STATE OF CONNECTICUT EXECUTIVE BRANCH JOBS

Licensed Practical Nurse (35 Hour)

Recruitment #210401-5415HN-001

Introduction




Do you want to make a difference in the lives of others? If so, We have an excellent opportunity for you to join our team of individuals committed to the goal of making a difference for individuals with mental health challenges!

The Connecticut Mental Health Center (CMHC) is currently recruiting for a Licensed Practical Nurse (PCN 126131) in our Acute Inpatient Unit located at 34 Park Street, New Haven, CT. This position is 3rd shift (11:30pm - 8:00am), full-time with a work schedule of 35 hours per week, rotating schedule including weekends and holidays.
 
You will discover the opportunity to:
  • Assist Registered Nurses in providing general care and treatment of patients
  • Receive handoff report at change of shift
  • Assist RNs in assignments
  • Engage in a rewarding career
  • Provide support to a division that is passionate about improving the lives of those we serve
The vision of CMHC is to treat people with mental illness in their communities, to provide a place for researchers from many fields to find new treatments, and to teach professionals in the care of mental illness.

CMHC treats individuals suffering from severe and persistent psychosis, depression, anxiety, addictions (including alcoholism, cocaine, and gambling) and those with co-existing mental health and addiction problems. We are nationally recognized for its research into the causes and treatment of mental illness and addiction.

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.

Our employees participate in a competitive benefits plan that includes healthcare coverage, and a retirement plan, as well as paid time off! We encourage a healthy work/life balance to all employees.

Selection Plan

This position will be filled in accordance with contractual language, reemployment, SEBAC, transfer, promotion and merit employment rules. In order to be considered for this job opening, you must meet the Minimum Qualifications as listed on the job opening. You must specify your qualifications on your application.

Due to the volume of applications anticipated, we are unable to provide confirmation of receipt or status during the recruitment process. Updates will be provided through your JobAps portal account.

Interviews will be limited to candidates whose experience most closely meet the preferred requirements of the position. Applicants invited to interview may be required to submit additional documentation, which supports their qualification(s) for this position. These documents may include: performance reviews, supervisory references, college transcripts, licensure, etc., at the discretion of the hiring agency.

Please Note: You will be unable to make revisions once you submit your application for this posting to the JobAps system.

This posting may require completion of additional referral questions (RQs) which will be sent to you via email after the closing date. The email notification will include an expiration date by which you must submit (Finish) your responses. Please regularly check your email for notifications. Please check your SPAM and/or Junk folders, as emails could end up there in error.

The minimum experience and training requirements must be met by the close date on the job opening, unless otherwise specified.

Applications to this recruitment may be used for future vacancies.

Should you have questions pertaining to this recruitment, please contact Chanhda.Ly@ct.gov.

PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

In a state facility, this class is accountable for rendering bedside care or mental health services to individuals with physical and/or intellectual disabilities in instances where the services of a registered nurse are not required.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Assists doctors and nurses in the general care and treatment of individuals; measures doses and administers medications including insulin injections; documents medications using appropriate forms; performs narcotic counts; checks and may administer intravenous medications; reports changes in individuals to doctors; ensures that restraints are applied correctly; transcribes doctors medication orders; dispenses certain medications in doctor’s absence; applies topical medication; takes and charts temperatures, pulses and respirations; performs simple nursing treatments; monitors general individual needs including personal hygiene; reports on individual conditions and behavior; keeps the unit safe and healthy; administers enemas or suppositories; performs Foley catheterization care; orients individuals concerning medications and their use; may perform emergency first aid; may drive individuals to necessary appointments/outings; performs related duties as required.

DEPARTMENT OF DEVELOPMENTAL SERVICES: performs the full range of duties as described in the class specification for the Lead Developmental Services Worker.

DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH AND ADDICTION SERVICES: performs the full range of duties as described in class specifications for the Mental Health Assistant 1 or Mental Health Assistant 2.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

Knowledge of practical nursing specialties and bedside care; knowledge of various medications used in conjunction for the care of individuals who have physical and/or intellectual disabilities; knowledge of infection control practices; some knowledge of nutrition and diets; basic knowledge of medical and lab sciences; considerable interpersonal skills; ability to keep records; some ability to lead staff.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

License or temporary permit to practice nursing in Connecticut by the State Board of Examiners for Nursing.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Experience working in a mental health center; 
  • Experience working with clients with mental health and addiction problems; 
  • Experience in performing health screenings vitals, health education; 
  • Experience in working as part of a multidisciplinary team; 
  • Experience with a variety of medical and mental health providers in order to coordinate care for client’s behavioral and medical health needs;

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

DEPARTMENT OF DEVELOPMENTAL SERVICES: Incumbents in this class may be required to possess and retain a valid Connecticut Motor Vehicle Operator's license, Public Passenger Endorsement or Commercial Driver's license for designated positions.

WORKING CONDITIONS

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