CDOC TEMPORARY AIDE - Certified Nurses Aide (CNA) / Medication Administration (QMAP) - PUEBLO

About the role

This TEMPORARY position is located in Pueblo, Colorado and provides medical assistance to patients housed in the dementia unit at San Carlos Correctional Facility. The role is responsible for assisting patients with activities of daily living, obtaining and recording vital signs, assisting with patient transfers and turning, reporting changes in patient condition, and performing various clinical tasks under the supervision of a registered nurse.

Responsibilities

• Assist patients with activities of daily living, including bathing, mouth care, dressing, toileting, ambulation, and feeding
• Obtain and record vital signs for review by staff nurse
• Provide and assist with patient transfers and turning in bed
• Report changes in patient skin condition and health care complaints to the shift registered nurse
• Empty catheter bags; offer fluids and record intake and output; apply external catheters
• Communicate with patients to keep them oriented to person, place, and time
• Respond to call lights and inmate requests for assistance
• Assist with meal distribution and changing linen according to unit schedule
• Perform dressing changes, soaks, finger stick blood glucose measurements, vital signs, and pulse oximetry under the supervision and direction of a registered nurse
• Maintain appropriate tool and materials control and accountability
• Participate in the development of patient plan of care
• May be required to participate in restraining an inmate primarily for medical reasons
• Provide clerical assistance by answering phones, taking and forwarding messages, transcribing medical orders, and medical record filing
• Retrieve and enter kites in computerized kite log
• Schedule inmates for sick line and chronic care visits according to facility-specific scheduling guidelines
• Assist with the delivery of medications; receive, verify, store, and prepare return pharmaceuticals
• Assist in maintaining inventory and stocking of supplies

Minimum Qualifications

• One year of full-time experience as a Certified Nurse Aide (CNA)
• Valid, active Nurse Aide Certification (CNA) from the State of Colorado
• Valid, active QMAP (Qualified Medication Administration Personnel) Certification from an approved training entity as identified by the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment (CDPHE)

Substitutions

• Current, valid licensure as a Practical Nurse (LPN) from the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies or any state participating in the Nurse Licensure Compact will substitute for the experience requirement

Required Competencies

• Self-control and the ability to work in stressful, potentially violent situations
• Ability to remain alert, emotionally stable, and mentally resilient under pressure and observant throughout the shift
• Tolerance to stress, confinement, and high-stakes interaction; ability to work with inmates of diverse backgrounds and functional levels
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate positively and professionally with inmates and staff
• Strong oral and written communication skills; ability to read and comprehend English
• Ability to create accessible documents and technical content following plain language guidelines with accessibility in mind
• Strong understanding and knowledge of the complexities of a multi-disciplinary health care delivery system
• Ability to problem-solve critically to effectively resolve issues
• Ability to work with others as a team to ensure quality inmate care
• Ability to operate independently within the scope of a CNA
• High integrity to handle confidential health care information, including all inmate records
• Basic knowledge of computer systems

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working as a CNA in a correctional environment
• Current CPR Certification
• Current First Aid Certification
• Experience working with patients who have multiple disabilities, including both physical and mental
• Experience working with the senior population
• Hospice experience

Conditions of Employment

• All job offers are contingent upon a successful medical screening certifying the candidate’s ability to perform the essential functions of the position
• Applicant must consent to hold harmless CDOC and its agents and staff from any liability arising from testing and the use of this information in connection with the consideration of the application for employment
• Must be 18 years of age
• Possess a valid driver’s license; drivers must maintain a valid, non-restricted Colorado driver’s license and obey traffic laws
• Possess a high school diploma or GED
• Have no felony convictions, including any actions defined in 5 U.S.C. 301; U.S.C. 509, 510; 42 U.S.C. 15601–15609
• The CDOC shall not hire or promote anyone who may have contact with an offender who has engaged in sexual abuse or related activities, or has been convicted of such activities in the community
• Applicants must have valid U.S. work authorization at the time of application
• Successfully pass all modules of the Colorado Department of Corrections Basic Training, including English reading comprehension, relevant competency assessments, and written/practical exams in Defensive Tactics
• Possess the physical ability to perform the essential functions of the position