Specialist Nurse

The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) is seeking to recruit suitably a qualified person to fill  the vacant position of  SPECIALIST NURSE (HPC/RN 2) in the Specialized and Medical  Services Division with salary ranging from  $4,359,501 - $5,182,077 per annum.

Job Purpose

Reporting to the Ward/Nurse Manager, the incumbent is responsible for performing  professional advanced nursing care, treatment and rehabilitation for the physically, mentally or  emotionally ill inmate and staff populations as well  as those with drug related or dual diagnosed  illnesses. The incumbent also works closely with  the Medical Team, Social Workers and other  healthcare workers to provide optimum health care in keeping with the aims and objectives of the Department.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from an accredited institution;
• Registered with the Nursing Council of Jamaica;
• Successful completion of the Post Basic  Specialist Nursing Course;
• At least two (2) years` experience working as a Specialist Nurse.

Responsibilities

Managerial/Administrative:

• Participates in the preparation of the  individual work plans;
• Reviews existing policies and procedures,  recommends changes and enhancements  to improve operational effectiveness of  services in collaboration with Medical  Officers and Ward/Nurse Manager;
• Provides supervision of Registered Nurses  and Psychiatric Nursing Aides,  and other allied healthcare professionals in the application of Clinical Standards and  skills in accordance with established  policies and practices guidelines. 

Technical/Professional:

• Provides advanced nursing care based on  established medical diagnosis of inmates/wards and existing acceptable  management guidelines;
• Oversees nursing care delivered to all  levels of inmates/wards received from  Registered Nurses and lower staff;
• Supervises and participates in prescribed  occupational and therapeutic procedures  for each inmate/ward assigned; encourages inmates/wards to participate in work; occupational and recreational;  activities to promote speedy recovery;
• Prompt implementation of rehabilitative  procedures and programmes as soon as  the patient/inmate is referred for treatment  with ongoing review of the patient;
• Observes inmates mental and physical  behaviour and reports on their progress;
• Records accurate charting and interpretation of significant changes in  patient/inmate behaviour and progress;
• Carries out the ground level  implementation of the orders of Medical Officers, Ward/Nurse Manager such as  preparation of inmates for special procedures, effect change in medical  regimen, administering prescribed  injections, assisting with Psychotherapy or  any other prescribed treatment modalities  eg. Chemotherapy (administration of  drugs);
• Administers medications – (orally,  subcutaneously, intravenously,  intravenously) as directed by Medical  Officer or Ward/Nurse Manager;
• Assists in training Registered Nurses,  Psychiatric Nurse Aides, Medical  Orderlies, and other Allied Healthcare  Workers;
• Educates inmates/wards on self-care during his/her rehabilitation at their cell such as: Care of colostomy or  tracheostomy, care of skin, use of support  equipment – crutches, wheelchairs, prosthesis;
• Dresses wounds as directed.

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

• Excellent knowledge of Professional  Nursing Theory and practice;
• Knowledge of in-depth specialist nursing theory, principles and practice;
• Knowledge of barrier nursing and isolation  techniques used in the treatment of psychiatric patients and patients with  communicable diseases;
• Knowledge of new trends and concepts in the treatment of mentally and physically ill 
  patients;
• Knowledge in identifying and working with  inmates with mental illness;
• Knowledge in computer application;
• Excellent communication and  interpersonal skills;
• Excellent integrity/ethics exercised in the  performance of duties;
• Ability to communicate with patients/clients within their individual frames of reference and limitations of their mental facilities;
• Ability to maintain composure and  professionalism under duress;
• Excellent problem solving and analytical  skills;
• Good listening and counselling skills;
• Good team player.

Special conditions

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

Note

Kindly submit cover letter and resume no later than Friday, January 31, 2025.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Contact

Senior Director,

Human Resource Management and Administration

Department of Correctional Services

UDC Building, Block 4, Shop 13-15

12 Ocean Boulevard,

Kingston 

Jamaica

Base Salary: Undisclosed