Registered Nurse, Correctional Facility
California State Personnel Board Specification
Schematic Code: TI80
Class Code: 9275
Established: 06/15/1993
Revised: --
Title Changed: --
Definition
Under general direction, in a State correctional facility in the Department of Corrections or the Department of the Youth Authority, to provide direct and indirect nursing care to patients; provide clinical supervision and training of other nursing staff; collaborate with physicians and other health care providers; take independent action within professional preparation and legal limits; to maintain order and supervise the conduct of inmates or youthful offenders; to protect and maintain the safety of persons and property; and to do other related work.
Typical Tasks
In a correctional facility, plans and implements nursing care including administration of medication, therapeutic agents, treatments, disease prevention, and restorative measures ordered by a physician; assists physicians with medical and/or minor surgical procedures; obtains specimens for diagnostic testing; performs assessment and ongoing monitoring of patients' physical and psychosocial status; evaluates effectiveness of nursing care and treatment regimen; collaborates with physicians and other health care providers; provides clinical supervision of other nursing staff to ensure quality patient care; documents nursing care in the medical record; ensures safety of patients; provides patient teaching and/or discharge planning for continuity of care; monitors work areas for safety and cleanliness; instructs departmental and other staff on health issues; administers first aid in emergencies; maintains and prepares other records and reports; assists in inmates' or youth offenders' movements; serves as nursing expert on various committees; maintains order and supervises the conduct of persons committed to the California Department of Corrections or the Department of the Youth Authority; prevents escapes and injury by these persons to themselves, others or to property; maintains security of working areas and work materials; inspects premises and searches inmates or youthful offenders for contraband, such as weapons or illegal drugs.
Minimum Qualifications
Possession of a current license as Registered Nurse in California. (Applicants who do not meet this requirement will be admitted to the examination, but they must secure the required license before they will be considered eligible for appointment.)
Knowledge and Abilities
Knowledge of: Professional nursing principles and techniques; disease process and treatment modalities; appropriate administration of medications; principles and procedures of infection control; and principles of effective verbal, written and group communications.
Ability to: Apply nursing principles and techniques; assess, evaluate, and record symptoms and behavior; plan, organize and direct the work of others; analyze situations accurately and take effective action; maintain effective working relationships with health professionals and others.
Special Personal Characteristics
Empathetic understanding of patients of a State correctional facility; willingness to work in a State correctional facility; emotional stability; patience; tact; alertness; and keenness of observation.
Special Physical Characteristics
Persons appointed to this position must be reasonably expected to have and maintain sufficient strength, agility and endurance to perform during stressful (physical, mental and emotional) situations encountered on the job without compromising their health and well- being or that of their fellow employees or that of inmates or youthful offenders.
Assignments may include sole responsibility for the supervision of inmates or youthful offenders and/or the protection of personal and real property.
