Registered Nurse

The Ada County Jail is the largest jail in Idaho and can house up to 1,224 inmates. Our Health Services Unit houses up to 83 patients with acute medical or mental health care needs. Our team of 45 healthcare and support professionals works hard to meet the needs of our patients. Treatment plans are based on community best practice while also recognizing the security issues unique to a correctional setting. Working closely with our security staff, our nurses are never alone with the patients and, therefore, feel very safe. Nurses use their assessment skills every day, are autonomous (while still working collaboratively), and find this career very fulfilling.

SHIFT INFORMATION
Nurses work three 12.2-hour shifts per week (36.6 hours per week). Day Shift - 5:48am - 6:00pm/ Night shift position: 5:48pm-6:00am. A shift pick for days/graveyard occurs every six months. Applicants must be willing to work all shifts (including weekends, days, nights, holidays, etc.). Working graveyard shift provides an extra 10% shift differential, which is included in the range posted.

Essential Functions

• Provides general health care to inmates in detention;
• Administers treatments and medicines to patients as prescribed and supervised by the Medical Authority;
• Assists physician and mid-level providers at sick call in performing examinations, taking histories, following up on all orders given, and setting up medications;
• Maintains treatment records, making note of all medications given, doctor visits and related activities;
• Monitors, stores and controls medications and medical supplies according to established procedures;
• Schedules hospital/clinic appointments when appropriate;
• Provides coordination of care duties with Community Health Services to promote inmate continuity of care;
• Observes the physical condition and behavior of inmates to insure maximum health care is provided;
• Establishes procedures to eliminate the spread of contagious diseases to promote infection control;
• Coordinates dental activities to include inmate dental history forms, dental appointments and follow up of dental orders and care needed;
• Prepares for sick call by  assessing the resident if necessary, pulls charts or makes new charts, and lists those who need to be seen by the physician, psychologist and mid-level providers;
• Reviews all medical intake information and assesses who needs to be seen sooner than routine sick call;
• Prepares medication renewal orders for the physician and mid-level providers to sign;
• Works and maintains eligibility to work all shifts, including evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays;
• Schedules inmates with mental problems to see the psychologist and prepares necessary records;
• Coordinates orders from the physician's assistant and the physician with the pharmacist;
• Coordinates special medical and transport orders with the security and dietary staff; and
• Provides educational sessions to clients and staff on medically related issues.