Registered General Nurse (HPC/RN 1)

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Technical/Professional: 

ADMINISTRATION 

• Works closely with auxiliary and support staff where necessary. Assist in the cost effective usage of supplies and equipment. 
• Assist in identification and requisition of equipment supplies, pharmaceutical agents including dangerous drugs. 
• Participates in implementing disaster preparedness programmes at institution level. Participates in quality assurance programmes of the Specialized and Medical Services Division. 
• Ensures environmental safety of health care team and ensures that appropriate health and safety measures are in complied with in the execution of duties. 
• Performs and maintains a therapeutic nurse/patient/inmate relationship. 

CLINICAL 

• Develops and implement a nursing care plan for the individual patient/client using all relevant data. 
• Performs simple diagnostic tests and interprets findings eg. Urinalysis.
• Observes and records vital signs and symptoms, adjust and modify care plan according to observation made of the patient’s physical and mental state. 
• Interpret and administer prescriptions, treatments and monitor the patient’s action to ensure the best possible outcome. 
• Anticipate potential predictable problems and institute early intervention to prevent or reduce occurrence eg. Disorientation, pain, physiological altercations, disturbance in acuity, rest and sleep patterns, elimination, and nutrition. 
• Acts promptly and effectively in emergency situations. 
• Performs nursing procedures that are appropriate to the need, age, and acuity level of the patient. 
• Provide personal care, comfort, supportive and protective measures which enhance patients coping mechanism in adjusting to illness and rehabilitation, mobility, and independence. 
• Employs nursing measures to facilitate patient/ client physical, emotional, psychosocial, and spiritual well-being. 
• Monitor the nutritional care of patients with special attention to therapeutic diets.

Other Responsibilities: 

• The incumbent may, from time to time, be assigned duties not specifically outlined within the job description but are within the capacity, qualifications and experience normally expected from a person occupying this position. 

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Knowledge of Professional Nursing Theory and practice; 
• Knowledge of new trends and concepts in the treatment of mentally and physically ill patients; 
• Ability to communicate with patients/clients within their individual frames of reference and limitations of their mental facilities; 
• Ability to recognize and evaluate the health needs of individuals; 
• Excellent integrity/ethics exercised in the performance of duties; 
• Excellent problem solving and analytical skills; 
• Continuing professional development, opportunities and problem-solving and critical thinking skills to effectively address current and future issues in healthcare.
• Ability to evaluate and utilize emerging technologies; 
• Demonstrate professional and ethical behavior; 
• Excellent interpersonal skills; 
• Knowledge in computer application. 

MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing from an accredited school of nursing; 
• Registration with the Nursing Council of Jamaica; 
• Valid Nursing License; 
• Two (2) years’ experience within the field of nursing. 

SPECIAL CONDITIONS ASSOCIATED WITH THE JOB

• Critical deadlines for completion of tasks. 
• Required to work beyond the normal working hours. 
• Required to work on weekends and public holidays. 
• Exposure to high-risk environment within Correctional Facilities and their environs. 

The Department of Correctional Services thanks all applicants for their interest, but only those shortlisted will be contacted.