CDOC TEMPORARY AIDE - Certified Nurses Aide (CNA) / Medication Administraction (QMAP) - (DENVER)

State of Colorado • Denver, CO

2d • Onsite

About The Position

This temporary position is located at the Denver Reception and Diagnostic Center in Denver, Colorado. The aide provides patient care in a clinical setting, assists with daily living activities, supports nurses with patient monitoring and care procedures, and performs related clerical and medication-support duties. The role also involves working with incarcerated patients in a correctional environment and may require participation in restraints for medical reasons.

The position is temporary for nine months or less. Employees must complete Colorado Department of Corrections Basic Training and meet the listed physical, safety, background, licensing, and employment conditions. The role may involve rotating shifts, including days, afternoons, and nights, and work in variable noise and temperature conditions, potentially outdoors or in concrete-floor and wall settings.

Requirements

• At least one year of full-time experience as a Certified Nurse Aide (CNA), unless substituted by current, valid Practical Nurse (LPN) licensure from Colorado or a state participating in the Nurse Licensure Compact.
• Valid, active Colorado Nurse Aide Certification (CNA).
• Valid, active QMAP (Qualified Medication Administration Personnel) certification from a CDPHE-approved training entity; QMAP registration is required at application, and a copy of the certification or registration must be attached.
• High school diploma or GED.
• At least 18 years of age.
• Valid driver’s license; drivers must meet applicable Colorado driving requirements.
• No felony convictions or disqualifying sexual-abuse-related convictions or adjudications described in the posting.
• Valid U.S. work authorization at the time of application; H-1B sponsorship is not available.
• Successfully pass all modules of Colorado Department of Corrections Basic Training, including English reading comprehension and relevant competency assessments and written and practical defensive-tactics exams.
• Physical ability to complete defensive-tactics training and duties, including specified movements, physical control and restraint activities, and response to physical impacts; ability to see and hear to observe and respond to safety and security issues; and agility, strength, walking, and stair-climbing ability.
• Ability to work in situations involving assaultive behavior, physical control of another person, and restraint situations.
• Ability to work with people of diverse backgrounds and functional levels, including individuals who are mentally ill or emotionally disturbed, and to deal tactfully with a range of moods and behaviors.
• Ability to remain alert, emotionally stable, observant, and mentally resilient under pressure; self-control and tolerance for stress, confinement, and high-stakes interactions.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and positive, professional communication with inmates and staff; strong oral and written communication skills; ability to read and understand English and communicate fluently in English verbally and in writing.
• Ability to create accessible documents and technical content using plain-language guidelines.
• Knowledge of multidisciplinary health care delivery systems and ability to problem-solve, work as a team, and operate independently within the CNA scope of practice.
• Integrity in handling confidential health care information, including inmate records.
• Basic knowledge of computer systems.
• Ability to communicate by speaking, listening, or signaling to exchange information and assignments.
• Willingness and ability to travel and work various shifts, including days, afternoons, graveyards, and rotating schedules.
• Ability to work in fluctuating noise and temperature, potentially outdoors in inclement weather or in concrete-floor and wall settings.
• Successful medical screening, tuberculosis screening upon hire, background investigation, and drug testing; random drug screening applies during employment.
• Must be exposed to Oleoresin Capsicum during Basic Training and may be exposed while on assignment.
• State vehicle operators must maintain a safe driving record and meet applicable requirements for operating a state vehicle.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working as a CNA in a correctional environment.
• Current CPR certification; attach certification.
• Current First Aid certification; attach certification.
• Experience working with patients who have multiple disabilities, including physical and mental disabilities.
• Experience working with the senior population.
• Hospice experience.

Responsibilities

• Assist patients with activities of daily living, including bathing, mouth care, dressing, toileting, clothing changes, ambulation, and feeding.
• Obtain and record vital signs for review by a staff nurse.
• Assist with patient transfers and turning in bed.
• Report changes in patient skin condition and health care complaints to the shift registered nurse.
• Empty catheter bags, offer fluids, and record intake and output.
• Apply external catheters.
• Talk with patients to help keep them oriented to person, place, and time.
• Respond to call lights and inmate requests for assistance.
• Assist with meal distribution and change linens according to the unit schedule.
• Help patients make their beds and keep their rooms picked up.
• Perform dressing changes, soaks, finger-stick blood glucose measurements, vital signs, and pulse oximetry under a registered nurse’s supervision and direction.
• Maintain appropriate control and accountability of tools and materials.
• Participate in development of patient plans of care.
• May participate in restraining an inmate, primarily for medical reasons.
• Provide clerical assistance by answering phones, taking and forwarding accurate messages, transcribing medical orders, and filing medical records.
• Retrieve and enter kites in the computerized kite log.
• Schedule inmates for sick-line and chronic-care visits according to facility guidelines.
• Assist with medication delivery.
• Receive, verify, store, and prepare pharmaceuticals for return.
• Assist with inventory maintenance and supply stocking.

Benefits

• Career advancement opportunities throughout the state system.
• Retirement benefits through the PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan, plus 401(k) and 457 plans.
• Bi-weekly pay cycle.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED