Director of Nursing- Detention Center

Overview:

The Director of Nursing at our correctional facility is a critical role responsible for overseeing all nursing operations within the jail. This position demands clinical excellence, leadership capabilities, and a profound commitment to delivering high-quality healthcare in a secure, challenging environment. The Director of Nursing will ensure that all nursing services are delivered in a compassionate, ethical, and professional manner, adhering to all relevant laws, regulations, and standards of care.

Key Responsibilities:

• Leadership and Management: Manage the nursing staff and foster a collaborative, professional environment. Oversee recruitment, training, supervision, and evaluation of nursing personnel.
• Clinical Excellence:  Ensure the delivery of high-quality medical care to inmates, including assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and emergency response. Develop and implement nursing care plans in collaboration with physicians.
• Policy and Compliance: Develop and enforce nursing policies, procedures, and protocols to comply with federal, state, and local regulations. Maintain accreditation standards and participate in audits and inspections.
• Inmate Health Education: Oversee health education programs for inmates on topics such as disease prevention, substance abuse, and health management.
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Coordinate inmate care by working closely with correctional officers, physicians, mental health professionals, and external healthcare providers.
• Crisis Management: Lead and participate in emergency medical responses and crisis intervention efforts within the facility.
• Quality Improvement: Implement quality improvement initiatives to enhance healthcare services, patient safety, and staff performance.
• Advocacy and Ethics: Advocate for inmates' health rights and needs, ensuring ethical considerations and confidentiality are upheld in all nursing practices.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) required
• A valid RN license in North Carolina required
• A minimum of 5 years of nursing experience, with at least 3 years in a leadership or management role. Experience in a correctional facility is strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and manage a diverse nursing staff.
• Knowledge of correctional healthcare regulations, standards, and best practices.
• Strong clinical skills with the ability to respond effectively to medical emergencies.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work within the unique environment of a correctional facility, exhibiting cultural sensitivity and a commitment to providing equitable care.

Skills:

• Leadership and team management
• Critical thinking and problem-solving
• Effective communication
• Compassion and patience
• Crisis management and emergency response
• Budget management
• Ethical judgment and professionalism

Working Conditions:

The Director of Nursing will work in a secure correctional facility, interacting with inmates, correctional staff, and other stakeholders. This role may involve exposure to potentially hazardous conditions and infectious diseases. The candidate must be prepared to work in a high-stress environment and respond to urgent matters outside standard working hours.