Job Description

CDR Health Care Inc. is seeking Correctional Lead Nurses based in the Northern Florida area who are willing to travel to Sanderson, FL, to provide healthcare services at a detention facility. This role is responsible for coordinating and overseeing nursing operations during their assigned shift, ensuring care delivery aligns with professional standards, facility policies, and legal/regulatory requirements. This role fosters effective collaboration among medical, mental health, and custody staff to maintain a safe and secure environment. The Lead Nurse supervises, assigns, and supports nursing staff; oversees clinical workflows such as intake screenings, medication administration, chronic care, and emergency response; and maintains accountability for medications, medical supplies, and documentation accuracy. They monitor patient conditions, perform direct care as needed, and provide clinical guidance to team members. Additionally, the Lead Nurse collaborates with other departments to help ensure adequate shift coverage, facilitates shift reports and handoffs, and participates in quality improvement, infection control, and safety initiatives. This role is critical in promoting high-quality, timely, and patient-centered care within a correctional healthcare setting.

Please note that this is not a travel assignment; local candidates based in Sanderson , Lake City , or Jacksonville are preferred.

Essential Functions:

• Supervise, assign, and direct nursing staff during the shift.
• Collaborate with the scheduling team to help ensure appropriate shift coverage.
• Oversee intake screenings, medication administration, sick call, chronic care, and emergency response.
• Ensure compliance with facility, state, and federal standards for correctional healthcare.
• Coordinate with custody/security staff to maintain safety and order during care delivery.
• Monitor patient status, review charts, and ensure documentation accuracy and timeliness.
• Respond to urgent and emergent medical situations; initiate appropriate interventions until provider or EMS arrival.
• Provide clinical support, coaching, and guidance to nursing staff.
• Maintain control and accountability for medications, medical supplies, and equipment.
• Conduct shift reports, communicate significant events, and ensure proper handoff to incoming Lead Nurse.
• Participate in quality improvement, infection control, and safety initiatives.
• Serve as liaison between nursing staff and facility leadership during the shift.
• Perform direct patient care duties, including assessment, wound care, specimen collection, and health education, as required based on operational needs.

OTHER PRINCIPAL DUTIES:

• Participate in staff orientation and ongoing training.
• Report and document incidents, grievances, or unusual occurrences per policy.
• Assist in audits and inspections from regulatory or accrediting agencies.
• Perform other duties as assigned within the scope of practice.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Nursing.
• Active RN license in good standing with the state licensing board.
• Minimum 2 years of nursing experience.
• At least 1 year of leadership experience as a charge nurse, supervisor, or lead nurse.
• Minimum 1 year of nursing experience in a correctional or jail facility.
• Current BLS certification.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for interaction with diverse staff and inmate populations.
• Ability to handle multiple priorities in a fast-paced, high-security environment.
• Proficient in EMAR and EHR systems as well as Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Ability to wear PPE for extended periods
• Ability to work flexible shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Must have a valid, active, and clear driver’s license.
• Ability to travel up to 50% if needed.

Preferred:

• ACLS certification.
• Familiarity with NCCHC or ACA correctional health standards.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift and move up to 50 lbs; assist with weights over 100 lbs as needed.
• Frequent standing, walking, and bending.
• Ability to respond rapidly in emergencies.

Core Competencies:

• Demonstrates technical safety expertise and strong clinical judgment.
• Skilled in coaching, mentoring, and fostering professional growth among staff.
• Builds strong relationships and collaborates effectively with internal teams and external partners.
• Balances staff education with accountability to maintain high standards of care.

Schedule

• Shifts Available: Day Shift (7:00 AM – 7:00 PM) or Night Shift (7:00 PM – 7:00 AM)
• Facility Hours: Open 7 days a week (Monday through Sunday)

CDR Health Care Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V and EO/AAN/D. Must be able to work in the United States to apply.

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