Correctional Registered Nurse

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Arlington County requires all applicants to thoroughly complete each section of the application, including prior job responsibilities, duties, and supplemental questions. While you may attach a resume, it will not replace a completed application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

The Arlington County Sheriff’s Office is seeking a dedicated and compassionate Correctional Registered Nurse (RN) to join our healthcare team within the Arlington County Detention Facility (ACDF). This position plays a critical role in delivering comprehensive, safe, and timely medical and behavioral health care to incarcerated individuals, supporting wellness, stabilizing acute and chronic conditions, and contributing to a secure therapeutic environment.

Correctional healthcare offers a fast-paced, highly collaborative clinical setting where RNs work closely with medical providers, mental health clinicians, and sworn staff to address diverse physical and behavioral health needs. The RN performs assessments, plans and implements nursing care, responds to emergencies, and ensures compliance with professional standards, correctional regulations, and legal documentation requirements. 

Major Job Duties:

• Performing medical, psychiatric, and withdrawal assessments; prioritizing care based on risk; conducting intake screenings; and determining whether suicide watch or observation protocols are necessary;
• Identifying urgent medical issues and determining whether patients can be managed in-house or require referral to the provider or EMS; providing follow-up care and monitoring chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes, and hypertension;
• Coordinating labs, vitals, medication refills, and ongoing clinical needs; maintaining thorough and compliant documentation of all assessments, interventions, refusals, and emergencies;
• Administering daily medications, including controlled substances and psychotropics; monitoring for side effects, diversion risks, and the effectiveness of treatment plans;
• Responding to medical and psychiatric emergencies within housing units; initiating emergency protocols, performing CPR/first aid, and coordinating with EMS and custody staff;
• Ensuring adherence to safety procedures, infection control practices, HIPAA regulations, and facility guidelines; participating in audits, quality assurance reviews, and documentation improvement efforts;
• Coordinating discharge planning and continuity of care when applicable; completing patient handoffs and collaborating with the nursing team to ensure consistency of care; and
• Acting as the charge RN, providing guidance, oversight, and clinical accountability for LPN staff during assigned shifts.

Minimum Qualifications:  

• Graduation from an accredited nursing program with an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or higher;
• Considerable experience providing nursing care in a psychiatric setting serving clients with mental health, substance abuse or developmental disabilities;
• Active Licensed Registered Nurse (RN) License in the state of Virginia; and
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.

Substitution(s): Additional education can be substituted for the experience requirement.

Desirable Qualifications: Preference may be given to applicants with a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing, Health Care Administration, Public Health, Business Administration, or a related field as well as experience in one or more of the following:

• Nursing experience in a correctional, forensic, emergency, behavioral health, or detox environment;
• Conducting intake screenings, suicide risk assessments, and acute triage;
• Documenting within electronic health record systems;
• Working in fast-paced clinical settings requiring rapid prioritization; and/or
• Collaborating with law enforcement, mental health providers, or interdisciplinary clinical teams.

Special Requirements

Background Check: A pre-employment criminal records check will be conducted. It will include checks of the following: criminal record, driving record, education, professional licensure, and credit history. You will be required to sign a release authorizing the County to obtain your background information.

Driver's License: Applicant must possess, or obtain by time of appointment, a valid driver’s license, and must provide or authorize Arlington County to obtain a copy of official driving record. Any offer of employment may be contingent upon favorable review of the applicant’s driving record. Alternatively, the applicant must have the ability and willingness to use alternative methods of transportation to perform assigned duties and responsibilities at locations other than the primary worksite.

Professional License/Certifications: Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) License in the state of Virginia and Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required.

 Your responses to the supplemental questionnaire are considered part of the selection process. Please do not enter "see resume" as a response to the questions. Each section of the application must be completed. A resume may be attached; however, it will not substitute for the completed application. Incomplete applications will not be considered. In accordance with § 19.2-392.15, applicants are not required to provide information regarding sealed arrests, charges, or convictions in response to any questions or inquiries during the hiring process.

Additional Information

Work hours: This is a 24/7 operation. Shifts may include days, evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays. Overtime or on-call work may be required. 

Starting salary is commensurate with the qualifications and experience of the candidate selected.

This position is eligible for County government employee benefits that include health, dental, vacation and sick leave, commuter transportation subsidies, tuition reimbursement, as well as a generous retirement plan.

For more information on Arlington County’s generous benefits and retirement plan, click here.

Arlington County is committed to advancing diversity, equity, access, and inclusion across all our services, activities, and programs. Learn more about our commitment.

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