Nurse I - Registered Nurse I - CMHHIP

Full Job Description

As a cornerstone of the Pueblo community for over a century, Colorado Mental Health Hospital in Pueblo (CMHHIP) is a leading employer, provider of quality mental health services, and a community partner.

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.

Requirements

The purpose of this position is to provide nursing oversight and direction of nursing personnel working the same shift as well as the same unit.

Provide direction to all direct care nursing staff on assigned shift(s). Serve as a resource and mentor to all nursing staff on assigned shift. Promote and maintain nursing staff efficiency.

Oversee the attainment and achievement of Unit/Program/Hospital/Nursing Department goals for the specified shift.

Primary duties consist of providing directions to nursing staff for the shift and providing therapeutic nursing care to mentally ill patients.

Represents the Nursing Department in hospital-wide committees and work groups. Applications of knowledge, expertise and experience in providing safe and effective patient care.

Provide immediate crisis intervention in the milieu and response to all emergency situations.

This position is responsible for assisting nursing staff with clinical direction of nursing staff, QA/PI activities and to ensure compliance in all areas, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

This position is accountable to the Lead Nurse/Nurse III/Nurse II.

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. The Nurse I works within multiple levels of patient care and is 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.

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 also 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 ofchanges to processes, policies and procedures through communication methods to include Cornerstone Rosters, meetings, email and individual contact.

Individual clinical supervision sessions are conducted regularly

• Communication is conducted regularly with other disciplines, department leadership regarding nursing directives and disseminates information as appropriate. Interpretation of other leadership communication is received to understand changes that may or may not directly impact the nursing department
• Functions as the charge nurse for the shift and reports any injury of staff from assaultive/combative patients, other employee absences, and/or any other safety or nursing concerns to the Lead Nurses promptly
• Utilizes resources available in the Staffing Office

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
• Responsible to act as a resource for staff
• Provide direction and support to the assigned shift on the unit
• 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

Qualifications

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: NonePreferred 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:

FULL BACKGROUND CHECK: This position will have direct contact with vulnerable persons (as defined by C.R.S.27-90-111: "Direct contact" means providing face-to-face care, training, supervision, counseling, consultation, or medication assistance to vulnerable persons, regardless of the level of supervision of the department employee.

"Direct contact" may include positions in which persons have access to or unsupervised time with clients or patients, including but not limited to maintenance personnel, housekeeping staff, kitchen staff, and security personnel.)

CBI & FBI fingerprint check, Colorado Court Database check, Medicare Fraud Database, TRAILS Database check.

This position will also provide direct care to vulnerable adults requiring a CAPS check (as defined by C.R.S. 26-3.1-101, position provides services & support care to at-risk/vulnerable adults including case management, clergy, physical or mental health services, safety or welfare services).

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

CDHS Selection Process ExplanationEmployment 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.

The comparative analysis step may also include your results from an eSkills Test.

Your Work Experience/Job DutiesDocument your work experience/job duties to the extent to which you possess the skills, education, experience, minimum qualifications, and preferred qualifications.

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 RightsYou 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), orPostmarked in US Mail to(1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver CO 80203, or Hand delivered (1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver CO 80203), orFaxed (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

The Assessment Process

For additional recruiting questions, please contact: tricia.jepsen@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.

ADAA 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.

~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.

~THE STATE OF COLORADO IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER~