VN 08/24 – 11/24 Nurse

JOB DESCRIPTION: NURSE

Position Title: Nurse
Location: Fiji Corrections Service (FCS) Medical Unit
Reports to: Senior Medical Officer (SMO)

Position Purpose

The Nurse at the Fiji Corrections Service (FCS) is responsible for delivering comprehensive healthcare services to inmates and staff, ensuring the maintenance of high health standards within the correctional facilities. The role involves providing clinical care, health assessments, administering treatments, health education, and promoting disease prevention. The Nurse works closely with other healthcare professionals to maintain a healthy environment within the correctional system and ensure timely medical attention is given to all individuals.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide nursing care to inmates and staff by administering prescribed treatments, medications, and therapies in accordance with medical instructions.
• Perform clinical procedures such as wound care, IV therapy, immunizations, blood pressure monitoring, and infection control.
• Assist in medical emergencies, providing first aid and stabilizing patients until further medical support is available.
• Support the SMO/ Nurse Practitioner in diagnosing and treating minor illnesses and injuries.
• Maintain cleanliness, sterility, and proper functioning of medical equipment and treatment areas.
• Conduct health screenings and assessments for new inmates upon arrival and periodically for all inmates, identifying medical conditions, chronic diseases, or communicable diseases.
• Monitor inmates with chronic health conditions (such as diabetes, hypertension, or asthma) and ensure adherence to prescribed treatment plans.
• Perform regular health checks, document health statuses, and report any issues to the supervising medical officer.
• Manage the distribution and administration of medications, ensuring accurate dosages and timings are followed.
• Maintain secure and organized storage of medications, and ensure records are kept up to date on medication distribution.
• Provide inmates and staff with health education on topics such as hygiene, nutrition, disease prevention, sexual health, and mental health.
• Promote health and well-being programs within the correctional facilities, ensuring adherence to health protocols and encouraging healthy living.
• Participate in awareness campaigns for the prevention of diseases such as tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, and other communicable diseases within the correctional setting.
• Maintain accurate and confidential medical records for all inmates, ensuring proper documentation of health assessments, treatments, and medical interventions.
• Document and report incidents, health issues, and medical treatments to the SMO/Nurse Practioner.
• Monitor and enforce infection control measures within the correctional facility, ensuring a clean and hygienic environment for inmates and staff.
• Implement protocols for managing outbreaks of communicable diseases and ensure proper quarantine and treatment procedures are in place.
• Educate inmates and staff on infection control practices and promote awareness to prevent the spread of diseases.
• Assist the SMO and the Nurse Practitioner during medical examinations, procedures, or treatments.
• Prepare patients for medical procedures and assist in minor surgeries or interventions.
• Ensure all necessary medical supplies and equipment are prepared and ready for use during medical procedures.
• Collaborate with healthcare staff, correctional officers, and administration to ensure the smooth delivery of healthcare services.
• Communicate with external healthcare providers, hospitals, and laboratories for the referral of patients and testing of medical samples.
• Coordinate with the Nurse Practitioner/SMO to develop and implement healthcare protocols, treatment guidelines, and emergency response plans.
• Provide basic mental health support and counseling to inmates experiencing stress, anxiety, or other mental health issues.
• Work closely with mental health professionals to identify and refer inmates with significant psychological needs.
• Respond to medical emergencies within the correctional facility, providing immediate care and stabilizing patients until further help arrives or referred to major hospitals.
• Be part of the emergency response team for any medical crises, including accidents, injuries, or outbreaks.
• Qualifications and Experience

Degree or Diploma in Nursing from a recognized institution with a valid annual practicing license and registration as a general nurse with the Fiji Nursing Council. Minimum of 2 years of nursing experience, preferably in a correctional, public health, or hospital setting. Basic life support or first aid certification. Experience with clinical care, medication management, and health assessments.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Timely and accurate administration of medications and treatments.
• Compliance with infection control and hygiene standards within the correctional facility.
• Positive feedback from the PMO/SMO, inmates, and staff regarding the quality of nursing care.
• Accurate and confidential maintenance of medical records.
• Effective health education programs resulting in improved inmate health awareness and behaviors.
• Compliance with all FCS health protocols and national healthcare standards.

Skills and Competencies

• Proficiency in nursing procedures, patient care, and medication administration.
• Ability to communicate effectively with inmates, staff, and medical personnel in a professional and empathetic manner.
• Strong attention to detail when administering treatments and recording patient information.
•  Commitment to maintaining confidentiality and professionalism in handling sensitive medical records.
•  Ability to work with diverse individuals, demonstrating compassion and understanding for inmates and staff.
•  Ability to function effectively in a dynamic and sometimes stressful environment.

Working Conditions

• The Nurse will be based at an FCS correctional facility, providing direct care to inmates and staff.
• The position involves working in a secure correctional environment with varying levels of healthcare needs.
• Standard working hours apply, but the nurse may be required to work shifts or on-call hours, including weekends and public holidays