Nurse I - Nursing Residency Program - CMHHIP - Pueblo

Salary : $7,592.00 Monthly
Location : Pueblo, CO
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: IIB 00090 04/17/2026
Department: Colorado Department of Human Services
Division: OBH - CMHIP
Opening Date: 04/17/2026
Closing Date: 5/31/2026 11:59 PM Mountain
FLSA: Determined by Position
Primary Physical Work Address: Colorado Mental Health Institute at Pueblo, 1600 W. 24th Street, Pueblo, CO 81003
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt; position is eligible for overtime compensation.
Department Contact Information: View email address on click.appcast.io
Type of Announcement: A residency waiver has been granted for this announcement. Applications will be considered from residents and non-residents of Colorado.
How To Apply: Please submit an online application for this position at Reach out to the Department Contact to apply using a paper application, including any supplemental questions. Failure to submit a complete and timely application may result in the rejection of your application. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that application materials are received by the appropriate Human Resources office before the closing date and time listed.


Department Information
Nurse I - Nursing Residency Program -Full Time- CMHHIP

Shift A Days 6:30a-7p or Shift B Nights 6:30p to 7a - Days worked, flex days vary
100% In-Person
This position has a residency waiver and will be accepting applications from residents and non-residents of Colorado. If appointed to a position, applicants from outside of Colorado will be required to relocate to Colorado prior to their start date, at their own expense
This position will receive a short-staffing temporary pay differential of 4% from July 1st 2025 - June 30th 2026.

Candidate, please keep in mind that even though you may have applied for a position on a specific unit as indicated in this announcement and if the hiring manager chooses to extend a job offer to you, the hiring manager may make you a job offer within the same classification for a different unit within the hospital. These opportunities will be based on vacancies at the time of offer and business needs. All work locations evaluated will remain within CMHHIP.

Please note: This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies.

EXPECTED START: August 2026
Colorado Mental Health Hospital in Pueblo (CMHHIP)

As a cornerstone of the Pueblo community for over a century, Colorado Mental Health Hospital in Pueblo (CMHHIP) is a leading employer, provider of quality mental health services, and a community partner.

CMHHIP is a 24 hour behavioral health acute care facility that is intended to provide a safe, secure, and therapeutic setting for patients with both psychiatric and medical issues. The services provided include evaluation and treatment for patients who are severely mentally ill, and the goal of this facility is to return patients to their optimal level of functioning and assist them in returning to the community as appropriate.
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Description of Job

RN Residency Program Objective:

This position will provide novice RN's the opportunity to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to provide high quality mental health care within a safe and secure environment. The RN Residency Program is a one-year program that encompasses training to improve discretionary judgment, organizational and time management skills, through an explicit curriculum inclusive of orientation, mentorship supported by current seasoned RN staff, reflection, theory, practical hands-on experiences and an evidence-based project to aid learning and build confidence.
Clinical Direction:

• Responsible for the direction of all nursing staff on the assigned shift and unit while working in conjunction with the Lead Nurse
• Helps direct assignments in conjunction with the staff schedule by utilizing knowledge of acuity, and pool staff to maximize the quality of care given to unit patients on the unit.
• Personnel needs are communicated to the Lead Nurse immediately
• Responsible for helping the Lead Nurse to ensure all nursing services provided on the assigned unit are delivered correctly
• Ensure all nursing assignments and duties are completed and in compliance with CMHIP policies and psychiatric and medical nursing standards, licensure requirements and governing bodies while working in conjunction with the Lead Nurse.
• Unit nursing staff is notified promptly of changes to processes, policies and procedures through communication methods to include Cornerstone Rosters, meetings, email and individual contact. Individual clinical supervision sessions are conducted regularly
• Communication is conducted regularly with other disciplines, department leadership regarding nursing directives and disseminates information as appropriate.
• Interpretation of other leadership communication is received to understand changes that may or may not directly impact the nursing department
• Functions as the charge nurse for the shift and reports any injury of staff from assaultive/combative patients, other employee absences, and/or any other safety or nursing concerns to the Lead Nurses promptly
• Utilizes resources available in the Staffing Office.

Department Standards:

• Maintains nursing standards of care for their assigned shift on the unit by creating and maintaining processes to communicate and follow up with assigned staff so that standards are kept in compliance
• Must adhere to CDHS Code of Conduct and CMHIP Code of Ethics. Maintains current knowledge of new policies, standards, updates, literature related to nursing and specialty areas is maintained and communicated to subordinates.
• Nursing supervisors are notified promptly of issues on the unit with patients and nursing staff members
• Works collaboratively with all departments and provides assistance when needed
• Provides guidance and direction for daily cross shift report, directs nursing care and communication to shift personnel
• Assures the unit(s) is directed and staffed appropriately according to hospital procedure along with assuring staffing levels are maintained and accurate

Staff Development/ Competencies:

• implements actions to maximize the productivity of assigned nursing personnel by mentoring, training, leadership, and providing feedback through immediate feedback and guidance
• Ensures assigned staff's knowledge and fluency with electronic system BEHR, Cornerstone assignments to include mandatory rosters and training
• Promotes staff development and training by supporting staff compliance with hospital wide mandatory training
• Directs staff to follow various manuals, standards and regulations to include but not limited to: DSM, Pharmacy Formulary, Treatment Plans, Infection Control Manual, Physicians Orders, Court orders, Joint Commission on Hospital Accreditation Standards, Environment of Care Manual, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Safety Data Sheets, Colorado State Personnel Procedure Manual, Affirmative Action policy, Colorado Workers Compensation guidelines, Rainbow book and Emergency Guides, ADA statutes, Colorado Alliance for the Mentally Ill Recommendations, Patients Rights Handbook
• Responsible to act as a resource for staff
• Provide direction and support to the assigned shift on the unit
• Knows and follows regulatory guidelines

Patient Care/ Nursing Care:

• Responsible for the nursing care provided on the assigned shift of a unit and maintenance of a safe, secure and therapeutic environment.
• He/She promptly responds to patient's psychiatric and/or medical issues, participates in Trauma Informed Care initiatives and understands and promotes its principles, implements, audits and reviews nursing care provided on the shift/unit.
• This is accomplished through providing follow up for proper nursing care; ie., documentation for seclusion or seclusion and restraint monitoring, proper procedure for respiratory services, oxygen and oxygen equipment, and laboratory services after hours and obtaining data from the AED.
• Participates and ensures staff correctly identify patient prior to administration of medications, treatments, blood testing, or starting an invasive procedure.
• Follows and maintains Infection control standards and regulations
• Evaluates concerns related to nursing care plan by assessing, identifying, planning, implementing, evaluating, and revising the nursing care given based on the nursing history.
• Utilize Patient Rights for mental health legal issues and complies with policy and procedure in these areas
• Provide intervention in critical situations as necessary
• Counsels and educates patients on medications, physical care needs, and psychiatric care needs during group therapies, Plan of Care Reviews, Plan of Care Formulations, 1:1 therapies, talking and educating the patient's family
• Provide coverage on the shift/unit.
• Ensures a safe milieu for patient treatment
• Reports staff and patient issues to the Lead Nurse if urgent

Other Duties as Assigned:

• Any other duties that may need to be completed for the shift/unit and or department

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights

Minimum Qualifications: Prior to starting in the RN I position, applicants must possess a valid, active Registered Nurse License issued by the State of Colorado (Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) OR any state participating in the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC).

Substitutions : None
Preferred Qualifications
In addition to the Minimum Qualifications and Required Skills outlined above, our ideal candidate will possess the following Preferred Qualifications:

• Graduate from a Nursing Program within the last 12 months
• No current RN work experience
• No previous work experience at CMHHIP
• A strong work ethic based on a foundation of self-motivation, loyalty, honesty, and integrity.
• Dependable, responsible, and adaptable

Highly Desirable Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to maintain required licensure/credentials.
• Customer/Personal Service - knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services, this includes needs assessment.
• Psychology - knowledge of human behavior and performance, individual difference in ability, personality, and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
• Knowledgeable in nursing processes
• Active Listening and communication
• Judgment, Decision Making, and Problem Sensitivity - the ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong; to include not only solving the problem but recognizing there is a problem.
• Oral and Written Communication Skills - the ability to speak and write effectively, providing valid and pertinent information to peers, coworkers, and subordinates.
• Monitoring/Assessing performance.
• Organization Skills.
• Documentation/Recording Information - entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic form.
• Computer Skills/Software - knowledge of Microsoft Office software, excel spreadsheet, database software and email.

Conditions of Employment:

• FULL BACKGROUND CHECK : This position will have direct contact with vulnerable persons (as defined by C.R.S.27-90-111: "Direct contact" means providing face-to-face care, training, supervision, counseling, consultation, or medication assistance to vulnerable persons, regardless of the level of supervision of the department employee. "Direct contact" may include positions in which persons have access to or unsupervised time with clients or patients, including but not limited to maintenance personnel, housekeeping staff, kitchen staff, and security personnel.)
• CBI & FBI fingerprint check, Colorado Court Database check, Medicare Fraud Database, TRAILS Database check.
• This position will also provide direct care to vulnerable adults requiring a CAPS check (as defined by C.R.S. 26-3.1-101, position provides services & support care to at-risk/vulnerable adults including case management, clergy, physical or mental health services, safety or welfare services).
• May work various shifts
• Required to report without delay or interruption to provide essential or emergency services to ensure health, safety, and welfare
• 2-step TB (tuberculosis) screening is required of all new employees upon hire
• This position will be paid biweekly
• A pre-employment criminal background check will be conducted as part of the selection process as this position is deemed to have direct contact with vulnerable persons. Felony convictions, conviction of crimes of moral turpitude, or convictions of misdemeanors related to job duties may disqualify you from being considered for this position. Should your background check reveal any charges or convictions, it is your responsibility to provide the CDHS Background Unit with an official disposition of any charges
• Shall not initiate or engage in sexual, social, personal or financial relationships with patients either during or any time after hospitalization, even if the patient requests or initiates such a relationship All relationships with current or former patients must be disclosed on your application
• Successfully pass all modules of the CMHIP New Employee Orientation core curriculum to include English reading comprehension, relevant competency assessments and written/practical exams in Defensive Tactics
• Possess the physical ability to successfully complete CTI & CPR
• Lift arms above head and kick as high as own waist
• Stabilize another person to accomplish a controlled containment to the floor
• Withstand impact on own body using an ASP shield
• Rotate body 90 degrees with feet planted for using a defensive tactic
• Kneel on one or both knees and stand up again with multiple repetitions
• Must be able to see and hear in order to observe, address and respond to potential breaches in safety
• 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
• Ability to read and comprehend the English language; effectively and fluently communicates in English, both verbally and in writing
• 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.
• Annual influenza vaccination
• Former State employees who were disciplinarily terminated or resigned in lieu of termination must:
  • Disclose that information on the application.
  • Explain why the prior termination or resignation should not disqualify you from the current position.
  • Provide your employee number from your prior State employment. Absent extraordinary circumstances, prior disciplinary termination or resignation in lieu of termination and failure to provide this information will disqualify the applicant from future State employment with CDHS.

CDHS Selection Process Explanation
Employment history is calculated on a full-time basis (40/hrs per week). Part-time employment is calculated on a prorated basis to determine qualifications. Be sure your application specifically addresses your qualifications, experience, work products, and accomplishments as they relate to the position and minimum requirements.

• Preferred Qualifications & Competencies:
  
  • Relevant years of state service experience.

Minimum Qualification Screening Process
A Human Resources Analyst will review the work experience/job duties sections of the online job application to determine whether your experience meets the minimum qualifications for the position. You must complete the official State of Colorado online application. Cover letters and resumes WILL NOT be reviewed during the minimum qualifications screening process. You must specifically document your work experience and qualifications in the application form. Do not use "see resume" or "see attached."
You must meet the minimum qualifications to continue in the selection process. Part-time work experience will be prorated.Comparative Analysis


Comparative Analysis Process - Structured Application Review
After minimum qualification screening, the comparative analysis process will involve reviewing and rating of all the information you submit. The comparative analysis step may also include your results from standardized testing.


Your Work Experience/Job Duties
Document your work experience/job duties to the extent to which you possess the skills, education, experience, minimum qualifications, and preferred qualifications.


If listed, answer all supplemental questions as your answers to these questions will be evaluated during this phase. Provide at least 4-8 sentences for each supplemental question.

Supplemental Questions
Answer the supplemental questions completely and thoughtfully. We will rate your answers based on the content of your response and your writing skills (spelling, grammar, and clarity of your writing).

Appeal Rights

You may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board or request a review by the State Personnel Director if your application is eliminated. You will find the appeals process, the official appeal form, and how to deliver it on the State Personnel Board website.

• You or your representative must sign and submit the official appeal form for review.
• You can find the official appeal form here.
• You must be deliver the official appeal form to the State Personnel Board:
  
  • By email (View email address on click.appcast.io), or
  • Postmarked in US Mail to(1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver CO 80203, or
  • Hand delivered (1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver CO 80203), or
  • Faxed View phone number on click.appcast.io) within ten (10) calendar days from your receipt of notice or acknowledgement of the department's action.

Contact the State Personnel Board for assistance:

• At View phone number on click.appcast.io, or
• Refer to the Colorado Code of Regulations (CCR) 801-1, State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, Chapter 8, Resolution of Appeals and Disputes, within the Rules webpage.

Supplemental Information
How to apply to the State of Colorado(Youtube Video, Runtime 3:59, Closed Captions Available)
The Assessment Process

About Us & Benefits
If your goal is to build a career that makes a difference, join the dedicated people of the Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS). Our professionals strive to design and deliver high quality human and health services that improve the safety, independence, and well-being of the people of Colorado. Each of us is committed to contributing to a safe and accessible CDHS. In addition to a great location and rewarding and meaningful work, we offer:

• Strong, secure, yet flexible retirement benefits including a PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan plus 401(k) and 457 plans
• Medical and dental health plans
• Employer supplemented Health Savings Account
• Paid life insurance
• Short- and long-term disability coverage
• 11 paid holidays per year plus vacation and sick leave
• State of Colorado Employee BenefitHub Resource Center
• Employee Wellness program
• Excellent work-life programs, such as flexible schedules, training and more
• Remote work arrangements for eligible positions
• *Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Our Values

• We believe in a people-first approach: We prioritize the needs, well-being, and dignity of the individuals, families and communities we serve. We commit to respect, fairness and access in every decision, policy and interaction. We engage client voices and experiences in the development and implementation of the services we provide.
• Balance creates quality of life: We want our team to be resilient through a supportive workplace that values flexibility, health and wellness, and employee engagement.
• We hold ourselves accountable: We take responsibility through our actions, programs, and results for the state of health and human services in Colorado.
• Transparency matters: We are open and honest with employees, our partners, the Coloradans we serve, and the public.
• We are ethical: We abide by what is best for those we serve by doing what is right, not what is easy.
• Collaboration helps us rise together: We work together with all partners, employees, and clients to achieve the best outcomes for Coloradans.

ADA Accommodations
CDHS is committed to a Colorado for ALL qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment.

This includes completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or performing essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to View email address on click.appcast.io.

The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer

We are committed to increasing a "Colorado for ALL" of our staff and providing culturally responsive programs and services. Therefore, we encourage responses from people of all backgrounds and abilities. The State of Colorado believes that a "Colorado for ALL" drives our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law.

THE CAMPUS OF THE COLORADO MENTAL HEALTH INSTITUTE AT PUEBLO IS TOBACCO FREE
~THE STATE OF COLORADO IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER~

Additional Support For Your Application
Toll Free Applicant Technical Support
If you experience technical difficulty with the NEOGOV system (e.g. uploading or attaching documents to your online application) call NEOGOV technical support at View phone number on click.appcast.io Mon-Fri between 6 am and 6 pm (Pacific Time). Helpful hints: if you are having difficulty uploading or attaching documents to your application 1) ensure your documents are PDF or Microsoft Word files and 2) close the document before you attempt to upload (attach) it.
The State of Colorado offers permanent employees a variety of benefits including medical, dental, life and disability insurance, as well as a comprehensive leave program. Please click the following link for detailed information:


Please note that each agency's contact information is different; therefore, we encourage all applicants to view the full, official job announcement which includes contact information and class title. Select the job you wish to view, then click on the "Print" icon.
01


The bottom of this job announcement provides links to additional information on how to apply, the assessment process, toll free applicant technical support, and about how the State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer. Please acknowledge below that you have read the information provided in these links.

• This information is available to me and I have read this information.
• I am unable to access the links with this information on the job posting. (If you select this option, please contact the recruiter, whose information is listed on this announcement, so that they can send this information directly to you.)

02


Your legal name is used in the hiring process for background checks. Did you use your full legal name in your application? If not, please update your information before submitting your application.

• Yes
• No

03


Are you a Veteran requesting Preference? If yes, you must submit a copy of DD214

• Yes
• No

04


If you are a current or former State of Colorado employee, please list your employee number (starts with 997...). Your application may be considered incomplete if you do not provide this information. An incomplete application may not move forward in the Selection process. If you are a former or current state employee, please identify what state agency you work(ed) with and how many years of relevant state service you have related to the position you are applying for. (Ensure this is listed on your application under work experience).
05


Former State employees who were disciplinarily terminated or resigned in lieu of termination must disclose the information on the application.In the space below, please provide an explanation as to why the prior termination or resignation should NOT disqualify your application from the current position.
06


Provide your RN license number, date, state issued, and expiration date. Please also include any certificates you currently hold. If no license is aqcuired yet, please list expected graduation date.
07


Do you have any State Board actions on your nursing license? If yes, please explain.
08


What is the top reason you are applying for the Nurse Residency Program?

• Interest in Behavioral Health/Psych Nursing
• Pay
• Mentorship/Support
• I didn't know what else to do

09


Which area of psych nursing are you most interested in?

• High-Acute/Admissions
• Medium-Intermediate Acuity/Restoration
• Low-acuity/Community Reintegration
• I'm not interested in psych nursing

10


What type of work schedule are you most interested in?

• Day shift
• Night shift
• No preference

11


If you are unsure how to perform a nursing skill, what should you do?

• Pretend you know what you're doing
• Ask for help
• Don't do it
• Wait until later

12


What is the best way to prevent the spread of infection?

• Wear gloves all the time
• Perform proper hand hygiene
• Give antibiotics
• Isolate all patients

13


Please acknowledge that even though you may have applied for a position on a specific unit as indicated in this announcement, if the hiring manager chooses to extend a job offer to you, the hiring manager may make you a job offer within the same classification for a different unit within the hospital. These opportunities will be based on vacancies at the time of offer and business needs. All work locations evaluated will remain within CMHHIP.

• Yes
• No

Required Question