STATE OF CONNECTICUT EXECUTIVE BRANCH JOBS

Forensic Nurse (35 Hour)

Recruitment #221205-0356HJ-001

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Introduction



ABOUT US
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 POSITION
We are seeking an experienced and qualified individual for the position of Forensic Nurse (Position Number 125938). This position is located in the Whiting Building Unit 4. We are located in Middletown, CT and easily accessible off of Route 9. This position is full time, 35 hours per week, and second shift with a work schedule of 2:45 p.m. to 11:15 p.m. with the following rotating days off:

  • Week 1: Monday and Tuesday off
  • Week 2: Saturday, Sunday, and Wednesday off
Please note, this is a Hazardous Duty position.

In this role, discover the opportunity to:
  • Be a part of a comprehensive team of caring professionals;
  • Provide support to hospital that is passionate about improving the lives of those we serve;
  • Assist our clients and employees so they can achieve success;
  • Make a difference in the public sector; and
  • Work collaboratively with professional staff in order to maximize the effectiveness of work performed in a maximum security environment.
WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU
  • We offer a competitive benefits plan that includes healthcare coverage, a retirement plan as well as paid time off, including 12* paid holidays per calendar year (*13 paid holidays beginning in 2023).
  • We encourage a strong work/life balance for all state employees.
  • We offer opportunities for professional and personal growth.
  • We have limitless areas for you to perform relevant and significant work
Each Registered Nurse who is permanently assigned to the second or third shift shall receive a “recruitment and retention” yearly bonus of three thousand dollars ($3,000.00). In order to be eligible for this bonus, the Employee must have completed one year of service in the registered nurse classification.

Check out the video below to learn more about why our Nurses love working for the State of Connecticut!

Selection Plan

FOR ASSISTANCE IN APPLYING:
Please visit our 'Applicant Tips on How to Apply' page.

To Apply:
  • In order to be considered for this job opening, you must meet the Minimum Qualifications as listed on the job opening. The minimum experience and training requirements must be met by the close date on the job opening, unless otherwise specified.
  • You must specify your qualifications on your application. You will be unable to make revisions once you submit your application for this posting to the JobAps system.
  • In order to comply with Public Act 21-69, the State of Connecticut is no longer asking for resumes during the initial application process.
  • All application materials must be received by the recruiting agency by the time specified on the job opening for the position for which you are applying. Late applications may not be submitted and will not be considered. Exceptions are rare and limited to documented events that incapacitate a candidate during the entire duration of the job posting time period. It is the candidate’s obligation and responsibility to request an exception and provide a legally recognized justification to accommodate such exception. Requests should be made to DAS.SHRM@ct.gov.
  • This position will be filled in accordance with contractual language, reemployment, SEBAC, transfer, promotion and merit employment rules.
Important Next Step Information for After You Apply:
  • Although applicants will receive correspondence via email, as a backup they are also encouraged to sign on to their Personal Status Board on a daily basis to monitor their status, view all emailed notices and complete tasks required in the recruitment process.
  • This posting may require completion of additional referral questions (RQs). You can access these RQs via an email that will be sent to you after the posting's closing date or by visiting your JobAps Personal Status Board (Certification Questionnaires section). Your responses to these RQs must be submitted by the question's expiration date. Please regularly check your email and JobAps Personal Status Board for notifications. Please check your SPAM and/or Junk folders on a daily basis in the event an email provider places auto-notification emails in a user's spam.
  • Note: At any point during the recruitment process, applicants may be required to submit additional documentation which support their qualification(s) for this position. These documents may include: a cover letter, resume, transcripts, diplomas, performance reviews, attendance records, supervisory references, licensure, etc., at the discretion of the hiring agency.
  • The immediate vacancy is listed above, however, applications to this recruitment may be used for future vacancies in this job class.
  • Interviews will be limited to candidates whose experience and training most closely meet the requirements of the position.
  • Candidates who are offered and accept a position with the State of Connecticut are bound by the State Code of Ethics for Public Officials and State Employees which is available at www.ct.gov/ethics.
Connect With Us:
  • Due to the large volume of applications received, we are unable to provide confirmation of receipt or status during the recruitment process.
  • Updates will be available through your JobAps portal account. If you have any questions pertaining to this recruitment please contact Pamela Rochette via email at Pamela.Rochette@ct.gov.
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PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

In the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, Whiting Forensic Institute this class is accountable for providing professional nursing services involving the evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of mentally ill offenders and violent and/or antisocial patients/clients who are unmanageable in other psychiatric or correctional settings.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Independently implements the nursing process with patients/clients including carrying out physicians orders regarding diet, medication and treatment; makes ward rounds and gives direct care; takes and records vital signs; changes dressings; checks and distributes controlled drugs; maintains availability of drugs and supplies; observes adequacy of housekeeping and maintenance services; performs first aid and alerts physicians to emergency conditions; records observations of physical and physiological status and actions taken; confers with nurses and physicians on other shifts regarding condition of patients/clients; assesses patients/clients medical-psychosocial needs; works collaboratively with members of an interdisciplinary team in planning direct care; formulates and implements nursing care plans; evaluates nursing actions taken and modifies and/or revises nursing interventions based on patient/client need and response; teaches skills of self care to patients/clients; protects human and civil rights of patients/clients and staff; educates patients/clients and their families towards an awareness and understanding of health, illness and medication usage; maintains records and reports; may participate in bathing and feeding of patients/clients; may assist in physical examinations and histories; may administer EKG and eye examinations; may assist in design and collection of data for research projects; performs related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

Knowledge and ability to apply professional nursing theory, practice and ethics; knowledge of nursing practices necessary to provide effective services to patients/clients in a maximum security environment; 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 social-economic difference; knowledge of and ability to apply clinical therapeutic models of care with emphasis on interdisciplinary team approach; considerable 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 and one (1) year experience in the care of the mentally ill or emotionally disturbed.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Experience in nursing with Psychiatric Security Review Board (PSRB) clients;
  • Experience working with clients that have behavioral health issues;
  • Experience working in a hospital setting;
  • Experience in nursing with restraints and seclusion.

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.

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.

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.





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