Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) / Full-Time

Nurse I - Registered Nurse I - CMHHIP
Nurse I - Registered Nurse I - CMHHIP
43.80 - $61.31 Hourly
Full Time
Colorado Department of Human Services
position is eligible for overtime compensation.
A residency waiver has been granted for this announcement. Applications will be considered from residents and non-residents of Colorado.
Colorado Mental Health Hospital in Pueblo, 1600 W. 24th Street, Pueblo, CO 81003
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.
Registered Nurse I-Full Time
All applications will be reviewed as they come in until all positions are filled, we advise applicants to apply early. 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 1, 2025 - June 30, 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.
Registered Nurse I-Full Time
This posting will be used to fill Multiple Units
The purpose of this position is to provide nursing oversight and direction of nursing personnel working the same shift as well as the same unit. Provide direction to all direct care nursing staff on assigned shift(s). Serve as a resource and mentor to all nursing staff on assigned shift. Promote and maintain nursing staff efficiency. Oversee the attainment and achievement of Unit/Program/Hospital/Nursing Department goals for the specified shift. Primary duties consist of providing directions to nursing staff for the shift and providing therapeutic nursing care to mentally ill patients. Represents the Nursing Department in hospital-wide committees and work groups. Applications of knowledge, expertise and experience in providing safe and effective patient care. Provide immediate crisis intervention in the milieu and response to all emergency situations.
This position is responsible for assisting nursing staff with clinical direction of nursing staff, QA/PI activities and to ensure compliance in all areas, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
This position is accountable to the Lead Nurse/Nurse III/Nurse II.
This full time position facilitates groups, and ensures nursing standards of care are implemented throughout all phases of the nursing process and delivery of services.
The Nurse I works in tandem with other staff assigned to the unit on that shift. The Nurse I works within multiple levels of patient care and is coordinated across a continuum. The Nurse I adheres to and references the professional codes of conduct, regulatory agency standards, the Nurse Practice Act, State Board of Nursing, professional codes of ethics, and scope of discipline practice guides to ensure various levels of nursing personnel function within their scope of practice. The Nurse I is responsible for communicating, implementing, and clarifying nursing policies at the unit level. Participates in and collaborates with the Lead Nurse to prepare nursing personnel for onsite surveys, documentation requirements, and ensures quality of care is rendered according to the State Board of Nursing, The Joint Commission, Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and the Colorado Department Personnel Rules and Regulations.
Responsibilities also include the provision of safe, appropriate nursing care on the unit by effective deployment of nursing staff resources, ensuring enough staff with licenses on each shift, coordination and timely statistical reporting of incidents, acuity, QA/PI activities, implementation of department policies and standards of care, responsible for retention of nursing staff on their shift(s). 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 CMHHIP 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
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
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
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
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; 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
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.
Reports staff and patient issues to the Lead Nurse if urgent
Any other duties that may need to be completed for the shift/unit and or department

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).
Demonstrated ability to understand and apply the nursing process to provide adequate patient care
Demonstrated ability to direct the shift through training, mentorship and development
Posses a strong work ethic based on a foundation of: self-motivation, loyalty, honesty, and integrity.
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.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
• 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 CMHHIP New Employee Orientation core curriculum to include English reading comprehension, relevant competency assessments and written/practical exams in Defensive Tactics
• Stabilize another person to accomplish a controlled containment to the floor
• 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
• 2, 2024, if you have a multistate license and change your primary state of residence to another state within the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC), you must apply for a license in that state within 60 days.
• This puts you at risk of practicing without a license. As an example, if you are a registered nurse with a multistate license from Arizona practicing in Colorado and you move to Colorado, you have 60 days to apply to Colorado’s Board of Nursing for a new multistate license. These changes were part of the final rules passed by the Interstate Commission of Nurse Licensure Compact Administrators at its annual conference in August. The eNLC allows for mobility and creates a more robust workforce by allowing nurses to practice in Colorado with licenses from other compact states.

Disclose that information on the application.
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.
~ 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. You must specifically document your work experience and qualifications in the application form . Part-time work experience will be prorated.
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. We will rate your answers based on the content of your response and your writing skills (spelling, grammar, and clarity of your writing).
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.
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
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.

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. 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
• Excellent work-life programs, such as flexible schedules, training and more
• Remote work arrangements for eligible positions
• 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 take responsibility through our actions, programs, and results for the state of health and human services in Colorado.
We are open and honest with employees, our partners, the Coloradans we serve, and the public.
We abide by what is best for those we serve by doing what is right, not what is easy.
Collaboration helps us rise together: 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 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
~Additional Support For Your Application
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.
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. Your application may be considered incomplete if you do not provide this information. An incomplete application may not move forward in the Selection process. Ensure this is listed on your application under work experience).
~ 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 explain why the prior termination or resignation should not disqualify your application from the current position.
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. 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.
Provide your RN license number, date, state issued, and expiration date. Do you have any State Board actions on your nursing license? Do you currently work for the Colorado Department of Human Services? (This includes the Colorado Mental Health Hospital in Pueblo).
Failure to provide this requested information may render your application incomplete, and you may no longer be considered for the position.
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.
Are you a Veteran requesting Preference? What is the nursing process?
I do not know the nursing process
Assessment, Diagnosis, and Planning
Assessment, Diagnosis, Planning, and Interventions
Assessment, Diagnosis, Planning, Interventions, and Implementation
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. Website