Registered Nurse (RN) - Correctional Health

The Correctional Health Department is hiring for multiple vacancies, full-time and part-time, including casual/intermittent positions. All hires will be backgrounded and trained at all of the correctional sites in Ramsey County.

Locations include: Ramsey County Correctional Facility, Ramsey County Law Enforcement Center, and Ramsey County Juvenile Detention Center

In addition to permanent vacancies, there are (.6 or .8 FTE) Unclassified, Limited Duration positions. Limited duration, unclassified positions, may become benefits eligible based on your schedule. 

Basic Duties:

A licensed Registered Nurse who utilizes the nursing process to meet a variety of healthcare needs. Under the direction of a Nurse Supervisor – Correctional Health, provide direct patient care and guidance to nursing staff under their license, in the provision of nursing care. Work cohesively with a variety of health care professionals and security officers in a correctional environment; and perform related duties as assigned.

To view or print a copy of the complete Ramsey County job (class) description for this position, go to: Job Descriptions. Once at this page, you can browse the alphabetical list or search for a job description. 

1. Participate in on-coming and off-going shift reports, ensure shift preparedness and communicate needs to maintain the ability to deliver safe and effective care during the shift and thereafter.
2. Provide direct and indirect nursing care to meet the psychological, psychosocial and emotional needs of inmates within the framework established by the correctional system; perform assessments of inmates in a variety of settings such as, intake and booking, health care unit for sick call, emergency in-housing, chronic care clinics and the medical unit; utilize assessment skills that require a knowledge base of both normal and abnormal adult and juvenile health status; and communicate assessment data in a comprehensive, orderly fashion both verbally and in writing.
3. Plan nursing care by identification of inmate needs based on assessments; make appropriate, timely referrals and initiate appropriate nursing care based on institutional policies and procedures; and document plans appropriately.
4. Implement nursing care and medical care orders in a knowledgeable, safe and cost-effective manner; document nursing care and appropriate medically directed care in accordance with policies and procedures; and provide inmate education as an integral part of total patient care.
5. Evaluate and document inmate responses to aspects of health care and make appropriate referrals to members of the health care team. Delegate duties to other health care team members based on their skill, knowledge and experience and guide the provision of care by others.
6. Utilize effective communication skills by demonstrating respect, concern and courtesy in all interpersonal relationships. Communicate information in an accurate, concise and timely manner, protect confidentiality, and participate in problem-solving activities of the health care team.
7. Use current knowledge to promote a safe environment for providing health care to inmates. Function as a role model for other health care unit personnel and maintain harmonious relationships with security, inmates and members of the health care team.
8. Maintain clinical area in a clean, neat and safe manner and participate in required counts and cleaning assignments; adhere to institutional and medical unit infection control policies; and understand and adhere to safe correctional nursing practices and institutional security directives.
9. Maintain current professional skills and continue professional growth to enhance the practice of correctional nursing and the image of the organization. Attend appropriate in-services. Participate in offering education to inmates, security officers and other members of the health care team. Exhibit an ability to participate in the change process to support the organization and the health care unit. Accept assignments and extra duties with flexibility and willingness to participate in activities other than direct patient care.
10. Perform necessary duties to maintain continuity of care when staffing needs dictate necessity.

(The work assigned to a position in this classification may not include all possible tasks in this description and does not limit the assignment of any additional tasks in this classification. Regular attendance according to the position's management approved work schedule is required.)

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10.

Education: Completion of an accredited two-year program in nursing.

Experience: None

Certifications/Licensure: Must be licensed as a Registered Nurse by the State of Minnesota. Basic Life Support certification/Advanced Cardiac Life Support certification.

Substitution: None

You must attach an RN license and resume to be considered.

To verify a nurse license go to MN Board of Nursing and make a screen shot, the expiration date must be included and it must be valid. 

This is an unclassified, at-will position, holding a confidential relation to the department head or elected official. This position requires an open screening and selection process. There is no exam for this unclassified position. All applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be forwarded to the department for consideration. Please read below for further instructions.

Definition of Unclassified from the Ramsey County Personnel Act:

Subdivision 1. General. "The appointing authority may discharge employees in the unclassified service with or without cause. Employees in the unclassified service have no right to a grievance appeal from discharge or other disciplinary action under sections 383A.281 to 383A.301. An employee in an unclassified position shall not have tenure but shall be entitled to all benefits associated with tenure such as vacation leave, sick leave, health insurance, and other benefits as determined by the county board."

Eligible List: The names of all applicants who filed a properly completed application and passed the examination/screening process shall be placed on the eligible list for an employment opportunity as a Registered Nurse. This list will be certified to the appointing authority which may use this list to conduct interviews to fill a vacancy. Candidates will remain on the list for 90 days or until hired, whichever occurs first. A notice will be sent to applicants at the time the eligible list is posted.

Veteran's Preference: This is a classified position requiring an open, competitive selection process. Veteran's Preference points will be applied after a candidate passes the examination process. Applicants who are eligible for veteran's preference should update their veteran's DD214, and other supporting documents, and submit them as an attachment at the time of application.

Criminal Background Checks: All employment offers are conditioned upon the applicant passing a criminal background check. Convictions are not an automatic bar to employment. Each case is considered on its individual merits and the type of work sought. However, making false statements or withholding information will cause you to be barred from employment, or removed from employment.

E-Verify Participation: Ramsey County participates in the federal E-Verify program. This means that Ramsey County will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. If the Government cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, Ramsey County is required to give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact DHS and/or the SSA before taking adverse action against you, including terminating your employment. Employers may not use E-Verify to pre-screen job applicants and may not limit or influence the choice of documents you present for use on the Form I-9.

Equal Opportunity Employer: Ramsey County provides equal access to employment, programs, and services without regard to race, color, creed, religion, age, sex (except when sex is a Bona Fide Occupational Qualification), disability, familial or marital status, sexual orientation or gender identity, public assistance status, place of residence, political affiliation, or national origin. 

Ramsey County is deeply committed to advancing racial equity and promoting diversity and inclusion within all areas of its workforce. The county strives being equitable, inclusive, transparent, respectful, and impactful in how we serve and engage with residents, as well as Ramsey County employees. Advancing racial equity ensures all people who need access to opportunities and services we provide, will receive them. Racial equity is achieved when race can no longer be used to predict life outcomes, and outcomes for all are improved.

To print a paper application for this posting click Paper Application. You will need to print this posting and answer the supplemental questions associated with this exam and submit them with your completed paper application.

For further information regarding this posting, please contact: Crystal.Diaz@co.ramsey.mn.us