STATE OF CONNECTICUT EXECUTIVE BRANCH JOBS

Licensed Practical Nurse (35 Hour)

Office/On-Site

Recruitment #250407-5415HN-002

Introduction


Are you a Licensed Practical Nurse looking for an opportunity to make a difference in the public sector? 
If so, read below and apply today!

ABOUT US:
The State of Connecticut, Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) is a health care agency whose mission is to promote the overall health and wellness of persons with behavioral health needs through an integrated network of holistic, comprehensive, effective, and efficient services and supports that foster dignity, respect, and self-sufficiency in those we serve.

THE POSITION:
We are currently seeking a Licensed Practical Nurse to join our team within Southwest Connecticut Mental Health System (SWCMHS).

POSITION HIGHLIGHTS
  • SCHEDULE: Full-Time (35 Hours), Second Shift, 72-72-80, Monday - Friday, Every other weekend and rotating holidays
  • FACILITY: Greater Bridgeport Community Mental Health Center (GBCMHC)
  • UNIT: 
  • ADDRESS: 1635 Central Avenue, Bridgeport
  • POSITION NUMBER: 126676

WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU:

  • Visit our new State Employee Benefits Overview page!
  • Professional growth and development opportunities
  • A healthy work/life balance!
  • Work at a Forbes-recognized company! Connecticut is proud to be featured on both America's Best Employers by State and Best Employers for New Grads in 2024. With our dynamic job market and commitment to fostering a thriving workforce, Connecticut stands out as a top destination for both seasoned professionals and fresh graduates seeking to launch their careers!
DISCOVER THE OPPORTUNITY TO:
  • Be a part of a comprehensive team of caring professionals; 
  • Provide support that is passionate about improving the lives of those we serve; 
  • Assist our clients so they can achieve success; 
  • Make a difference in the public sector; and 
  • Work together in a collaborative team environment. 
    OUR MISSION:
    The vision of the Southwest Connecticut Mental Health System is to provide high quality, compassionate and culturally competent mental health and substance abuse services to adults with behavioral health disorders who are indigent.

    Please note:

    Start with us.  Stay with us.  Grow with us.

    Selection Plan

    FOR ASSISTANCE IN APPLYING: 

    Check out our Applicant Tips on How to Apply

    Need more resources? Visit our Applicant Reference Library for additional support throughout the recruitment process. 

    FOR THOSE WHO HOLD AN RN LICENSE IN A STATE OTHER THAN CONNECTICUT AND WISH TO APPLY FOR A CONNECTICUT LICENSE, PLEASE:

    1. Review the eligibility and documentation requirements for CT license by endorsement of an out-of-state license;
    2. Complete a CT DPH online application online (expand the ‘Public Health Practitioners’ grouping, select ‘Registered Nurse’ and then ‘Start’;
    3. Request verification of your out-of-state license(s) electronically through the National Council of State Boards of Nursing’s : Nursys® System. To send verification of your license(s) to CT, read and agree to the terms, enter your biographic information, select your license type and select ‘SEARCH’. Review the results and select the ‘Next’ button. Check the box next to ‘Connecticut’ and complete the transaction. Once the transaction is completed, you will receive a confirmation email from Nursys and the verification will be available to the DPH. Note that PA and MI verifications are not provided through Nursys. Please contact those state boards for information on obtaining verification.

    Please Note: In order to receive educational credits toward qualification for this job posting, the institution must be accredited. If the institution of higher learning is located outside of the U.S., you are responsible for providing documentation from a recognized USA accrediting service which specializes in determining foreign education equivalencies to the recruiter listed on this job posting.


    BEFORE YOU APPLY: 

    • Meet Minimum Qualifications: Ensure you meet the Minimum Qualifications listed on the job opening by the job closing date. You must specify your qualifications on your application. The minimum experience and training requirements listed must be met by the close date on the job opening, unless otherwise specified.  
    • Educational Credits: List your earned credits and degrees from accredited institutions accurately on your application. To receive educational credits towards qualification, the institution must be accredited. If the institution of higher learning is located outside of the U.S., you are responsible for providing documentation from a recognized USA accrediting service which specializes in determining foreign education equivalencies to the contact listed below.
    • Resume Policy: Per Public Act 21-69, resumes are not accepted during the initial application process. As the recruitment process progresses, candidates may be required to submit additional documentation to support their qualification(s) for this position. This documentation may include: a cover letter, resume, transcripts, diplomas, performance reviews, attendance records, supervisory references, licensure, etc., at the request and discretion of the hiring agency. 
    • Preferred Shift/Location: Select all location(s) and shift(s) you are willing to work on your application. Failure to do so may result in not being considered for vacancies in that specific location or shift. 
    • Timely Submission: All application materials must be received by the job posting deadline. You will be unable to make revisions once you officially submit your application to the State.  Late submissions are rarely accepted, with exceptions only for documented events that incapacitate individuals during the entire duration of the job posting. Request exceptions by emailing DAS.SHRM@ct.gov
    • Salary Calculations: For current state employees, salary calculations are not necessarily comparable from one of the three branches of state government (i.e., Executive, Legislative, Judicial) to the other. 
    • Note: The only way to apply to this posting is via the ‘Apply’ or ‘Apply Online’ buttons on the official State of Connecticut Online Employment Center job posting.

    AFTER YOU APPLY: 

    • Referral Questions: This posting may require completion of additional Referral Questions (RQs), which must be completed by the questionnaire’s expiration date. If requested, RQs can be accessed via an email sent to you after the job close date or by visiting your JobAps Personal Status Board (Certification Questionnaires section).   
    • Prepare For An Interview: Interviews are limited to those whose experience and training are most aligned with the role. To prepare, review this helpful Interview Preparation Guide to make the best impression! 
    • Stay connected! Log in daily to your JobAps Personal Status Board to track your status and check email (including spam/junk folders) for updates and tasks.  
    • The immediate vacancy is listed above, however, applications to this recruitment may be used for future vacancies in this job class.  
    • Note: This position will be filled in accordance with contractual language, reemployment, SEBAC, transfer, promotion and merit employment rules. Candidates who are offered and accept a position with the State of Connecticut are bound by the State Code of Ethics for Public Officials and State employees, available at www.ct.gov/ethics.

    QUESTIONS? WE’RE HERE TO HELP: 

    Due to high volume, we are unable to confirm receipt or provide status updates directly. For recruitment updates, please check your Personal Status Board and review our Frequently Asked Questions. If you have additional questions about the recruitment process, reach out to Nicole Frascatore via Nicole.Frascatore@ct.gov.

    Join the State of Connecticut and take your next career step with confidence!

    PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

    In a state facility this class is accountable for rendering bedside care or mental health services to individuals with physical disabilities and/or an intellectual disability in instances where the services of a registered nurse are not required.

    EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

    • Assists doctors and nurses in the general care and treatment of individuals;
    • Measures doses and administers medications including insulin injections; 
    • Documents medications using appropriate forms;
    • Performs narcotic counts;
    • Checks and may administer intravenous medications;
    • Reports changes in individuals to doctors;
    • Ensures that restraints are applied correctly;
    • Transcribes doctors medication orders;
    • Dispenses certain medications in doctor’s absence;
    • Applies topical medication;
    • Takes and charts temperatures, pulses and respirations;
    • Performs simple nursing treatments;
    • Monitors general individual needs including personal hygiene;
    • Reports on individual conditions and behavior;
    • Keeps the unit safe and healthy;
    • Administers enemas or suppositories;
    • Performs Foley catheterization care;
    • Orients individuals concerning medications and their use;
    • May perform emergency first aid;
    • May drive individuals to necessary appointments/outings;
    • Performs related duties as required.
    DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH AND ADDICTION SERVICES:
    • Performs the full range of duties as described in class specifications for the Mental Health Assistant 1 or Mental Health Assistant 2.

    KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

    • Knowledge of
      • practical nursing specialties and bedside care;
      • various medications used in conjunction for the care of individuals who have physical disabilities and/or an intellectual disability;
      • infection control practices;
      • nutrition and diets;
      • medical and lab sciences;
    • Considerable
      • interpersonal skills;
      • oral communication and written skills;
    • Ability to
      • keep records;
      • lead staff.

    MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

    License or temporary permit to practice nursing in Connecticut by the State Board of Examiners for Nursing.

    PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

    • Experience working with individuals impacted by trauma, mental health, and substance abuse disorders.
    • Experience with patients/clients with psychiatric disabilities in a hospital setting. 
    • Experience in participating with the development of nursing care and treatment plans.
    • Experience in working as part of a multidisciplinary team.
    • Experience aiding with activities of daily living in an inpatient setting.
    • Experience with various medications used in conjunction for the care of individuals who have physical, mental disabilities and or intellectual disability.
    • Experience using an Electronic Medical Records.

    SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

    DEPARTMENT OF DEVELOPMENTAL SERVICES: Incumbents in this class may be required to possess and retain a valid Connecticut Motor Vehicle Operator's license, Public Passenger Endorsement or Commercial Driver's license for designated positions.

    WORKING CONDITIONS

    Incumbents in this class may be required to lift/restrain individuals; may have some exposure to communicable/infectious diseases and to some risk of injury from assaultive/abusive individuals; 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.

    ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

    As defined by Sec. 5-196 of the Connecticut General Statutes, a job class is a position or group of positions that share general characteristics and are categorized under a single title for administrative purposes.  As such, a job class is not meant to be all-inclusive of every task and/or responsibility.