Licensed Practical Nurse III - Float Clinic - CMHHIP

100% In-Person

Shift details will be discussed during the interview.

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

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.

Under the direction of a Registered Nurse (RN): The purpose of this position is to provide direct nursing care services to patients. Duties include but are not limited to providing for patient comfort and safety, observing patient conditions and documenting response to medication and treatment, providing preventative and clinical practical nursing services, administering authorized medications and treatment, and participating in implementing patient care plans. Licensed practical nurses provide care for patients with acute, chronic, and preventative physical and mental health care needs.  Licensed practical nurses (LPN) work in security settings where the position follows policies and procedures to ensure their own safety and that of others

Duties in this position include:

• Works in conjunction with internal and external providers to meet the demands of patient care during medical and specialty clinics scheduled on a daily/weekly basis.
•  Anticipates provider clinic needs in advance of patient appointments to ensure clinics run smoothly. 
• Reviews and collects medical and legal information related to patient admissions to the hospital in advance of patient arrival. 
• Ensures patient education, acute patient needs, and continuity of care are documented according to hospital policy. 
• Must work in direct collaboration with medical providers and admissions personnel to collect and share information and to ensure nursing reviews comply with nursing standards of care. 
• Routinely checks equipment and reports any malfunction of equipment and or potential hazards to the Clinic Supervisor. 
• Helps to maintain inventory and ensures supplies are not outdated. 
• Maintains a safe and therapeutic treatment area by surveying the environment for safe, secure delivery of patient care. 
• Counsels and educates patients on medications, physical care needs, and psychiatric care needs in collaboration with providers. 
• Communicates providers’ ordered treatments and other care that was provided in the clinic to unit staff and others as needed. Ensures nursing standards of care and hospital policies/procedures are followed in the Clinic and Admissions. 
• Participates in scheduled shift emergency drills (Code 0 and fire) periodically to assess and maintain the readiness of nursing staff to respond to crisis events. 
• Maintains a level of proficiency by renewing CPR and other mandatory clinical training as required. 
• Tracks, trends, and follows up on immunizations and administers TB testing for employee health related to CDHS and Contract staff as appropriate. 
• Rotates among each area of the clinics, both High Security Forensic Institute (HSFI) and Admissions/Surgical Clinics, as assigned by the supervisor. 
• Maintains proficiency and understands all clinic operations regardless of location to assure maximum efficiency at any given time. 
• Communicate with clinic scheduling staff and transport staff to ensure emergent evaluations and follow-up appointments are scheduled appropriately. 
• Completes all mandatory educational requirements in Cornerstone, maintains current competencies as an LPN III, and participates in the annual Nursing Competency Fair both as a participant and as an instructor. 
• Covers other shifts/days or CMHHIP locations to ensure the clinic and hospital are staffed during all hours of operations.

• Maintains open lines of communication with providers, unit staff, and clinic nursing staff, and members of other departments. 
• Effectively communicates relevant information related to clinic operations, patient status, and scheduling with coworkers, supervisors, and customers to ensure the effectiveness of the department. 
• Collaborates with the Clinic Supervisor and the Department of Public Safety and Transport staff to ensure the transport of high-security patients. 
• Assists in providing patient and peer education, orientation, and training utilizing adult learning methods. 
• Communicates with the supervisor regarding any problems, concerns, or changes related to the provision of patient care in the Clinic/ECT Recovery Room. 
• Ensures HIPAA and JC compliance on an ongoing basis.

• This position is utilized to provide coverage on the shift/unit. 
• This position is responsible for the nursing care provided on the assigned shift of a unit and the maintenance of a safe, secure, and therapeutic environment. 
• This position is responsible for the direction of unit nursing staff on the assigned shift. This includes promptly responding to patient psychiatric and/or medical issues, implementing Positive Behavior Interventions and Support modalities, and understanding and promoting its principles. 
• This position implements, audits, and reviews nursing care provided on the shift/unit. This is accomplished by providing follow-up for proper nursing care; ie, documentation for seclusion and/or restraint monitoring, proper procedure for respiratory services, oxygen and oxygen equipment, and laboratory services after hours.
• Follows and maintains infection control standards and regulations. 
• This position is expected to fulfill duties within the LPN scope of practice to include following the nursing process, administering medications and treatments, facilitating Nursing Core Groups and emergency response. 
• Ensures a safe milieu for patient treatment and staff safety

• Responsible for performance of assigned tasks and duties within the scope of practice for this position that do not fall within the realm of duty statements.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education/Licensure/Certification/Experience:

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

**Complete Board approved IV certification course including supervised clinical; OR document completion of such from another state Maintains evidence (both LPN and employer) of original documentation and demonstration of IV knowledge/judgment/skill

Follows written IV policies and procedures approved by medical staff, nursing and agency administration

**Advanced Educational Preparation for LPNs in Colorado is limited to IV certification.

Three 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 years of the required experience on a year-for-year basis 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
• 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 CMHHIP 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 hospital-adopted physical interventions and 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;
• 2-step TB (tuberculosis) screening is required of all new employees upon hire;
• Annual influenza vaccination, other vaccinations as required by the State of Colorado.
• Other Conditions of Employment specific to Program

  • Education Verification

  • Starting Jan. 2, 2024, if you have a multistate license and change your primary state of residence to another state within the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC), you must apply for a license in that state within 60 days. If this latter step is not completed within the allotted time frame, your previous license may expire. This puts you at risk of practicing without a license. As an example, if you are a registered nurse with a multistate license from Arizona practicing in Colorado and you move to Colorado, you have 60 days to apply to Colorado’s Board of Nursing for a new multistate license. These changes were part of the final rules passed by the Interstate Commission of Nurse Licensure Compact Administrators at its annual conference in August. The eNLC allows for mobility and creates a more robust workforce by allowing nurses to practice in Colorado with licenses from other compact states.

• 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 in the application form. 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 reviewing and rating of all the information you submit. The comparative analysis step may also include your results from standardized testing. 

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 ([email protected]), 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.

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

The Assessment Process

For additional recruiting questions, please contact: [email protected] 

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 [email protected].

~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~

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.