NURSE I - Medical Services at Fort Logan

Full Job Description

You are required to work at your assigned work location during your scheduled work times.

Please note: Work arrangements are subject to change at any time.

The Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS) connects people to assistance, resources, and support for living independently in our state. We are the people who help people. Colorado has a state-supervised and county-administered human services system. Our mission is to collaborate with our partners to design and deliver high-quality human and health services that improve the safety, independence, and well-being of the people of Colorado. Our vision is that the people of Colorado are safe, healthy, and prepared to achieve their greatest aspirations. Through our core values listed below, CDHS staff are committed to:

· Individual dignity and respect;
· Person-centered, evidence based care;
· Trauma informed recovery;
· Multidisciplinary collaboration;
· Diversity and inclusion;
· Strong family and community partnerships.
The Colorado Mental Health Institute at Fort Logan (CMHHIFL) is one of two state hospitals serving our community. The vision of CMHHIFL is to provide the highest quality mental health services to persons with complex, serious, and persistent mental illness within the resources available. Our mission is to support those individuals in achieving their recovery goals and reaching their full potential. CMHHIFL provides inpatient treatment to adult patients, generally between the ages of 18-59. The hospital currently has 138 adult inpatient beds, over six treatment milieus serving civil and forensic individuals. Medical services, occupational therapy, neuropsychological-rehabilitation services, and trauma-informed care services are available for all patients throughout the hospital.
The Medical Services Section exists to promote and protect the health of patients and staff by overseeing, providing, and coordinating all medically related care and clinical analyses necessary for the proper evaluation and treatment of the hospital’s patients, and by managing the infection control and employee health programs.

Requirements

This position serves as a Nurse I in the Medical Services work unit and requires clinical nursing skills for a wide range of medical procedures, assessments and treatments delivered in a clinical setting. This position provides care and support to programs within the Medical Services section (Infection Control, Employee Health, Medical Clinic, Specialty clinics provided by outside medical providers, Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) treatment and recovery, Laboratory, and Central Medical Supply/Sterile Processing) and those health initiatives that support the hospital such as COVID pandemic assessment, response, contact tracing, etc. This position is expected to be flexible and be able to assist where help is needed. This requires excellent communication skills and accountability; and to be able to perform duties independently and as a team member. Other duties include:
Provides Nursing Care, Direction and Support:

• Provides nursing care and support for all Medical Clinic services and programs.
• Performs common diagnostic tests, (e.g. electrocardiograms, ear irrigations, spirometry, hearing screens, etc.)
• Assists consultants with specialty clinics.
• Performs, participates, and assists in all types of medical examinations, treatments, and minor procedures.
• Uses independent nursing skills to manage and treat conditions within the scope of an RN.
• Trains and educates support staff in various tasks.
• Ensures that medical supplies are ordered, stocked, and not expired. Maintains accountability for medications, controlled substances, and returning medications to the pharmacy consistent with hospital expectations.
• Ensures all medical equipment is safe and in good working order, including regular checks of the crash cart.
• Assures a safe, clean, and secure environment by adhering to established Nursing Service, Infection Control and hospital standards, and policies and procedures.
• Maintains updated skills, knowledge, and competencies through continuing education, resource development, literature review, and clinical supervision.
• Assists Staff Development in the curriculum development, training, and functioning of the use of the electrocardiogram. This includes rhythm interpretation, BEHR documentation, physician notification, billing, and assisting in determining staff competency level on an ongoing basis.
• Supports COVID response interventions, interviews and assesses staff for COVID illness, determines ability to work, makes return to work decisions, performs contact tracing, and consults with the infection preventionist and physicians to mitigate COVID risk in the facility.

Supports the Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT Program):

• Provides professional nursing direction and support for the patients undergoing electroconvulsive therapy.
• Provides clinical leadership and nursing direction in real time to the unit recovery RNs (psychiatric unit nurses with limited medical-surgical experience) who are attending to patients recovering from anesthesia.
• Conducts patient chart reviews and ensures the proper pre-ECT workup has been completed prior to proceeding with treatment.

Assesses the patient’s mental status and physical condition prior to ECT treatments.

Prepares the patient by connecting them to all monitoring equipment, monitors vital signs and seizure duration, supervises and supports the patient during the recovery period, and determines the patient’s stability and readiness to return to the unit.

• Supports the ECT Program by training other nursing staff in ECT nursing procedures and post-treatment recovery.
• Regularly communicates with Psychiatrists, Anesthesiologists, and/or Medicine physicians about relevant concerns and/or changes in the patient’s medical condition.
• Performs ongoing evaluations of the patient’s targeted symptoms for treatment effectiveness.
• Audits ECT records for completeness.

Supports the Employee Health Program in conjunction with Infection Control:

• Assists with scheduling, completing and documenting (Electronic and paper charting) employee health screens for all onboarding employees, contractors, volunteers and students.
• Ensures that all new staff have met the current employee health requirements prior to in person patient interaction, including verifying immunization and infectious disease status.
• Administers the Mantoux tuberculin skin test (TST) tests properly, accurately interprets the results of the TST and provides guidance, referral service if required and education to the new staff. Administers staff vaccinations (Influenza, Hepatitis B and COVID) in compliance with hospital policies.
• Completes N95 fit testing for all new staff and on an ongoing basis as needed.
• Assists with patient and staff reportable communicable disease, including COVID, with data collection, reporting, treatment planning/intervention and determining appropriate isolation and quarantine guidelines to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
• Participates in the after hours Employee Health On-Call RN rotation by responding to all new patient and staff COVID reports, completing contact tracing, identify persons with higher risk exposures, determining testing schedules for identified higher risks, document and communicate with hospital staff and physicians to determine isolation/quarantine guidance then assist with implementation, determine return to work dates for staff and notifications to the appropriate persons.
• Monitors all communicable disease lab results and follows the current guidance for reporting to the hospital’s Infection Preventionist and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE).
  

Provides support for other Medical Services Section Programs and completes other duties as assigned:

• Assists the Medical Services Unit in completing clinical and administrative tasks for all programs.

Provides backup to clinic staff in order to accomplish core Medical Services work unit responsibilities.

This includes primary coverage of other work unit staff duties (e.g., infection preventionist, nurse manager, laboratory staff, central medical supply staff, other support staff) to cover scheduled and unscheduled absences as needed to meet work unit and hospital demands.

• Supports the Laboratory in specimen collection, accession, and preparation, as well as data entry, preparation of requisitions, meeting carrier courier for pick-ups and arranging for special transport services..
• Provides clinical and technical direction to medical, nursing, and technical staff regarding test selection and other laboratory-related activities and serves as a clinical resource for technical staff with regard to laboratory and clinic-related tasks (e.g., phlebotomy, specimen processing, electrocardiographs, etc.).
• Assists with outside medical-related activities and case management, obtaining clinical information and updates about Fort Logan patients who are medically hospitalized at outside facilities, and conveying this information to the Director of Medical Services and/or other physicians and stakeholders.
• Assists with scheduling, reception, answering phones, and directing inquiries.
• Completes other duties as assigned
  

Qualifications

Current, valid licensure as a Registered Nurse from the Colorado Board of Nursing or any state participating in the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC).

Two (2) years of professional experience in an occupational field related to the work assigned to the position

Substitutions

Appropriate education will substitute for up to two (2) years of the required experience on a year-for-year basis

Preferred Qualifications:

• Basic computer skills (Google Workspace, Microsoft Word, Cerner EHR)

• Experience collaborating with a multidisciplinary treatment team

• Basic knowledge of Joint Commission regulations

• Strong organization and time management skills

• Professionalism in greeting customers, employees and patients

• Expertise in maintaining strict HIPPA compliance and safeguarding sensitive Protected Health Information (PHI) for both patients and staff

• Experience in a secure psychiatric facility or behavioral health setting and general knowledge about safety and security measures

• Knowledge of infection prevention, hand hygiene audits and environmental safety checks

• Experience supporting Employee Health functions (immunization review, N95 fit testing, communicable disease tracking & tracing)

• ADN-RN degree or higher is a requirement for this position

• Experience performing clinical nursing assessment, medication administration, and technical procedures (e.g., EKGs, vaccinations, specimen collection, TST placement/reading)

• Great customer service- professionalism

Conditions of Employment:

• Shift work eligible
• On-call status eligible: may need to be available for coverage for weekends/off hours every 3-5 weeks
• May be expose use, Handling, or Exposure to hazardous materials
• Due to the juvenile population served at the MHI facilities, incumbents of this position must be at least 21 years of age.
• Other: TB testing, annual influenza, COVID and other vaccines as required by the State of Colorado
• Full Background Check: CDHS employees (all Direct contact with vulnerable persons):
  CBI name check and fingerprint check, ICON Colorado court database, Medicare fraud database, Reference Checks, Professional License verification (licensure requirements), Drug Screen, PREA (Division of Youth Services),Trails check (direct contact with children), CAPS (direct contact with adults – Mental Health Institutes, Regional Centers, Veterans Community Living Centers)

• Former State employees who were disciplinarily terminated or resigned in lieu of termination must:

  • Disclose that information on the application.

  • Explain why the prior termination or resignation should not disqualify you from the current position.

  • Provide your employee number from your prior State employment. Absent extraordinary circumstances, prior disciplinary termination or resignation in lieu of termination and failure to provide this information will disqualify the applicant from future State employment with CDHS.

CDHS Selection Process Explanation

Employment history is calculated on a full-time basis (40/hrs per week). Part-time employment is calculated on a prorated basis to determine qualifications.

Be sure your application specifically addresses your qualifications, experience, work products, and accomplishments as they relate to the position and minimum requirements.

• Preferred Qualifications & Competencies:

  • Relevant years of state service experience.

Minimum Qualification Screening Process
A Human Resources Analyst will review the work experience/job duties sections of the online job application to determine whether your experience meets the minimum qualifications for the position. You must complete the official State of Colorado online application. Cover letters and resumes WILL NOT be reviewed during the minimum qualifications screening process. You must specifically document your work experience and qualifications. Do not use "see resume" or "see attached."You must meet the minimum qualifications to continue in the selection process. Part-time work experience will be prorated.Comparative Analysis Process – Structured

Application Review

After minimum qualification screening, the comparative analysis process will involve a review and rating of all the information you submit.

Your Work Experience/Job Duties

Document your work experience/job duties to the extent to which you possess the skills, education, experience, minimum qualifications, and preferred qualifications.

If listed, answer all supplemental questions as your answers to these questions will be evaluated during this phase. Provide at least 4-8 sentences for each supplemental question.

Supplemental Questions

Answer the supplemental questions completely and thoughtfully. We will rate your answers based on the content of your response and your writing skills (spelling, grammar, and clarity of your writing).

Appeal Rights

You may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board or request a review by the State Personnel Director if your application is eliminated. You will find the appeals process, the official appeal form, and how to deliver it on the State Personnel Board website.

• You or your representative must sign and submit the official appeal form for review.

• You can find the official appeal form here.

• You must be deliver the official appeal form to the State Personnel Board:

  • By email (dpa_state.personnelboard@state.co.us), or

  • Postmarked in US Mail to(1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver CO 80203, 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.

Contact the State Personnel Board for assistance:

• At (303) 866-3300, or

• Refer to the Colorado Code of Regulations (CCR) 801-1, State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, Chapter 8, Resolution of Appeals and Disputes, within the Rules webpage.

Additional Information

• How to apply to the State of Colorado(Youtube Video, Runtime 3:59, Closed Captions Available)

• The Assessment Process

• For Statewide Hiring Freeze NON-EXEMPTED position ONLY:

  • This job offer is contingent upon funding availability from all sources, including state and federal (if applicable), to start or continue.

• For additional recruiting questions, please contact Jeru Marshall: jerusalen.marshall@state.co.us

About Us & Benefits

If your goal is to build a career that makes a difference, join 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.

Each of us is committed to contributing to a safe and accessible CDHS. In addition to a great location and rewarding and meaningful work, we offer:

• Strong, secure, yet flexible retirement benefits including a PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan plus 401(k) and 457 plans

• Medical and dental health plans

• Employer supplemented Health Savings Account

• Paid life insurance

• Short- and long-term disability coverage

• 11 paid holidays per year plus vacation and sick leave

• State of Colorado Employee BenefitHub Resource Center

• Employee Wellness program

• Excellent work-life programs, such as flexible schedules, training and more

• Remote work arrangements for eligible positions

• *Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Our Values

We believe in a people-first approach: We prioritize the needs, well-being, and dignity of the individuals, families and communities we serve.

We commit to respect, fairness and access in every decision, policy and interaction. We engage client voices and experiences in the development and implementation of the services we provide.

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.

ADA Accommodations

CDHS is committed to a Colorado for 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.

This includes completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or performing 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 cdhs_ada@state.co.us.

EEO Statement

The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer

We are committed to increasing a “Colorado for ALL" of our staff and providing culturally responsive programs and services.

Therefore, we encourage responses from people of all backgrounds and abilities.

The State of Colorado believes that a “Colorado for ALL” drives our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply.

The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them.

Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law.

Additional Support For Your Application

Toll Free Applicant Technical Support

If you experience technical difficulty with the NEOGOV system (e.g.

uploading or attaching documents to your online application) call NEOGOV technical support at 855-524-5627 Mon-Fri between 6 am and 6 pm (Pacific Time).

Helpful hints: if you are having difficulty uploading or attaching documents to your application 1) ensure your documents are PDF or Microsoft Word files and 2) close the document before you attempt to upload (attach) it.