CDOC Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) - DENVER

State of Colorado • Denver, CO

8h • Onsite

About The Position

This position provides skilled nursing care for the incarcerated offender in either an outpatient clinic, infirmary, or specialized cell house setting for acute care, chronic support and emergency interventions. LPN's are responsible for, but not limited to, the following: Documents in an accurate and timely manner to provide comprehensive offender medical records; Provides standardized patient education within established nursing guidelines; Transcribes medical orders and reports at change of shifts; Preserves confidentiality; Provides physical care and treatments, administers medications, collaborates on treatment plans, employs infection control measures, provides referral to appropriate Clinical Services staff for new arrivals, crisis intervention, interviews and triages offenders, and performs instruction and orientation; Assists physicians, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners with minor medical and surgical procedures; Ensures ordering and restocking of medications and supplies; May occasionally be required to participate in restraining an offender primarily for medical reasons; Delivering PO, IM, IV, SQ, SL medications to offenders in medication lines, infirmaries, specialized cell houses, and PRN; Observes and reports the physical and emotional condition of offenders including the effectiveness of medications and treatments during sick line emergencies; Promotes and is accountable for safety and security of the clinical environment through conscientious observations and sensitive item/contraband control including counting syringes, needles, narcotics, instruments, and key control; Operates a variety of clinical equipment dictated by the type of equipment available in the assigned work unit; Knowledgeable about all Life Safety policies and procedures applicable to the assigned work unit; Informs supervisor of any violations of security or safety through the report writing process; Attends training programs as assigned, including 2-day self-defense to ensure self protection skills; This position may be required to work any shift, weekends, and holidays.

Requirements

• Current, valid license as a Licensed Practical Nurse from the Colorado Board of Nursing or any state participating in the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC)
• Self-control, a strong sense of ability to work in stressful, potentially violent situations
• Ability to remain alert, emotionally stable, and mentally resilient under pressure and observant throughout their shift
• Tolerance to stress, confinement, and high-stakes interaction
• Ability to effectively treat offender patients on a daily basis in a variety of settings
• Ability to follow patient confidentiality standards
• Ability to respond to emergency situations involving offenders and/or medical situations
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to read and comprehend the English language
• Ability to effectively communicate fluently in English both verbally and in writing
• Ability to create accessible documents and technical content that follows plain language guidelines with accessibility in mind
• Excellent discernment and decision making skills
• Ability to follow instructions and pay attention to details
• Ability to work a variety of shifts on a full time basis
• Must be 18 years of age
• Possess a valid driver’s license
• Possess a high school diploma or GED
• Have NO felony convictions
• Applicants must have valid U.S. work authorization at the time of application
• Possess the physical ability to successfully complete Defensive Tactics
• Must be able to see and hear in order to observe, address and respond to potential breaches in safety and security
• Seize, hold, control or subdue violent or assaultive persons and defend oneself or others to prevent injury
• Demonstrate body agility, strength of all four limbs and the ability to walk and climb stairs consistently
• Work in situations involving assaultive behavior, physical control of another person and/or restraint situations
• Deal with individuals with a range of moods and behaviors, utilizing tactfulness and a congenial, personable manner
• Work with people of the opposite sex, diverse racial ethnic groups, mentally ill and emotionally disturbed offenders
• Communicate by talking, listening and/or signaling people to convey or exchange information, assignments
• Work in an environment with fluctuating noise and temperature (hot and cold) which may include working outdoors in inclement weather and/or concrete floor/wall work settings
• Willing and able to travel
• Willing and able to work various shifts, days, afternoons, graveyards (nights) which includes a rotating shift schedule
• Successful completion of a background investigation is required

Nice To Haves

• Intravenous Certification
• Long term and acute care experience
• Experience as an LPN in a correctional environment

Responsibilities

• Documents in an accurate and timely manner to provide comprehensive offender medical records
• Provides standardized patient education within established nursing guidelines
• Transcribes medical orders and reports at change of shifts
• Preserves confidentiality
• Provides physical care and treatments, administers medications, collaborates on treatment plans, employs infection control measures, provides referral to appropriate Clinical Services staff for new arrivals, crisis intervention, interviews and triages offenders, and performs instruction and orientation
• Assists physicians, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners with minor medical and surgical procedures
• Ensures ordering and restocking of medications and supplies
• May occasionally be required to participate in restraining an offender primarily for medical reasons
• Delivering PO, IM, IV, SQ, SL medications to offenders in medication lines, infirmaries, specialized cell houses, and PRN
• Observes and reports the physical and emotional condition of offenders including the effectiveness of medications and treatments during sick line emergencies
• Promotes and is accountable for safety and security of the clinical environment through conscientious observations and sensitive item/contraband control including counting syringes, needles, narcotics, instruments, and key control
• Operates a variety of clinical equipment dictated by the type of equipment available in the assigned work unit
• Knowledgeable about all Life Safety policies and procedures applicable to the assigned work unit
• Informs supervisor of any violations of security or safety through the report writing process
• Attends training programs as assigned, including 2-day self-defense to ensure self protection skills

Benefits

• PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan plus 401K and 457 plans
• Medical and dental health plans
• Short and long term disability coverage
• Paid life insurance
• 11 paid holidays per year plus vacation and sick leave
• Wellness program
• Tuition reimbursement
• Training opportunities

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED