Registered Nurse Health Compliance Inspector, Nursing Facilities - FAA00313

State of Colorado•Denver, CO

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Health Facilities and Emergency Medical Services Division (HFEMSD) is responsible for the oversight and enforcement of federal and state statutes and regulations for approximately 3,200 healthcare facilities in Colorado. This includes licensing, certification recommendations, routine surveys, consumer safety programs, EMS education recognition, and air ambulance licensing. The division's mission is to protect the health, safety, and welfare of patients and residents by ensuring compliance with laws and regulations, and to provide public information on healthcare facilities. This position assesses the care, treatment, and quality of life provided by healthcare facilities through observations, interviews, and record reviews, evaluating compliance with statutes and regulations. The role involves acting as the RN on survey teams, conducting nursing observations, medication pass tasks, and reviewing serious deficiencies to ensure appropriate intervention. The position requires writing statements of deficiencies, acting as a resource and educator for providers and consumers, and investigating complex complaint allegations.

Requirements

Current, valid licensure as a Registered Nurse from the Colorado Board of Nursing or any state participating in the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC).
Six (6) years of applicable health care in a facility or program regulated by the Health Facilities and Emergency Medical Services Division.
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in Nursing, Public Health, Social Work, or closely related field (if using education to substitute for experience).
Proficiency in fundamental computer skills such as navigating operating systems, using basic software applications, and communicating through email is required.
Ability to analyze and interpret clinical evidence and observe, record, and interpret information.
Ability to perform the physical demands of this active position.
Thoroughness when performing work and conscientiousness in attention to detail.
Model high standards of honesty, integrity, trust, openness and respect for individuals.
Ability to speak and write clearly and concisely.
Interpersonal and Conflict Management Skills- Displays understanding, courtesy, tact, empathy and concern; develops and maintains effective relationships; deals skillfully with people who are difficult, hostile or distressed; effectively manages and resolves conflicts, confrontations and disagreements in a positive and constructive way; does not avoid conflict when it can produce better solutions.
Pre-employment background check
Ability and willingness to travel independently or with a group of other health professionals up to 50% of the time throughout Colorado.
Active, unrestricted RN license
Must be willing to work in environments where contagious diseases may be present (appropriate personal protective equipment and procedural protocols will be provided).
Be available in the event of an emergency, (e.g., bio-terrorist attack, chemical attack, disease outbreak or all hazards) and be required to report to work immediately at the regular or alternate location. During this time, travel restrictions may be in place.
Be available in the event of the activation of the Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) and be required to report to work immediately at the regular or alternate location. During this time, travel restrictions may be in place
Must be proficient in word processing and able to use current communication technology to connect to the office from the field.
Must obtain an influenza shot annually prior to the onset of the flu season or wear a mask while on facility/agency premises.
Must be vaccinated against COVID19.
Must be able to perform annual fit testing for N-95 masks, as well as complete annual training on donning and doffing of personal protective equipment (PPE).
Must be able to lift and carry up to 45lbs. of equipment for extended periods of time.
Must be able to walk or stand for extended periods of time including climbing multiple flights of stairs.
Must be able to hold a tablet computer in a standing position.
Once employed in this position, must successfully complete and apply all required surveyor training (unless training is unavailable) within the first six (6) months of service.
Requires the use and operation of state fleet vehicles.

Nice To Haves

Relevant years of State service contribute to a candidates position-related knowledge, skill, ability, behavior or other posted competency should be considered as a preferred qualification and given weight under the process.
Non-clinical or clinical health care experience, preferably in an acute or specialized setting nursing facility or agency but will consider other areas such as assisted living/home care, etc
Experience with evaluating a health care facility's quality of care, services, and treatment of the residents/clients.
Experience to evaluate facility practices through observations and record review.
Experience with conducting interviews with residents/patients, family members, staff, outside agencies and medical professionals.
Experience with analyzing evidence and survey results to determine if and why a healthcare facility is out of compliance with applicable statutes and regulations.
Experience writing clear, concise, and legally defensible statements of deficiencies.
Experience and proficiency in word processing and able to use current communication technology.

Responsibilities

On an unannounced basis, independently or as a member of an interdisciplinary team, surveys (inspects) Nursing Facilities to determine whether the entity is operating in compliance with applicable statutes/regulations.
Assesses and evaluates health care facility quality of care, services, and treatment of the residents/patients as well as facility practices through observations, record review, as well as interviews with residents/patients, family members, staff, and outside agency and medical professionals.
Collects and documents evidence and survey results based upon observations, interviews and record review.
Analyzes the evidence and survey results in order to determine whether and how the health care facility is out of compliance with applicable statutes and regulations.
Uses judgment and experience in choosing specific regulations to be cited.
Writes clear, concise, and legally defensible statements of deficiencies based on analysis of the documented findings and extensive knowledge of these laws, regulations and guidelines.
Advises health care facility providers, health care consumers, and other governmental agencies regarding regulatory requirements.
Decides what inspection areas identified as non-compliant will be cited and then decides the specific regulation that the deficiency should be cited under.
Investigates complex complaint allegations, analyzes the data gathered during the investigation, determines whether the allegations of regulatory noncompliance are substantiated and, if substantiated, determines the appropriate regulatory citations to be issued.

Benefits

Free parking and access to RTD bus lines.
Flexible working arrangements
Retirement ( PERA options), Medical and dental health plans Defined Benefit Plan or the PERA Defined Contribution Plan, plus optional 401K and 457 plans
Paid life insurance
Short- and long-term disability coverage
11 paid holidays per year and generous personal time off
Tuition assistance
Wellness programs
Professional development opportunities on a wide variety of subjects
Career advancement opportunities throughout the State system
Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program.