Registered nurse: Corrections

What to expect in this role

• a dynamic and rewarding work experience in a unique atmosphere;
• a highly autonomous role; professional growth in the areas of emergency medicine, forensics, mental health, public health and more; 
• competitive pay, a full benefits package and a pension plan;
• working in a place voted as one of Canada's Top 100 Employers;
• access to personal and professional development opportunities; and
• an employer who is committed to creating diverse and inclusive work environments.

What we do

Corrections nurses play a vital and pivotal role in providing optimum quality health care. They deliver evidence-based nursing to protect, promote and optimize health and abilities, prevent illness and injury and facilitate healing.

The core of correctional nursing practice is client-centered care. Corrections nurses provide care ensuring to uphold accountability, respect and integrity while safeguarding respect for diversity and dignity of the client. 

Pay and benefits

• Annual salary ranging from $107,554 - $124,747;
• pay grid for nursing group; and
• see this page for benefits and leave information.

Job description

• work autonomously within a collaborative practice framework, based on scope of practice, under the direction of the Manager of Health Services;
• demonstrate leadership in practice while providing primary care to sentenced and remanded male and female clients with varying health needs;
• apply the nursing process to assess clients in order to identify individual needs, perform mental health assessments, develop and implement nursing care plans and promote health and disease prevention for optimal functioning and well-being; 
• complete comprehensive health assessment and history upon admission to identify current medical and mental health needs, past medical history and risk behaviours;
• identify substance misuse issues and implement appropriate medical directives based on client assessment and complete appropriate referrals for counselling/physician services and provide education to clients as required;
• provide leadership and assistance to the licensed practical nurse as needed or assume care of more complex or higher acuity clients;
• work collaboratively with other health care professionals in maintaining and controlling a confidential medical record filing system to safeguard client rights and facilitate thedevelopment and monitoring of medical/psychiatric treatment plans;
• Maintain records, reports and health care files as required by operational policies and standards;
• participate in coordinating and delivering of health education and public health programs to clients and staff;
• assistance with discharge planning to promote client reintegration, independence and responsibility; and
• participate in case conferences as required to provide input into inmate care plans.

Training

Some internal training is required for registered nurses working in Corrections. The Yukon government offers internal Corrections training, as well as a standardized and thorough orientation to the Health Services Unit. There is also online and in person nursing skill and competency training.
To broaden interests and deepen learning, employees can also access Yukon government provided training on topics such as wellness and resiliency, communication and collaboration skills, leadership, reconciliation and First Nation topics, finance and health and safety. 

Recruiting process

There are five steps in our recruitment process for registered nurses: 
1.    submit resume and cover letter; 
2.    your resume will be reviewed by the HR team;  
3.    if you meet the eligibility and essential requirements you will be contacted for an interview; 
4.    if you are selected for the position, you will be contacted by the HR team to provide appropriate references; and 
5.    if you are the successful candidate, HR will again reach out to guide you through the hiring process. 

Job requirements

• diploma or baccalaureate degree in nursing;
• minimum of  two years nursing experience in the areas of community health nursing, emergency care, medical-surgical nursing or corrections nursing; 
• currently registered or able to be licensed with Yukon Registered Nurses Association (YRNA);
• current certification in Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS);and 
• experience in advanced clinical assessment skills, IV insertion and venipuncture. 

Whitehorse Correctional Centre

The Whitehorse Correctional Centre is a multi-level correctional facility for adults from across the Yukon.  It opened in March 2012, using a direct supervision inmate management model. This style of supervision enhances safety, promotes open and effective verbal communication and allows correctional officers to interact directly with people in custody without physical barriers. The correctional center provides safe and humane services and programs to support pro-social inmate behaviour, rehabilitation and healing. The Health Services Unit within Whitehorse Correctional Centre is staffed with registered nurses and licensed practical nurses that delivers quality, culturally appropriate and evidenced-based health care services to all clients within the facility. We ensure non-stigmatized care delivery is provided free of discrimination, judging labelling, isolating and stereotyping. Health care delivery follows a primary health care model. This model of care supports first-contact, accessible, continuous, comprehensive and coordinated client focused care.

Contact

• For information about applying for a Department of Justice position, contact Tammy Vermeersch, HR Consultant: tammy.vermeersch@yukon.ca
• For more information about registered nurse positions in Corrections, please contact Amanda Hatch, Manager Health Services: amanda.hatch@yukon.ca
• Please do not email resumes to either of these addresses; resumes may only be accepted through e-recruitment. If you need technical support submitting your application/resume, contact: E-Recruitment.clientsupport@yukon.ca.