Nursing Supervisor - Correctional Facility

Job Summary

The Nursing Supervisor position supervises, guides, and directs professional skilled nursing care for incarcerated persons in a correctional setting for acute care, chronic support and emergency assessment and interventions as indicated and those that provide said care. This position may be required to work any shift, weekends, and holidays, and to perform nurse on-call or call-back duties.

Job Description

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• The Nursing supervisor manages a staff of Corrections Registered Nurses (RNs), Medical Assistants (MAs) and support services in coordination with the physician, dentist, psychologist, and corrections staff to ensure that inmates are provided appropriate medical care.

• Develops and implements medical/nursing guidelines with the assistance and approval of the Jail Medical Director. while ensuring to maintain professional medical standards.

• Maintains accurate and appropriate medical records and documentation.

• Hire and supervise the activities of professional assigned to the medical unit; to include coaching, mentoring, training, evaluating performance, setting work schedules, establishing goals, disciplining, etc.; provides back-up supervision to staff in other program areas as required or requested. 

• Plans and coordinates in-service education programs and provides educational guidance for staff. Develops manuals, guides, and other informational materials for use by staff and incarcerated persons.  

• Provides quality professional health care, both direct and indirect, to inmates and assist during emergency events.

• Collaborates and consults with internal and external stakeholders including state and county agencies, tribes, and community providers to represents incarcerated persons interests.

• Serves as a liaison between Administration at the facility and the Medical Unit.

• Leads or participates in department strategic direction, quality improvement, performance management, and evaluation activities. 

• Responsible for the continuous operation of medical services at the institution.

• Resolves or clarifies complex problems that arise within the delivery of medical services. 

• Provide total health care to inmates (routine, chronic and emergency care), maintaining continuity of care from admission to discharge. Safe medication administration following Scott County Jail Policy and Procedure.

• Determines and collects data needed for reporting purposes; generates program and activity reports, statistics, and program evaluations to maximize efficiency and effectiveness and inform program development and alignment with County Board strategic planning.

• Reviews and makes recommendations for policy of procedure changes to ensure efficiency and effectiveness of the Medical Unit.

• Receives inmate grievances related to inmate health care and ensures they are resolved in a timely and appropriate manner.

• Responsible for supporting an inclusive environment focused on equitable outcomes.

• Performs supervisory duties as defined in MN Statute 179A.03 Subd. 17.

• Works the days and hours necessary to perform all assigned responsibilities and tasks. Must be available (especially during regular business hours or shifts) to communicate with other employees, supervisors, customers, vendors, and any other person or organization with whom interaction is required to accomplish work and employer goals.

• Performs other related duties as required or assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Requires a license to practice as a Registered Nurse issued by Minnesota and four years of experience as a Charge Nurse or Public Health Nurse. One must possess a valid driver's license and a reliable means of transportation for the performance of work responsibilities.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATION(S)

Preference for experience with disease, prevention and control, corrections or institutional nursing, mental health/psychiatric nursing, chemical dependency, monitoring of community health status and leading/supervising a team.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS
The employee is under general guidance and direction/ security supervision from the Jail Administrator and Corrections Lieutenant. Medical guidance is provided to the incumbent by the County's advising physician. The Medical Director serves as a resource available for consultation, collaboration, and follow-up. Work is performed with considerable latitude for the exercise of independent judgment and is completed in accordance with medical protocols, department policies and procedures, and established standards of practice. Work is reviewed through medical record reviews and case consultations.

The incumbent directs and oversees the work of others; including, program/service planning and delivery, personnel selection, evaluation of work performance, training, and disciplinary activities. Performs supervisory duties as defined in MN Statute 179A.03 Subd. 17.
 
The incumbent promotes leadership, employee professional development, and provides coaching and mentoring to others.

CORE COMPETENCIES AND ABILITIES
Customer Service - Delivers government services in a respectful, responsive, and solution-oriented manner.

Communication - Is always clear about what we're doing and why we're doing it.

Collaboration - Works with partners – communities, schools, faith groups, private business, and non-profit agencies – to see that services are not duplicated but rather are complimentary, aligned, and provided by the partners who can deliver the service most effectively.

Stewardship - Works proactively to make investments, guided by resident input, which will transform lives, communities, and government.

Empowerment - Works with individuals and families to affirm strengths, develop skills, restore hope, and promote self-reliance.

Resiliency - Fosters public preparedness and responds when families and communities face health and safety emergencies.

Innovation - Takes informed risks to deliver services more effectively and learns from successes and failures.

Knowledge – Knowledge of the methods and techniques of general nursing care and their relation to medical and surgical practice of medicine, nutrition, infectious diseases, and personal hygiene and as applied in a general or specialized clinical setting.

Knowledge of the methods and procedures of patient care, examination, standard testing procedures, and treatment techniques.

Knowledge of discharge planning and available resources and contacts.

Knowledge of various health assessments used to assess an individuals' physical and mental health.

Knowledge of disease contamination and what to do to prevent its spread (i.e. parasites, drug resistant infections, TB, etc.)

Knowledge of the functions of related health and social service agencies and other resources available for meeting inmate health issues.

Knowledge of group dynamics and experience with conflict resolution.

Knowledge of county policies, procedures, and labor contracts.

Knowledge and demonstration of culturally responsive practices to support diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Knowledge of budgeting principles and practices.

Knowledge of records management practices and policies.

Knowledge of agency organization, policies, and services.

Knowledge of Data Privacy practices to ensure that client and agency records meet statutory requirements.

Abilities – Ability to work with jail inmates who have the potential to become violent, aggressive, and use profane language.

Ability to supervise and evaluate department staff performance and outcomes of medical interventions.

Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with staff members, representatives of other agencies, clients, and the general public.

Ability to plan, direct, and coordinate the activities of staff in a team environment.

Ability to use computers and MS Office software for charting of inmate sick call interactions, nurse's orders, review of inmates booking record to determine length of stay
and other pertinent information for proper inmate medical care.

Ability to use appropriate discretion in dealing with matters of a confidential nature.

Ability to assess medical situations and taking appropriate action.

Ability to provide leadership to staff nurses and correctional officers.

Ability to use diagnostic tools and instruments.

Ability to handle difficult behavior and remain calm in tense and potentially threatening situations.

Ability to make independent decisions according to accepted nursing practice standards.

Ability to educate others about health issues and direct their actions toward care of the individual.

Ability to keep detailed records, adhere to documentation guidelines, and prepare nurse orders and reports.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Typical characteristics of the regular, ongoing work environment of this position requires inside work, occurring in correctional and infirmary-type settings. The position is multi-task oriented and includes periods of stress when balancing the needs/demands of multiple parties. Incumbent may need to respond to health emergencies within the jail setting including unknown or emerging infectious diseases and health threats. Evening, weekend, and on-call hours are required for accomplishing work in this 24/7 operation. There is potential for exposure to blood borne pathogens, airborne pathogens, antibiotic resistant wounds, verbal abuse, and unexpected inmate behaviors.

Physical activities include sedentary to light work: Reaching, sitting, standing, walking, pushing, lifting, pulling, fingering, grasping, feeling, stooping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions. Lifts and/or navigates up to 35 pounds on a routine basis in handling files and equipment necessary for performing the essential duties of the job. In the event of an emergency, physical requirements will increase and be more demanding in all areas listed.

SELECTION PROCESS

Selection for this position will be based on a minimum qualifications screening and rating of training and experience.  Top candidates will be invited to participate in an oral interview. Final selection will include an oral interview, background investigation, physical exam, drug testing, & psychological evaluation, and approval by the County Board.