Registered Nurse I-Full Time
High Acuity Units
This position has a residency waiver and will be accepting applications from residents and non-residents of Colorado. If appointed to a position, applicants from outside of Colorado will be required to relocate to Colorado prior to their start date, at their own expense
*$25,000 Sign On Incentive **
This position will receive a short-staffing temporary pay differential of 8%
Colorado Mental Health Hospital in Pueblo (CMHHIP)
CMHHIP is a 24 hour behavioral health acute care facility that is intended to provide a safe, secure, and therapeutic setting for patients with both psychiatric and medical issues. The services provided include evaluation and treatment for patients who are severely mentally ill, and the goal of this facility is to return patients to their optimal level of functioning and assist them in returning to the community as appropriate.
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About the Position:
ACUITY: High
Units: C1, C2, E1, E2
Adult males, ages 18 and over. Patients have psychiatric disorders with concurrent criminal involvement or are highly dangerous, requiring inpatient care in a secure setting.
Adult females, ages 18 and over. Patients have psychiatric disorders with concurrent criminal involvement or are highly dangerous, requiring inpatient care in a secure setting.
Acute symptoms of mental illness. Severe and persistent mental illness and/or personality disorders concurrent with criminal involvement.
This full-time position facilitates groups and ensures nursing standards of care are implemented throughout all phases of the nursing process and delivery of services. The Nurse I works in tandem with other staff assigned to the unit on that shift and works within multiple levels of patient care coordinated across a continuum. The Nurse I adheres to and references the professional codes of conduct, regulatory agency standards, the Nurse Practice Act, State Board of Nursing, professional codes of ethics, and scope of discipline practice guides to ensure various levels of nursing personnel
function within their scope of practice.
The Nurse I is responsible for communicating, implementing, and clarifying nursing policies at the unit level and participates in and collaborates with the Lead Nurse to prepare nursing personnel for onsite surveys, documentation requirements, and ensures quality of care is rendered according to the State Board of Nursing, The Joint Commission, Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and the Colorado Department Personnel Rules and Regulations.
Responsibilities include the provision of safe, appropriate nursing care on the unit by effective deployment of nursing staff resources, ensuring enough staff with licenses on each shift, coordination and timely statistical reporting of incidents, acuity, QA/PI activities, implementation of department policies and standards of care, responsible for retention of nursing staff on their shift(s). Duties in this position include:
Clinical Direction:- responsible for the direction of all nursing staff on the assigned shift and unit while working in
conjunction with the Lead Nurse - helps direct assignments in conjunction with the staff schedule by utilizing knowledge of acuity, and pool staff to maximize the quality of care given to unit patients on the unit. Personnel needs are communicated to the Lead Nurse immediately
- responsible for helping the Lead Nurse to ensure all nursing services provided on the assigned unit are delivered correctly
- ensure all nursing assignments and duties are completed and in compliance with CMHIP policies and psychiatric and medical nursing standards, licensure requirements and governing bodies while working in conjunction with the Lead Nurse. Unit nursing staff is notified promptly of
changes to processes, policies and procedures through communication methods to include Cornerstone Rosters, meetings, email and individual contact. Individual clinical supervision sessions are conducted regularly
Department Standards:- maintains nursing standards of care for their assigned shift on the unit by creating and maintaining
processes to communicate and follow up with assigned staff so that standards are kept in compliance - must adhere to CDHS Code of Conduct and CMHIP Code of Ethics. Maintains current knowledge of new policies, standards, updates, literature related to nursing and specialty areas is maintained and communicated to subordinates. Nursing supervisors are notified promptly of issues on the unit with patients and nursing staff members
- works collaboratively with all departments and provides assistance when needed
- provides guidance and direction for daily cross shift report, directs nursing care and communication to shift personnel
- assures the unit(s) is directed and staffed appropriately according to hospital procedure along with assuring staffing levels are maintained and accurate
Staff Development/ Competencies:- implements actions to maximize the productivity of assigned nursing personnel by mentoring, training, leadership, and providing feedback through immediate feedback and guidance
- ensures assigned staff’s knowledge and fluency with electronic system BEHR, Cornerstone assignments to include mandatory rosters and training
- promotes staff development and training by supporting staff compliance with hospital wide mandatory training
- directs staff to follow various manuals, standards and regulations to include but not limited to: DSM, Pharmacy Formulary, Treatment Plans, Infection Control Manual, Physicians Orders, Court orders, Joint Commission on Hospital Accreditation Standards, Environment of Care Manual, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Safety Data Sheets, Colorado State Personnel Procedure Manual, Affirmative Action policy, Colorado Workers Compensation guidelines, Rainbow book and Emergency Guides, ADA statutes, Colorado Alliance for the
Mentally Ill Recommendations, Patients Rights Handbook - knows and follows regulatory guidelines
Patient Care/ Nursing Care:- responsible for the nursing care provided on the assigned shift of a unit and maintenance of a safe, secure and therapeutic environment. He/She promptly responds to patient’s psychiatric and/or medical issues, participates in Trauma Informed Care initiatives and understands and promotes its principles, implements, audits and reviews nursing care provided on the shift/unit. This is accomplished through providing follow up for proper nursing care; ie., documentation for seclusion or seclusion and restraint monitoring, proper procedure for respiratory services, oxygen and oxygen equipment, and laboratory services after hours and obtaining data from the AED.
- participates and ensures staff correctly identify patient prior to administration of medications, treatments, blood testing, or starting an invasive procedure. Follows and maintains Infection control standards and regulations
- evaluates concerns related to nursing care plan by assessing, identifying, planning, implementing,
evaluating, and revising the nursing care given based on the nursing history. - utilize Patient Rights for mental health legal issues and complies with policy and procedure in these areas
- provide intervention in critical situations as necessary
- Counsels and educates patients on medications, physical care needs, and psychiatric care needs during group therapies, Plan of Care Reviews, Plan of Care Formulations, 1:1 therapies, talking and educating the patient's family
- provide coverage on the shift/unit.
- Ensures a safe milieu for patient treatment
- reports staff and patient issues to the Lead Nurse if urgent
Other Duties as Assigned:- any other duties that may need to be completed for the shift/unit and or department
Minimum Qualifications:Applicants must possess a valid, active Registered Nurse License issued by the State of Colorado (Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) OR any state participating in the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC).
Substitutions: None
Preferred Qualifications:In addition to the Minimum Qualifications and Required Skills outlined above, our ideal candidate will possess the following Preferred Qualifications:- demonstrated ability to understand and apply the nursing process to provide adequate patient care
- demonstrated ability to understand treatment plans and provide appropriate interventions
- demonstrated ability to direct the shift through training, mentorship and development
- posses a strong work ethic based on a foundation of: self-motivation, loyalty, honesty, and integrity.
- dependable, responsible, and adaptable
- previous State Experience
Essential Attributes:- must be able to see and hear in order to observe, address and respond to potential breaches in safety and security Work in situations involving assaultive behavior, physical control of another person and/or restraint situations
- must be able to lift up to 50+ pounds on occasion
Conditions of Employment:- May work various shifts
- Required to report without delay or interruption to provide essential or emergency services to ensure health, safety, and welfare
- 2-step TB (tuberculosis) screening is required of all new employees upon hire
- This position will be paid biweekly
- A pre-employment criminal background check will be conducted as part of the selection process as this position is deemed to have direct contact with vulnerable persons. Felony convictions, conviction of crimes of moral turpitude, or convictions of misdemeanors related to job duties may disqualify you from being considered for this position. Should your background check reveal any charges or convictions, it is your responsibility to provide the CDHS Background Unit with an official disposition of any charges
- Shall not initiate or engage in sexual, social, personal or financial relationships with patients either during or any time after hospitalization, even if the patient requests or initiates such a relationship All relationships with current or former patients must be disclosed on your application
- Successfully pass all modules of the CMHIP New Employee Orientation core curriculum to include English reading comprehension, relevant competency assessments and written/practical exams in Defensive Tactics
- Possess the physical ability to successfully complete CTI & CPR
- Lift arms above head and kick as high as own waist
- Stabilize another person to accomplish a controlled containment to the floor
- Withstand impact on own body using an ASP shield
- Rotate body 90 degrees with feet planted for using a defensive tactic
- Kneel on one or both knees and stand up again with multiple repetitions
- Must be able to see and hear in order to observe, address and respond to potential breaches in safety
- Seize, hold, control or subdue violent or assaultive persons and defend oneself or others to prevent injury
- Demonstrate body agility, strength of all four limbs and the ability to walk and climb stairs consistently
- Work in situations involving assaultive behavior, physical control of another person and/or restraint situations
- Ability to read and comprehend the English language; effectively and fluently communicates in English, both verbally and in writing
- Work in an environment with fluctuating noise and temperature (hot and cold) which may include working outdoors in inclement weather and/or concrete floor/wall work settings
- Willing and able to travel.
- Annual influenza vaccination
- Former employees of the Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS) who were disciplinary terminated or resigned in lieu of termination must disclose the information on your application and may not be eligible for employment at CDHS
APPEAL RIGHTS:If you receive notice that you have been eliminated from consideration for this position, you may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board or request a review by the State Personnel Director.
An appeal or review must be submitted on the official appeal form, signed by you or your representative. This form must be delivered to the State Personnel Board by email (dpa_state.personnelboard@state.co.us), postmarked in US Mail or hand delivered (1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver CO 80203), or faxed (303.866.5038) within ten (10) calendar days from your receipt of notice or acknowledgement of the department’s action.
For more information about the appeals process, the official appeal form, and how to deliver it to the State Personnel Board; go to spb.colorado.gov; contact the State Personnel Board for assistance at (303) 866-3300; or refer to 4 Colorado Code of Regulations (CCR) 801-1, State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, Chapter 8, Resolution of Appeals and Disputes, at spb.colorado.gov under Rules.
How to Apply
The Assessment Process
Sign-On Incentive:
Upon approval, a sign-on incentive based on position of $25,000 (prorated if a part-time position), will be given in five payments over the course of one year:
$5,000 upon hire
$5,000 at three months of employment (90 days)
$5,000 at six months of employment (180 days)
$5,000 at nine months of employment (270 days)
$5,000 at twelve months of employment (365 days)
These incentives will be available on a funds-available basis
For additional recruiting questions, please contact
jazzma.gamboa@state.co.us
About Us:
If your goal is to build a career that makes a difference, consider joining the dedicated people of the Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS). Our professionals strive to design and deliver high quality human and health services that improve the safety, independence, and well-being of the people of Colorado. In addition to a great location and rewarding and meaningful work, we offer:
*Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more
information, go to https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/dhr/student-loan-forgiveness-programs.
Our Values:
We believe in a people-first approach: To serve the people of Colorado, we develop a culture and work environment that creates an energized, inspired, and healthy team capable of giving their best to Coloradans.
Balance creates quality of life: We want our team to be resilient through a supportive workplace that values flexibility, health and wellness, and employee engagement.
We hold ourselves accountable: We take responsibility through our actions, programs, and results for the state of health and human services in Colorado.
Transparency matters: We are open and honest with employees, our partners, the Coloradans we serve, and the public.
We are ethical: We abide by what is best for those we serve by doing what is right, not what is easy.
Collaboration helps us rise together: We work together with all partners, employees, and clients to achieve the best outcomes for Coloradans.
We are committed to increasing the diversity of our staff and providing culturally responsive programs and services. Therefore, we encourage responses from people of diverse backgrounds and abilities.
ADAA Accommodations:CDHS is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or to perform essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to our ADAA Coordinator, Nancy Schmelzer, at cdhs_ada@state.co.us or call 1-800-929-0791.
THE CAMPUS OF THE COLORADO MENTAL HEALTH INSTITUTE AT PUEBLO IS TOBACCO FREE
~THE STATE OF COLORADO IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER~
~THE STATE OF COLORADO IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER~
