Nurse I - Veterans Community Living Center Fitzsimons, Aurora

Full Job Description

CDHSCareers

Requirements

This position exists to provide professional clinical services to facility residents including assessment, and specialized nursing care consistent with standards of the profession, legal and regulatory requirements and facility and division standards, protocols and policies.

Primary Job Duties

• Plans and coordinates basic nursing care and provides a skilled level of nursing to residents.

Administers specialized and routine nursing services such as medication and nursing treatments as prescribed within the scope of practice and determines the most effective methods to ensure optimal outcomes.

Reviews and audits specific care activities to determine compliance with policies and standards of care as part of the department's quality assurance activity.

Administer IV fluids (If IV certified) as prescribed by a physician.

• Performs both admission and daily assessments during residents' clinical stay. Documents current, accurate, and pertinent information regarding care and treatment provided.
• Detects abnormality in the resident’s health status indicated by symptoms, vital signs, assessment, and laboratory results, and reports information to the physician.
• Participates in work teams to establish best practice protocols for common treatments or procedures.
• Explains patient care before, during, and after contacts. Provides active listening and communication, support, and encouragement to residents and families regarding their concerns by both phone and personal contact.
  

Competently administers medications to residents within the scope of practice while observing the five rights of safe medication administration, resident rights, infection control standards, and appropriate nursing policies.

Documents all medications given and justification for scheduled medications not given.

• Directs and implements nursing care to residents by ensuring compliance with accepted standards of nursing care, departmental and facility policies and procedures, and VA and State of Colorado regulatory requirements
• Identifies problems with medication administration, interactions, reactions, and compliance. Participates in medication/pharmacy work teams to ensure quality improvement and optimal practice, and directs subordinates to ensure these standards are met
• Provide infection control, implementing/using standard precautions, and disposal of waste. Cleans equipment, stock supplies, and completes supply forms.

Identifies high-risk residents for falls, skin breakdown, or other potentially harmful situations and ensures appropriate interventions are initiated to correct problems.

Correct use of safety/positioning devices, side rails, transfer belts, proper use of equipment, and attend ongoing staff education programs.

• Maintain updated skills, knowledge, abilities, and competencies necessary to the position through continuing education, clinical supervision, literature review, and participation in discipline and team development. Provide input and orientation for new employees.
• Provide active listening and communication, support, and encouragement to residents and families regarding their concerns by both phone and personal contact. Communicate concerns to appropriate staff to prevent further complications or to ensure timely, appropriate intervention
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum 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)

Special Qualifications:

• Required to obtain a CPR card and possess and maintain a Colorado RN license in good standing

Substitutions:

• NONE

Preferred Qualifications:

• Two-plus years of long-term care experience

• Prior training with dementia

• Experience with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and experience working with veterans

Job-Related Competencies

• Knowledge and understanding of the Elder Justice Act

• Knowledge and understanding of the rights of medications

• Knowledge and understanding of the diabetic protocols

• Experience in electronic documentation
  
  

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.)

Full background checks include:

• 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)

This position requires State of Colorado residency at the time of application (unless otherwise identified in the posting), and residency within the state throughout the duration of employment in this position.

Motor Vehicle Check

Must possess a valid, non-restricted Colorado Driver’s License or a non-restricted U.S. Driver's License for positions within 30 miles of the CO state border

Out-of-State Driver’s License holders must obtain a valid, non-restricted Colorado Driver’s License within 30 days of employment start date.

Must complete and pass TB test and any other vaccinations as required by the facility.

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:

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 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 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 acknowledgment 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 the State of Colorado

The Assessment Process

For additional recruiting questions, please contact christine.koter@state.co.us

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.