS retirement, $0 premium employee health insurance, eleven paid holidays, vacation and sick leave accrual, dental and vision insurance.

Responsibilities

• Document patient care accurately and timely to maintain comprehensive inmate medical records.
• Transcribe reports at change of shifts.
• Provide standardized patient education within established nursing guidelines.
• Preserve confidentiality of inmate information.
• Provide physical care and treatments, administer medications, collaborate on treatment plans, employ infection control measures, provide crisis intervention, interview and triage offenders, and instruct patients and staff.
• Assist physicians, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners with minor medical and surgical procedures.
• Order and restock medications and supplies.
• Participate in restraining offenders for medical reasons as needed.
• Observe and report physical and emotional condition of offenders, evaluating medication effectiveness during triage, sick call, and emergencies.
• Perform assessments of offenders during triage, sick call, and emergency situations using basic nursing and assessment skills.
• Ensure safety and security of the clinical environment, control contraband, and manage item counts such as syringes, needles, narcotics, instruments, and keys.
• Operate clinical equipment available in the assigned unit.
• Report security or safety violations via the report writing process.
• Attend and complete required training programs, including Basic Training Academy and Threat Pattern Recognition self‑defense course.

Qualifications

• Current, valid registered nurse license from the South Dakota Board of Nursing or a state participating in the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact.
• Ability to treat patients on a daily basis in various settings.
• Knowledge of patient confidentiality standards.
• Ability to respond to emergency situations involving offenders and/or medical issues.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Proficient reading, comprehension, and verbal communication in English.
• Strong discernment and decision‑making skills.
• Attention to detail and adherence to instructions.
• Willingness to work full‑time shifts, including weekends and holidays.

Preferred Qualifications

• Correctional nursing experience.
• Experience in acute or long‑term care.
• Charge nurse or supervisory experience.

Conditions of Employment

• Job offers contingent upon successful completion of a background investigation, urine drug screen, and medical screening.
• Candidates may be required to carry Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) spray if desired and must complete a written and practical self‑defense exam and CPR to AHA guidelines.
• TB screening required upon hire.
• This position is exempt from the Civil Service Act and is eligible for Veterans’ Preference per ARSD 55:10:02:08.
• The State of South Dakota offers a $0 premium employee health insurance option, eleven paid holidays, paid vacation and sick leave accrual, dental, vision and other insurance options, and retirement benefits under Class A SDRS.

Equal Opportunity Employer.