STATE OF CONNECTICUT EXECUTIVE BRANCH JOBS

Nurse (35 Hour)

Recruitment #191009-1969HC-001

Introduction

The State of Connecticut, Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) is a health care agency whose mission is to promote the overall health and wellness of persons with behavioral health needs through an integrated network of holistic, comprehensive, effective, and efficient services and supports that foster dignity, respect, and self-sufficiency in those we serve. 

The DMHAS, Southwest Connecticut Mental Health System (SWCMHS) is currently recruiting for two Nurse's (PCN 27894, PCN 104916) in the Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU 1).  The PICU 1, inpatient treatment program is a 21 bed unit that provides treatment in a safe, supportive and highly structured hospital level of care, with emphasis on community re-entry.  These positions are located at Greater Bridgeport Community Mental Health Center, 1635 Central Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06610. The work schedule is 1st shift, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., 72-72-80, every other weekend and rotating holidays, full-time. 

The SWCMHS, with three locations throughout Fairfield County, promotes and administers comprehensive recovery oriented services in the areas of mental health treatment and substance abuse prevention and treatment. These services include inpatient treatment programs and outpatient clinical services, as well as a wide range of additional supportive treatment services. 

In addition to a variety of medical and dental plans, the State of Connecticut offers new employees participation in a hybrid retirement plan where new employees may elect to participate in the State Employees Retirement System which provides a retirement benefit that may include retiree health insurance.  Paid time off is also offered, including 12 paid holidays per calendar year in addition to vacation, sick and personal leave accruals.

Please ensure that your application is complete and you have included your resume within the "Resume Tab" of your application.  You will be unable to make revisions once you submit your application into the JobAps system.  At any point during the recruitment process, applicants may be required to submit additional documentation which supports their qualification(s) for this position. These documents may include performance reviews, attendance, supervisory references, college transcripts, licensure, etc., at the discretion of the hiring agency. You do not have to attach these documents to your application submission.

Should you have questions regarding this recruitment please contact Jean Walden, DMHAS HR at Jean.Walden@ct.gov or (203) 551-7629. 

PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

In a state agency this class is accountable for providing a full range of professional nursing care.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Independently implements the nursing process with patients/clients 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 patients/clients; 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 patients/clients, staff and family members regarding treatments, nursing plans and related patient/client 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 participate as a member of an interdisciplinary treatment team in the assessment, development, implementation and evaluation of patients/clients treatment or health/mental health care plans; may formulate and implement nursing care plans; may participate in outpatient clinics and assist in physical examinations; may administer routine tests; may conduct training; may delegate nursing tasks consistent with established protocols; may participate in psychotherapeutic and rehabilitation interventions; may physically restrain patients/clients; may provide related medical or mental health specialty services; may serve as Qualified Mental Retardation Professional; 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; knowledge of and ability to apply clinical therapeutic models of client/patient care with emphasis on interdisciplinary team approach; 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 patient/client care applicable to work assignment; ability to listen and provide empathetic assistance to patients/clients and families in meeting their needs and carrying out prescribed treatments; ability to develop therapeutic relationships with patients/clients, 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.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE

Graduation from an accredited nursing program.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

1. Incumbents in this class must possess and retain a license or temporary permit as a Registered Professional Nurse in Connecticut.
2. 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.
3. Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Incumbents in this class may be required to lift and restrain patients/clients; may have exposure to communicable/infectious diseases and risk of injury from assaultive/abusive patients/clients; 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.