Clay County commissioners approve hiring two full‑time RNs for adult health case management

Clay County commissioners voted Tuesday to advertise and fill two full‑time registered nurse positions in the county’s adult health and case management program following two recent resignations.

The hiring action came after Social Services staff told the board the program is operating with high caseloads and limited RN applicants. The county will recruit for both two‑year and four‑year RNs but said the department’s preference is to hire four‑year RNs when possible.

County staff reported that the two vacant posts are funded through the county’s contracts with health plans and the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS). A department presenter said one of the departing nurses was at the top of the pay scale; the top pay step cited in the discussion was $47.69 per hour. Commissioners were told new hires would likely start at earlier steps on the pay scale, which the presenter said would produce budgetary savings relative to the departing employee(s).

Commissioners asked about the existing RN workforce in the program; staff said they would present full staffing numbers at a forthcoming department update. A motion to advertise and hire two full‑time registered nurses was made and seconded; the board approved the motion by voice vote.

The board did not record a roll‑call tally in the minutes for the motion. The county will proceed with recruitment and return with staffing numbers and budget details in a future departmental update.