Director Of Nursing 1

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.

Whiting Forensic Hospital specializes in providing inpatient services to individuals involved in the criminal justice system. The hospital consists of 91 maximum security beds and 138 enhanced security beds.  Services are provided to individuals who are admitted under the following categories: Psychiatric Security Review Board commitment, Criminal court order for restoration of competency to stand trial, Civil commitment (voluntary or involuntary) and Transfer from the Department of Correction (during period of incarceration or at end of sentence). Discharge options are dependent on legal status and the purpose of admission.   

The DMHAS, Whiting Forensic Hospital seeks an experienced and qualified individual for the position of Director of Nursing 1 (PCN 123850). Our team members are passionate about improving the lives of those we serve.  This position is located within Whiting Forensic Hospital and conveniently located in Middletown, CT.  This is a full-time, 40 hour per week position.  The work schedule is, as follows: 2nd Shift; 2:45pm – 11:15pm; 80-80-80, every other weekend. This is a Hazardous Duty Position. 

Do you want to make a difference while participating in a dynamic and reciprocal health care environment in the public sector? If so, we have an excellent opportunity for you to join our hospital’s team!

You will discover the opportunity to:

• Lead all aspects of nursing services in Whiting Forensic Hospital which specializes in PSRB, Competency, Civil and Forensic patients with comorbid Psychiatric diagnoses;
• Actively direct nursing services to the assigned units in the Dutcher and Whiting max buildings;
• Actively work in a setting where the primary focus is caring for patients who are admitted to our inpatient services with both long-term and short-term psychiatric disabilities;
• Work in a 24 hour Director of Nursing coverage facility;
• Activity participate in collaboration with HR and Labor Relations in active investigations;
• Be the direct point of contact in all nursing personnel investigations; 
• Work directly with the Whiting leadership team;
• Work collaboratively with unit teams to improve common goals;
• Be responsible for shift random and restraint video review;
• Respond to all medical and psychiatric codes. 

We participate in a generous and competitive benefits plan that includes healthcare coverage, a retirement plan as well as paid time off!  

Please ensure that your application is complete and you have included your Resume in the 'Resume Tab' of your application as you will be unable to make revisions once you submit your application into the JobAps system.   Individuals considered for interview will be required to submit additional documentation supporting their qualification(s) for this position.  These documents may include performance reviews, attendance, supervisory references, college transcripts, licensure, etc.  You do not have to attach these documents to your application submission.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

Should you have questions pertaining to this recruitment, please contact Julie Barker at Julie.Barker@ct.gov or (860) 262-6745.

In the Departments of Children and Families, Developmental Services, Mental Health and Addiction Services and Veterans Affairs this class is accountable for directing nursing services or other clinical services.

Directs or assists with direction of staff and operation of nursing/clinical department; directs or assists with planning and managing of nursing/clinical activities; develops or assists with formulation of program goals and objectives; develops or assists in development of related policy incorporating current nursing/clinical research and professionally recognized standards; develops or assists in development and implementation of plans for care; interprets and administers pertinent laws; evaluates staff; prepares or assists in preparation of budget; maintains contacts with individuals both within and outside of department who might impact on program activities; makes rounds to determine quality of nursing care; assures optimal quality of care is provided in a safe environment; develops and/or implements effective ongoing programs to measure, assess and improve quality of nursing care, treatment and services delivered to patients; oversees programming for facility personnel to improve knowledge and practices of infection control; develops productive work teams; intervenes in crisis situations and investigates all unusual incidents; protects human and civil rights of patients and/or clients and staff; compiles data and prepares periodic reports; leads and participates in meetings; responsible for coordinating and providing twenty-four hour nursing coverage for facility or assigned unit(s); may provide direct patient and/or client care; may speak on behalf of nursing/clinical services; may oversee other disciplines including but not limited to pharmacy, respiratory therapy or social work; may participate in strategic planning; performs related duties as required.

Considerable knowledge of nursing principles and practices in appropriate specialty; knowledge of behavioral health nursing; knowledge of and ability to apply management principles and techniques; knowledge of nursing administration; knowledge of interviewing and counseling techniques; knowledge of principles and practices of infection control related to infections and preventable diseases; knowledge of current developments in field of nursing including current complexities of the healthcare industry; knowledge of principles and practices of infection control related to infections and preventable diseases; knowledge of trend variance analysis; some knowledge of governmental accounting and budgeting; some knowledge of marketing; some knowledge of and ability to develop strategic plans; considerable interpersonal skills; considerable oral and written communication skills.

Two (2) years of experience in hospital nursing in a managerial or supervisory capacity at or above the level of Supervising Nurse working with the patients/clients serviced by the agency.

1. Incumbents in this class must possess and retain a license as a registered professional nurse in Connecticut.

2. Incumbents in this class serving in the capacity of the Nurse Executive are required to possess a master's degree in nursing, social or behavioral science, public health administration, health care administration, hospital administration or a related field.

3. Incumbents in this class may be required to possess and retain a valid Motor Vehicle Operator’s license.

4. Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.

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.