Licensed Practical Nurse

Under the direction of a registered nurse, must be mentally and physically capable of performing routine health care and basic nursing duties for inmates and staff in the Detention Center in order to ensure that the proper medical treatment and preventative care is provided. Maintains inventory of medical supplies and equipment. Assists the nurse and physician in examinations and treatment; performs various medical tests and provides emergency and routine medical attention. Reports to the Detention Center’s nurse.

Assist the nurse and physician with daily sick call. 

Responds to and provides medial care in emergency situations; calls EMS as necessary. 

Prepare and dispense medication. Picks up and dispenses medications to inmates as prescribed by the nurse or physician. 

Assist in maintaining health care records for every inmate. 

Performs basic health screenings and routine tests; gives insulin injections; draws blood for testing; irrigates ears and eyes; performs rectal examinations; cleans, medicates and bandages wounds, etc.  Assists with physician’s examinations and treatment. Answers inmates’ questions regarding their physical condition, prescription, diet, etc.

Assist in facilitating crisis care for psychiatric patients when indicated. 

Make appointments for inmates with physicians, dentists, mental health professionals, Health Department personnel, etc. inside and outside of the Detention Center as necessary.  Schedules x-rays and lab work. 

Maintain security when working with inmates. 

Maintain all inmate medical files. 

Remains on assigned call after regular working hours and on weekends. 

Performs a variety of administrative tasks, including but not limited to typing records and reports, copying and filing records, faxing information, processing mail, answering the telephone, entering data on computer, etc. 

Receives, reviews, prepares, and/or submits various records and reports including medical, dental and mental records, medication log and bills, x-rays, appointment book, lab reports, incident reports, diet sheets, release form for medical records, doctor’s order sheets, etc. 

Operates a vehicle and a variety of equipment such as a computer, copier, telephone, etc. Operates and maintains a variety of standard equipment and supplies used for the examination, diagnosis and treatment of inmates.  Exercises care and safety in the use of equipment and tools required to complete assigned tasks. 

Interacts and communicates with various groups and individuals such as the Detention Center Administrator, subordinates, officers, inmates, physicians, nurses, pharmacists, dentists, mental health professionals, Health Department Personnel, lab technicians, x-rays technicians, dieticians, food service staff, other law enforcement agencies, inmates’ family members, attorneys, etc.

Performs various laboratory tests, including but not limited to pregnancy tests.

Performs related duties as required.

This position requires a Licensed Practical Nursing Degree supplemented by two to three years experience in nursing, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.  

Experience in emergency medicine and/or correctional institutions is highly desired. 

Must have the ability to work within the security confines of the detention settings. 

Must be able to work effectively with other employees. 

Must have CPR certification. Must have a valid state driver’s license. 

NOTE:  Position requires rotating call on nights and weekends.