Licensed Practical Nurse (35 Hour)

State of Connecticut • Southbury, CT

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The State of Connecticut Department of Developmental Services, West Region, at Southbury Training School is hiring four full-time Licensed Practical Nurses in Southbury, Connecticut. The role provides bedside care to individuals with physical disabilities and/or intellectual disabilities when registered-nurse services are not required. LPNs assist physicians and registered nurses with care and treatment, administer medications and treatments, monitor and document individual health status, and respond to changing medical needs. They help maintain a safe and healthy living environment, support individuals in understanding their medications and care, and contribute to emergency response as needed.

The listed positions include first- and second-shift schedules, with rotating two-week work patterns and regular days off. Schedule flexibility is required; employees may be required to work nights and weekends and travel. A valid driver's license is required, as is the ability to obtain Medical Administration Certification from the Department of Developmental Services. Second- and third-shift employees permanently assigned to those shifts may qualify for a $600 annual retention bonus after completing one year of service in the classification.

The State offers professional growth and paid professional development opportunities. It is an eligible Public Service Loan Forgiveness employer. The successful candidate will provide person-centered care that supports the health, dignity, well-being, and quality of life of the individuals served.

Requirements

• Hold a Connecticut license or temporary permit to practice nursing issued by the State Board of Examiners for Nursing, or hold a Multistate or Compact Licensed Practical Nurse license.
• Have a valid driver's license.
• Be able to obtain Medical Administration Certification from the Department of Developmental Services.
• Be able to work a flexible schedule to meet job demands, including nights and weekends, and travel.
• For designated positions, may be required to possess and retain a valid Connecticut Motor Vehicle Operator's license with Public Passenger Endorsement or a Commercial Driver's license.
• Knowledge of practical nursing specialties and bedside care; medications used for individuals with physical disabilities and/or intellectual disabilities; infection control practices; nutrition and diets; and medical and laboratory sciences.
• Considerable interpersonal, oral communication, and written communication skills; ability to keep records and lead staff.
• May be required to lift or restrain individuals and may face exposure to communicable or infectious diseases, risk of injury from assaultive or abusive individuals, and disagreeable conditions.

Nice To Haves

• IV certification.
• Experience with all types of feeding tubes.
• Experience with tracheostomy care.
• Experience with oxygen therapy.
• Experience with wound care, including wound-vac treatments.
• Experience administering medications and treatments in high volumes.
• Experience and ability to work independently.
• Strong computer skills.
• Experience working directly with different medical providers.
• Experience with scheduling, particularly medical appointments.

Responsibilities

• Assist doctors and nurses in the general care and treatment of individuals.
• Measure doses and administer medications, including insulin injections; document medications on appropriate forms and perform narcotic counts.
• Check and, when appropriate, administer intravenous medications.
• Report changes in individuals' conditions to doctors.
• Ensure restraints are applied correctly.
• Transcribe doctors' medication orders, dispense certain medications in a doctor's absence, and apply topical medication.
• Take and chart temperatures, pulses, and respirations; perform simple nursing treatments.
• Monitor general individual needs, including personal hygiene, and report on individuals' conditions and behavior.
• Maintain a safe and healthy unit.
• Administer enemas or suppositories and provide Foley catheterization care.
• Orient individuals concerning their medications and their use.
• Provide emergency first aid when needed.
• Drive individuals to necessary appointments or outings when required.
• Perform related duties as required.

Benefits

• Professional growth and paid professional development opportunities.
• A healthy work-life balance.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility as an employer.
• Potential $600 annual retention bonus for qualifying employees permanently assigned to second or third shift, after one year of service in the classification.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed