Nurse - Veterans Community Living Center Fitzsimons, Aurora

• 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.

Minimum Qualifications:

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

• NONE

• 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
  
  

• 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.
• Must complete and pass TB test and any other vaccinations as required by the facility.
• Shift Work: Weekends, Holidays, evenings, nights, and days

• 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.

• Preferred Qualifications & Competencies:

  • Relevant years of state service experience.

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.

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. 

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).

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 ([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.