Staff Nurse, Correctional Health Services, Day Tour, OTxHU

New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation

Outposted Therapeutic Housing Units Program (OTxHU)

Since 2016, Correctional Health Services (CHS) has been the direct provider of health care in the New York City jails. Deeply committed to human dignity and patient rights, CHS is part of the NYC Health + Hospitals system and is a key partner in the City’s efforts to reform the criminal-legal system. Our in-jail clinical services include medical, nursing, and mental health care; pharmacy services; substance-use treatment; social work; dental and vision care; discharge planning; and reentry support.

Given the high visibility of this initiative, we are seeking the highest caliber health care professionals in key clinical services to staff our Outposted Therapeutic Housing Units (OTxHU). To be located in three NYC Health + Hospital acute care facilities, the OTxHU is a pioneering approach to safely increasing access to high quality clinical care for patients in custody who have complicated health conditions. OTxHUs will bridge the gap in the continuum between care provided in the jails and inpatient hospitalization, with admission to and discharge from the OTxHU in accordance with a patient’s clinical needs. CHS will be the primary health care providers on these units and the NYC Department of Correction will provide security and custody management.

The OTxHU at NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue in Manhattan will be the first of this unique, groundbreaking project to open with a planned completion date as early as the end of 2024. This is an incredible opportunity to be part of a passionate and motivated team providing care to some of the City’s most marginalized, vulnerable people.

*To help support continuity of operations and care, staff selected to work in the OTxHU may also be required to work in CHS locations within the jails. Additionally, while CHS seeks the most qualified individuals for these positions, preference will be given to equally qualified, internal candidates.

Position Overview

Under the supervision of the Assistant Director of Nursing, the Staff Nurse will collaborate with physicians to provide patients with care, education, and support. Assess patient health problems and needs, develop and implement nursing care plans, and maintain medical records. Administer nursing care to ill, injured, convalescent, or disabled patients. Educate patients on health maintenance and disease prevention or provide case management. Coordinating and assigning duties to other health care personnel, such as licensed practical nurses, nursing aides, behavioral health aides and patient care associates.

Responsibilities

1) Comply with procedures, regulations, and rules in maintaining medical records

2) Monitor, record and report symptoms and changes in patients' conditions.

3) Record patients' medical information and vital signs.

4) Modify patient treatment plans as indicated by patients' responses and conditions.

5) Consult and coordinate with health care team members to assess, plan, implement and evaluate patient care plans.

6) Monitor all aspects of patient care, including diet and physical activity.

7) Direct and supervise less skilled nursing/health care personnel, or supervise a particular unit on one shift.

8) Prepare patients for, and assist with, examinations and treatments.

9) Observe nurses and patients to ensure that proper nursing care is provided.

10) Instruct individuals, and other groups on topics such as health education, disease prevention and childbirth, and develop health improvement programs.

11) Prepare rooms, sterile instruments, equipment and supplies, and ensure that stock of supplies is maintained.

12) Administer local, inhalation, intravenous, and other anesthetics.

13) Provide health care, first aid, immunizations and assistance in convalescence and rehabilitation.

14) Conduct specified laboratory tests.

15) Direct and coordinate infection control services, advising and consulting with specified personnel about necessary precautions.

16) Perform administrative and managerial functions, such as taking responsibility for a unit's staff, and planning.

17) Provide or arrange for training/instruction of auxiliary personnel.

18) Refer patients to specialized health resources or community agencies furnishing assistance.

19) Consult with institutions or associations regarding issues and concerns relevant to the practice and profession of nursing.

20) Work with individuals, groups, and families to plan and implement programs designed to improve the overall health of communities.

21) Triage nurse works to assess patient needs and provide clear patient information and education providing the patient with clinical advice on the management of their care

22) Engage in research activities related to nursing.

23) Interacting with Computers -- Using computers and computer systems, enter data, or process information. Documenting/Recording Information -- Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic form

24) Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material -- Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects

EMERGENCY RESPONSE

• Responding to/addressing medical emergencies, such as falls, heart attacks, strokes, and burns as well as recovering post-operative patients
• Evaluate a patient’s condition in order to determine the right course of treatment
• When clinically indicated, provide care, such as CPR, AED, prevent shock, control severe bleeding, prevent spinal damage, etc.
• Monitor patient’s condition and keep stable
• Communicate with interdisciplinary team for the care of patients.
• Aid in the preparation of the transfer of patients to the emergency units and/or hospital floors
• Document medical treatment given to the patient
• Keep the equipment clean after use; check and replace damaged and used supplies.
• Collaborate with pharmacy to replenish supplies.

Departmental Preferences

Ability to lead and manage nursing staff, delegate tasks, and maintain a positive work environment.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills for interacting with staff, patients, and other healthcare providers.

Skills in training, mentoring, and developing peer nursing staff.

Ability to maintain high degree of professionalism and courtesy especially when managing conflicts and deescalating challenging situations

Ability to adapt to new or changing circumstance, collaborate with team members, and work well under pressure.

Ability to develop the ability of others to perform and contribute to the achievement of their goals consistent with the organization’s vision and mission.

Ability to support the care delivery model and environment to ensure the delivery of safe patient care that is evidence based.

Corporate title Qualifications

1. A valid New York State license and current registration to practice as a Registered Professional Nurse in New York State; and
2. Holds, or obtains through facility orientation, a valid and current certification in Basic Life Support (BLS) through the American Heart Association (AHA).

Special Note:

For assignments in Post-Acute Care ONLY, individuals meeting the following criteria may also be considered for appointment: Graduation from a nursing education program registered by the New York State Education Department (NYSED) as licensure qualifying for Registered Professional Nurse (RN) and has applied for licensure as an RN. These unlicensed individuals may be employed to practice under the immediate and personal supervision of a NYS licensed, currently registered, RN for up to 90 days immediately following graduation pending receipt of a limited permit, which selected candidates must apply for and receive within the same 90-day period. Once a limited permit is received, individuals can practice nursing, under the immediate and personal supervision of a NYS licensed, currently registered, RN at a NYC Health + Hospitals health care setting for up to one (1) year from the date of issuance of the limited permit. In addition, must hold or obtain through facility orientation, a valid and current certification in Basic Life Support (BLS) through the American Heart Association (AHA).