Juvenile Service Center Nurse

Purpose of Job

The purpose of this classification is to provide clinical oversight for the day-to-day healthcare operations of the Juvenile Service Center.  He or she will provide emergency care, carry out physician orders to meet patient needs, maintain clinical documentation, administer medications, educate patients and family and maintain an hygienic work environment.

Essential Functions

The Juvenile Service Center Nurse is responsible for the following essential functions:

• Ensure patient needs are met through evaluation upon admission to Juvenile Service Center, ongoing assessment of health status, monitoring patient response to interventions, completing comprehensive assessments, providing treatment, and administering medication; provide emergency care as necessary
• Identify patients who require isolation in accordance with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines
• Meet with visiting physician orders; complete assigned tasks with minimal supervision
• Maintain accurate inventory of medications and store in secure area.
• Complete documentation in medical charts in a timely manner; ensure results of consultative evaluations, complications and other required information is included in medical charts
• Ensure medical records contain properly executed informed consent forms, physician orders, nursing orders, care plans, reports of treatment, medication records, radiology reports, lab reports, vital signs, and any other information necessary to monitor patient’s condition
• Maintain a safe, clean therapeutic work environment; minimize potential for transmission of infections among patients, personnel and visitors; identify individuals who may be exposed or infected; provide treatment or preventative measures as appropriate.
• Demonstrate compliance with patient rights and professional ethics; function in a courteous, respectful and professional manner with patients, families, physicians, referral sources, visitors, coworkers and management; maintain confidentiality of patient records; protect personally identifiable information (PII).
• Educate clients and family regarding administration of medications, side effects, disease prevention and basic living skills
• Brief staff at shift changes, as necessary.

Additional Job Functions

• Respond to and report immediately if called upon by local, regional or central office supervisors, as part of a coordinated emergency response by the Knox County Mayor’s Office
• Ensure regular, punctual attendance during scheduled work hours
• Perform other duties as required

Minimum Training & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Nursing required.
• Minimum of two years’ related experience in a medical setting or related field.
• Must possess and maintain a current license as a registered nurse (RN) with the State of Tennessee.
• Must be trained and certified in cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR); must recertify as required to maintain active certification
• Any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered for employment into the position

Specialized Knowledge

• N/A

Competencies

• Ability to work in a position of significant complexity
• Proficient in the use of PCs, tablets, smartphones and other electronic devices
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office suite of products
• Ability to focus and demonstrate attention to detail
• Ability to work cooperatively as a member of a team
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to convey complex health and wellness information to non-healthcare individuals
• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• Excellent problem solving and critical thinking skills
• Strong negotiation skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills

Physical Requirements 

This position requires the ability to engage in occasional, moderate physical activity.  Must be able to don and doff personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves, face masks and eye protection.

Occupational Hazards

• Potential exposure to various communicable diseases