Forensic Treatment Practical Nurse (24 Hour) (Office/On-Site)

Introduction Are you a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) with experience in the care of the mentally ill or emotionally disturbed? Have you gained expertise in engaging individuals with compassion and empathy? If so, we invite you to apply and join our dedicated team! The Position The State of Connecticut, Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) is hiring for Forensic Treatment Practical Nurse. We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate individual to join our direct‑care team to improve the well‑being of our clients and patients. This position is Hazardous Duty. Highlights Facility: Whiting Forensic Hospital (WFH) Location: 70 O'Brien Drive, Middletown, CT Unit: Dutcher 2 South Position Number: 112393 Schedule: Part‑time, 24 hours per week, second shift, 2:45 pm - 11:15 pm What We Can Offer You Professional growth and development opportunities Hazardous Duty pension plan (State Employees Retirement System Tier IV) A healthy work/life balance for all employees Additional Compensation Each Licensed Practical Nurse permanently assigned to the second or third shift receives a yearly retention bonus of $600, paid in two installments (July and December). Eligibility requires completion of one year of service in the classification. Discover the Opportunity Be part of a comprehensive team of caring professionals. Provide support to a division passionate about improving the lives of those we serve. Assist our clients so they can achieve success. Make a difference in the public sector. Work together in a collaborative team environment. Purpose of Job Class In the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services at Whiting Forensic Hospital under established security conditions, this class is accountable for nursing care and for developing and maintaining an effective therapeutic environment for patients. Examples of Duties Develop and maintain therapeutic relationships with patients. Implement security regulations effectively. Actively participate in team patient care conferences. Perform patient care duties such as feeding, bathing, and dressing patients. Observe, report, and record patient behaviors and appearance. Assist doctors and nurses in the general care and treatment of individuals. Measure doses and administer medications including insulin injections. Document medications using appropriate forms. Perform narcotic counts. Check and, if necessary, administer intravenous medications. Report changes in individuals to doctors. Ensure restraints are applied correctly. Transcribe doctor's medication orders. Prevent unauthorized movement of patients, visitors, and personnel. Perform housekeeping tasks, escort patients, and secure supplies and materials. Assist in the transfer of patients between secure units across the facility. Monitor and participate in patient management on units. Take vital signs including charting temperatures, pulses, and respirations. Perform simple nursing treatments. Monitor general individual needs including personal hygiene. Report on individual conditions and behavior. Keep the unit safe and healthy. Administer enemas or suppositories. Perform Foley catheterization care. Orient individuals concerning medications and their use. May perform emergency first aid. May drive individuals to necessary appointments/outings. May informally counsel patients as needed. May participate in group counseling sessions. May participate in patient activities. Perform related duties as required. Knowledge, Skill and Ability Knowledge of practical nursing specialties and bedside care. Knowledge of modern medical, therapeutic, and psychiatric routines, methods, and procedures. Knowledge of psychiatric procedures and principles involved in the care and treatment of the mentally ill. Knowledge of various medications used for the care of individuals with mental illness or emotional disturbance. Knowledge of safe patient custody in a security treatment area. Knowledge of infection control practices. Knowledge of human behavior, behavioral manifestations of mental illness, and principles involved in care and treatment of the mentally ill. Knowledge of nutrition and diets. Knowledge of medical and laboratory sciences. Considerable interpersonal skills. Oral communication and written skills. Ability to keep records. Ability to perform basic first aid procedures. Minimum Qualifications License or temporary permit to practice nursing in Connecticut by the State Board of Examiners for Nursing, or hold a Multistate or Compact Licensed Practical Nurse license and one (1) year of experience in the care of the mentally ill or emotionally disturbed. Preferred Qualifications Experience working in a mental health care or hospital setting. Experience working with individuals or behavioral issues. Experience working in a secured locked or treatment unit. Experience working with clientele that had to be placed in restraints or seclusion. Special Requirements Incumbents may be required to be bilingual or fluent in American Sign Language. Character Requirements In addition to the checking of references and facts stated in the application, a thorough background investigation of each candidate will be made before persons are certified for permanent appointment. Candidates who do not have good character are not eligible for permanent employment. Working Conditions Incumbents in this class may be required to lift and restrain patients, may have significant exposure to communicable/infectious diseases and risk of injury from patients, and may be exposed to significant mental stress and other extremely disagreeable conditions. Conclusion 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr