Introduction
The Department of Correction seeks highly motivated qualified individuals for the position of Registered Nurse to provide care for our inmate population and assist them in their rehabilitation. Incumbents in this critical role will work with a talented multidisciplinary team to provide the highest levels of care across a highly diverse population. The Registered Nurse will have opportunities to care for a wide variety of people and health concerns and gain invaluable experience while working in a fast-paced highly varied work environment. There are two full-time, 35 hour per week, 2nd shift position located at York Correctional in Niantic.
Selection Plan
All applicants must include a resume within the “Resume Tab” of the application as well as upload a Cover Letter with their submission. (Note: In order to upload document you must ensure that your internet browser’s ‘pop-up’ blocker is off. Failure to do so may prevent you from being able to upload documentation and submit your application.) During the recruitment process, applicants may be required to submit additional documentation supporting their qualification(s) for this position. These documents may include: performance reviews, supervisory references, college transcripts, licensure, etc. at the discretion of the agency.
Please ensure that your application is complete. You will be unable to make revisions once you officially submit your application to the State of Connecticut. Candidates who submit an untimely, incomplete or inaccurate application will not be considered for this employment opportunity. Should you have questions pertaining to this recruitment, please contact Cathy Riberio at Catherine.Riberio@ct.gov.
PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)
In a correctional facility this class is accountable for providing professional nursing and/or mental health care to inmates and assisting in their rehabilitation.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT HEALTH CENTER, CORRECTIONAL MANAGED HEALTH CARE: Independently implements nursing process with inmates including carrying out physicians orders regarding diet, medication and treatment; performs assessments; changes dressings; monitors and ensures quality care through observation and evaluation; reports on physiological and mental health status of inmates; documents nursing interventions on medical records; distributes and maintains records of controlled drugs and insures their security; maintains records and makes reports; makes decisions in routine cases; instructs inmates and staff regarding treatments, nursing plans and related inmate care issues directed towards an awareness and understanding of health/mental health issues; responds to emergencies; maintains availability of medications and supplies; ensures cleanliness of equipment and environment; may provide pre-certification for and coordination of inmates admitted to and discharged from acute care facilities; may formulate and implement nursing care plans; may administer routine tests; may conduct training; may delegate nursing tasks consistent with established protocols; may participate in psychotherapeutic and rehabilitation interventions; may conduct daily sick call; may physically restrain inmates, quell disturbances and otherwise assist mental health and correctional staff in emergencies; may provide related medical or mental health specialty services; performs related duties as required.
DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTION: Independently implements infection control services with inmates; performs infection control assessments; provides infection prevention and control education and training to inmates; responds to emergencies; conducts health record chart reviews; reviews tracking systems for HIV, TB and other infectious diseases; monitors incidences of infections including TB, MRSA and other infectious diseases; analyzes trends over time and across system; assesses inmates for knowledge of infection control and prevention; identifies inmates nearing re-entry date for participation in re-entry infection prevention education programs; identifies community based infection prevention resources; develops informational materials about community-based programs and disseminates to re-entry population; maintains records and makes reports; may develop infection prevention curriculum and educational material for inmate education; may physically restrain inmates, quell disturbances and otherwise assist mental health and correctional staff in emergencies; performs related duties as required.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY
Knowledge of and ability to apply professional nursing theory, practice and ethics; knowledge of current medications, their actions, interactions, uses and side effects; knowledge of medical, therapeutic and psychiatric nursing interventions and methods; knowledge of and ability to apply quality standards, procedures and protocols; knowledge of and sensitivity to cultural and socio-economic difference; some knowledge of teaching, counseling and evaluation principles and techniques; interpersonal skills; oral and written communication skills; ability to act as a role model to health care staff by demonstrating and teaching professional behaviors; ability to learn specialized inmate care applicable to work assignment; ability to listen and provide empathetic assistance to inmates in meeting their needs and carrying out prescribed treatments; ability to develop therapeutic relationships with inmates and their caregivers; ability to respond to emergencies; ability to respond to and seek supervision; ability to encourage and facilitate cooperation, pride trust and group identity to foster commitment and team work; ability to analyze and evaluate proper care and treatment; ability to interview; some ability to develop curricula.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE
One (1) year of experience as a Registered Professional Nurse.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED
1. A Bachelor's degree in nursing may be substituted for the General Experience.
2. Two (2) years of experience as a Licensed Practical Nurse working in a hospital, psychiatric or inmate setting and possession of a Registered Nursing license substitutes for the General Experience.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Incumbents in this class must possess knowledge and ability to apply professional nursing theory, practice and ethics; knowledge of current medications, their actions, interactions, uses and side effects; knowledge of medical, therapeutic and psychiatric nursing interventions and methods; knowledge of and ability to apply quality standards, procedures and protocols; knowledge of and sensitivity to cultural and socioeconomic difference; some knowledge of teaching, counseling and evaluation principles and techniques; interpersonal skills; oral and written communication skills; ability to act as a role model to health care staff by demonstrating and teaching professional behaviors; ability to learn specialized inmate care applicable to work assignment; ability to listen and provide empathetic assistance to inmates in meeting their needs and carrying out prescribed treatments; ability to develop therapeutic relationships with inmates and their caregivers; ability to respond to emergencies; ability to respond to and seek supervision; ability to encourage and facilitate cooperation, pride, trust and group identity to foster commitment and teamwork; ability to analyze and evaluate proper care and treatment; ability to interview; some ability to develop curricula.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
1. Candidates may be required to have experience working with adolescents or in women's health or mental health care.
2. Incumbents in this class must possess and retain a current license or temporary permit as a Registered Professional Nurse in Connecticut.
3. Incumbents in this class may be required to be fluent in a foreign language or proficient in the use of the American Sign Language in certain designated positions.
4. Incumbents in this class may be required to possess and retain a valid Motor Vehicle Operator’s license.
5. Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.
CHARACTER REQUIREMENTS
In addition to the checking of references and of facts stated in the application, a thorough background investigation of each candidate may be made before persons are certified for permanent appointment.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Incumbents in this class must possess general good health and retain sufficient stamina, agility and visual and auditory acuity necessary to perform all duties of the class. Incumbents are required to pass a physical examination.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Incumbents in this class may be required to lift and restrain inmates; may have exposure to communicable/infectious diseases and risk of injury from assaultive/abusive inmates; may be exposed to disagreeable conditions.
Conclusion
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.