Nurse Consultant (Public Health) (35 Hour)

Within the Department of Public Health, Health Care Quality & Safety Branch, Facility Licensing & Investigations Section (FLIS), these four (4) Nurse Consultant positions will be responsible for applying professional nursing knowledge in the enforcement, inspection, licensure, consultation, and implementation or assessment of the nursing service component of health care programs and facilities.

FLIS is responsible for licensing and investigations for more than 2,000 health care facilities’ licenses which include, 42 hospitals which in total represents greater than 40,000 beds, 228 nursing homes, 100 residential care homes, 60 ambulatory surgical centers, 198 substance abuse facilities, 39 outpatient hemodialysis units, 98 home health agencies, and 517 outpatient clinics. Inspections are conducted to ensure compliance with state and federal laws and regulations.

Applicants invited to interview may be requested to supply the following: last two performance appraisals (current state employees only) or two professional letters of reference (non-state employees).

In the Departments of Public Health, Children and Families, Correction, Developmental Services, Mental Health and Addiction Services, Social Services and the Office of Early Childhood, this class is accountable for applying professional nursing knowledge in the enforcement, inspection, licensure, consultation and implementation or assessment of the nursing service component of health care programs and facilities.

Implements, coordinates, and evaluates activities of assigned programs or health care services; maintains active liaison with and serves as nursing consultant to other sections, divisions, health care providers and public; may inspect and evaluate health care and psychiatric facilities for compliance with state and federal regulations including licensure and certification laws; assesses safety and quality of client care provided; assesses compliance of health insurance companies with various state statutes, regulations and guidelines; performs related duties as required.

Provides consultation to state licensed health care facilities and institutions and to unlicensed facilities to bring them into compliance with statutes, community institutions and individuals regarding planning, implementation and evaluation of nursing services, home health services and specialized problems in public health; performs on-site inspection surveys of health care or psychiatric facilities and provides consultation regarding licensure and certification laws, regulations and policies; evaluates quality of services rendered by facility; monitors facilities during strikes; prepares relevant federal and state forms and reports; may testify in court relative to findings of inspections and/or investigations; performs related duties as required.

Considerable knowledge of standards of care and service delivery in community based nursing agencies, licensed home health agencies, health care facilities and institutions; considerable knowledge of relevant State and Federal laws, statutes and regulations; considerable knowledge of principles and practices of nursing care administration and education for a variety of specialties with varied settings; considerable knowledge of principles and practices pertinent to community processes; knowledge of State, Federal and local health agencies and programs; knowledge of nursing education and skill in techniques of teaching; considerable interpersonal skills; oral and written communication skills; ability to plan, implement and evaluate programs; ability to collect and analyze data.

Four (4) years of experience as a professional nurse in a position involving supervision, consultation, education or administration.

Two (2) years of the General Experience must have been in a public health nursing program, home health care agency, community health care setting, or in a hospital.

1. A Bachelor's degree in nursing may be substituted for one (1) year of the General Experience.
2. A Master's degree in health services administration, nursing or public health may be substituted for one (1) additional year of the General Experience.

• Ability to organize data and evaluate and analyze proper care and treatment in accordance with federal and state laws and regulations and professional standards in healthcare;

• Experience with computerized data bases, MS Outlook and MS Word;

• Experience with documenting facts, findings and outcomes;

• Experience with independently interviewing consumers, health care providers and healthcare beneficiaries;

• Selected applicants may be required to travel and be flexible with their work schedule.

1. Incumbents in this class must possess and retain a current license as a registered professional nurse in Connecticut.
2. Incumbents in this class may be required to possess certification as an Insurance Rehabilitation Specialist or be eligible for certification as an Insurance Rehabilitation Specialist.
3. Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.
4. Incumbents in this class may be required to possess and retain a valid Motor Vehicle Operator’s license.

NOTE:

1. Administrative capacity shall be interpreted as having managerial responsibility in setting and implementing policies, carrying out program planning, and evaluating and coordinating special projects, etc. in the area specified in the appropriate parenthetical title.

2. Consultative capacity shall be interpreted as the providing of professional expert nursing advice to other than subordinate staff on major programmatic issues in the area specified in the appropriate parenthetical title.

3. Educational capacity shall be interpreted as experience in a full time professional educational position instructing professional nurses in a formalized program or teaching students in an undergraduate or graduate nursing program in the area specified in the appropriate parenthetical title.

4. Supervisory capacity shall be interpreted as the administrative supervision of registered nurses or other professional staff including accountability for hiring, firing, reviewing and evaluating employee performance in the area specified in the appropriate parenthetical title.

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.

The Department of Public Health aims to provide equal opportunity in all aspects of employment and advancement, fostering an environment committed to supporting individuals in all protected classes. If you require an aid/accommodation to participate fully and fairly, please contact the Human Resources Office at (860) 509-7177.