Introduction
The Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services seeks qualified individuals for the two positions of Forensic Nurse at the Whiting Forensic Hospital - Whiting Service. POSITION # 00117848 & 00117849. THESE ARE HAZARDOUS DUTY POSITIONS. These positions are located at the Whiting Forensic Hospital - Whiting Service - Unit 4 located in Middletown, CT. These are full-time, thirty-five (35) hour per week positions. The Work Schedule is, as follows: 2nd Shift - 2:45 p.m. to 11:15 p.m., every other weekend and holidays.
Please ensure that your application is complete and you have included a copy of your resume within the 'Resume Tab' of your application. You will be unable to make revisions once you submit your application into the JobAps system.
Applicants invited to interview will be requested to supply the following: a copy of their Motor Vehicle Operator's License and a copy of their Connecticut Registered Professional Nursing License or temporary permit.
Questions about this recruitment should be directed to Tiffany Reyes, DMHAS HR, 860-262-5907 or Tiffany.Reyes@ct.gov.
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.
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.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Incumbents in this class may be required to lift and restrain patients/clients; may have significant exposure to communicable and/or infectious diseases and risk of injury from assaultive and/or abusive patients/clients; may be exposed to disagreeable conditions.
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.
