Registered Nurse, Sheriff's Department

About the Department

This position will perform professional, technical, and administrative nursing duties and provide nursing care for county inmates at the Webb County Jail.

Position Duties

• Provides basic medical care to inmates, responds to emergency medical situations, and monitors inmate health status and progress over time.
• Performs inmate screenings to ascertain medical and mental health histories and determines the need for special referrals.
• Researches and prepares referrals based on diagnosis.
• Diagnoses and treats illnesses and injuries.
• Administers medications and injections according to the nursing standards of care.
• Monitors the administration of medications.
• Reviews and maintains documented medication forms.
• Prepares inmate transfer to hospitals as required.
• Prepares and administers tuberculosis tests and Covid tests to incoming inmates.
• Follows physicians' standing orders in the delivery of medical treatments to inmates.
• Responds to inmate medical request forms; assesses inmates for medical care.
• Assists physicians and dentists with patient treatments.
• Orders patient medication from the contract pharmacy.
• Collects medical specimens for laboratory analysis.
• Reviews activities of Correctional Officers to ensure that standing orders are followed correctly and in a timely manner.
• Perform any other related duties as assigned by the Sheriff.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of county and departmental policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of medical terminology and medical screening protocols.
• Knowledge of the tools and equipment used in the nursing care of patients. 
• Ability to prepare clear and precise reports. 
• Ability to explain medical procedures, answer patients’ questions, and relay information to other medical staff.
• Ability to communicate with medical staff, law enforcement, and with patients who may have limited English skills, in English and Spanish. 

Minimum Qualifications

• Must have a high school diploma or GED from an accredited institution.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing from an accredited school of nursing or Associate Degree in Nursing from an accredited school of nursing.
• A State of Texas Registered Nurse License is required.
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience in nursing work, preferred, or any equivalent combination of education and experience.

Other Qualifications

Complexity/Scope of Work

• Work consists of related specialized duties. Frequent interruptions contribute to the complexity of the position.
• Work involves frequent interdepartmental and public interaction with outside agencies, requiring considerable discretion, resourcefulness, and persuasiveness to achieve desired objectives.

Physical Demands/Work Environment
Occasionally

• Ascending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, and poles.
• Moving oneself in different positions to accomplish tasks in various environments, including tight and confined spaces.
• Remaining in a stationary position, often standing or sitting for prolonged periods.
• Moving to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another.
• Adjusting or moving objects up to 50 pounds in all directions.
• Operating motor vehicles or heavy equipment.
• Driving a County vehicle or a personal vehicle for County business.
• Working in low temperatures.
• Working in high temperatures.
• Working in outdoor elements such as precipitation and wind.
• Working in noisy environments.
• Working in hazardous conditions.
• Working in poor ventilation.
• Working in small and/or enclosed spaces.
• Working in adverse environmental conditions is expected.
• Light work that includes carrying objects up to 20 pounds.
• Medium work that includes carrying objects up to 50 pounds.

Constantly

• Communicating with others to exchange information.
• Repeating motions that may include the use of wrists, hands, and/or fingers.
• Assessing the accuracy, neatness, and thoroughness of the work assigned.
• Sedentary work that primarily involves sitting/standing.

Other Requirements/Information

• Must possess a valid and current driver’s license.
• The Webb County Drug and Alcohol Policy applies to this position. Pre-employment drug and alcohol testing, a Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) check, and a criminal background check are required.
• This position is covered by Civil Service; therefore, is subject to the Civil Service Rules and Regulations in addition to all other Webb County policies.

Valid Texas Driver’s License*
 *If the applicant holds an out-of-state license, a State of Texas Driver’s License must be obtained prior to employment. 

County government providing public safety and health services.