LVN; JAIL

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under the general supervision of the Director of Nursing, RN Charge Nurse, and Registered Nurse, this position evaluates inmates within the scope of their license, and provides necessary and appropriate nursing care while observing all security requirements in a jail setting.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Assists in sick call screening and physical examinations under the supervision of physicians and based upon the physician’s orders and protocols. Records health care complaints and takes patient histories. Takes and records necessary vital signs for patients. Collects samples for laboratory examinations and issues routine medications. Records treatment provided according to physician’s orders and protocol
• Assists physicians in providing emergency health services in life threatening medical emergencies including suicide prevention
• Participates in the screening and primary management of providing health services to inmate patients in confinement based upon physician’s orders and using physician’s protocols
• Maintains examination rooms and checks operational status of health services equipment and supplies to ensure secure, ready to use status
• Participates in continuing education and in-service training to maintain paraprofessional capability and proficiency
• Maintains health services records and prepares designated reports as required
• Conducts initial and ongoing medical examinations and assessments; documents results of assessments
• Gives injections, takes blood pressure and temperatures
• Prepares, administers and records medications
• Collects urine, draws blood and administers oxygen
• Cares for minor wounds (sterile techniques)
• Regular attendance and timeliness are required

LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMER: The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position.

EDUCATION:

Required: 

• Graduation from an accredited licensed vocational nursing program
• Licensed as a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) in the State of Texas
• Current BLS/CPR Certification

SKILLS ~ EXPERIENCE:

Required:

• Current and valid Texas driver’s license and a safe driving record
• Maintain appropriate, unrestricted credentials according to the licensure, certification, and registration requirements of the jurisdiction
• Considerable knowledge of nursing theory, techniques, and practices
• Working knowledge of medications, drugs, and narcotics and their effects
• Ability to perform all functions of the job classification without posing a direct threat to the health or safety of other individuals in the workplace
• Exceptional skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with County staff, inmates, police departments and the public
• General knowledge of basic hardware and software and uses of a variety of different computer operating systems such as Microsoft Office Work, Excel, Outlook
• Ability to work in a hostile environment of inmates and their visitors without reacting in a negative manner and project a professional image at all times
• Possess excellent communication skills in expressing oneself clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing
• Is familiar with current medical documentation requirements

DISCLAIMER: Johnson County will conduct background checks on new hires that will include a criminal background check related to convictions and deferred adjudications in the past 10 years and may include credit reports, motor vehicle records, employment records, and educational attainment. A conviction or deferred adjudication is not an automatic bar to employment. Each case is considered individually.

Disqualifiers:

• Undesirable character or reputation
• A felony conviction or felony deferred adjudication against the laws of this state, another state, or the United States
• Conviction including court-ordered community supervision or probation for any criminal offense above the grade of Class B Misdemeanor, or a Class B Misdemeanor within the last 10 years
• Currently under indictment for any criminal offense
• Conviction, guilty plea, or probation for any family violence offense
• Discharge from any military service under less than honorable conditions, or any other characterizations of service indicating bad character

All Employees

o      Must be committed to achieving excellence in assigned duties, always in service of the county and community

o      Must have ability to earn and keep the trust of fellow employees and the community at large

o      Must be approachable and ready to help fellow employees and the general public

ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS:

• Contact with “at risk” clients and persons accused or adjudicated of misdemeanor and felony offenses, visitors and general public
• Work is performed mostly indoors in a 24-hour/7-day confined, security facility
• Significant contact with the public, elected officials, department heads, and other County employees
• The work characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.
• This position has been identified with possible risk of exposure to blood-borne pathogens and/or various hazards that require immunization against such exposure.

PHYSICAL DEMAND REQUIREMENTS:

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear
• The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to find, handle, or feel objects; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel and climb stairs
• Must be able to safely lift 20 lbs.

HOURS / SPECIAL CONDITIONS:  Must be willing to work overtime, weekends, holidays, rotating shifts, evenings and nights.  Must be able to work 12 hour shifts.

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Johnson County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.