Registered Nurse, Compliance Inspector, Acute & Nursing Facilities (HP III) HFEMSD

This posting is only open to residents of the State of Colorado.

About Us

At The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) we are dedicated to the Colorado for All philosophy - working toward a Colorado where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We support the basic human rights of our neighbors regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship status, education level, disability, socio-economic status, or any other visible or invisible identity. We are committed to increasing the diversity of our staff and providing culturally responsive programs and services. Therefore, we strongly encourage individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply.

About the Role

The Health Facilities and Emergency Medical Services Division (HFEMSD) is responsible for the oversight and enforcement of a broad range of federal and state statutes and regulations applicable to a wide variety of health care facilities and services in Colorado, including hospitals, clinics, ambulatory surgical facilities, renal dialysis centers, emergency medical services providers, designated trauma centers, long-term care facilities, and many other specific types of health care services. The division licenses, certifies, and surveys healthcare facilities and services; provides patient safety and healthcare quality programs; recognizes Emergency Medical Service (EMS) education programs and certifies EMS providers; designates trauma centers; and licenses all air and ground ambulance services operating within the state of Colorado.

This position is staffed by professionals who work independently or as a member of an interdisciplinary team to assess the care, treatment, and quality of life provided by health care facilities through observations, interviews, and record review. Uses experience, training, and judgment in evaluating and applying statutes, regulations, guidelines, policies, and procedures on a case-by-case, item-by-item basis for facility compliance/violation. Works as the RN required for the survey team and conducts nursing observations, medication pass tasks, and other applicable tasks.

Responsibilities

• On an unannounced basis, independently or as a member of an interdisciplinary team, determine whether the entity is operating in compliance with applicable statutes/regulations.
• Assess and evaluate health care facility/agency quality of care, services, and treatment of the residents/patients as well as facility practices through observation, record review, and interviews with residents/patients, family members, staff, and outside agency and medical professionals.
• Serve as a clinical resource (RN) to determine whether the delivery of nursing care is in accordance with professional standards of practice and relevant state and federal requirements.
• Conduct nursing observations and medication pass tasks as applicable.
• Collect and document evidence and survey results based on observations, interviews, and record review.
• Write clear, concise, and legally defensible statements of deficiencies based on analysis of documented findings and extensive knowledge of laws, regulations, and guidelines.
• Advise, counsel, and provide guidance to facility/agency administrators/staff regarding the purpose/reason for the regulations and how to address areas of non-compliance.
• Review occurrences and incidents of serious deficiencies and assess whether licensed health facilities intervened appropriately.
• Act as a resource, educator, and interpreter of regulations for service providers and consumers.
• Attend meetings, serve on task forces or teams, complete projects, and perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Requirements

• Six (6) years of applicable health care experience in a facility or program regulated by the Health Facilities and Emergency Medical Services Division, nursing facility, or related experience, and current, valid licensure as a Registered Nurse from the Colorado Board of Nursing or any state participating in the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC).
• A combination of related education and/or relevant experience in applicable health care in a facility or program regulated by the Health Facilities and Emergency Medical Services Division, nursing facility, or closely related experience equal to six (6) years, and valid licensure as a Registered Nurse from the Colorado Board of Nursing or any state participating in the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC).
• Proficiency in fundamental computer skills such as navigating operating systems, using basic software applications, and communicating through email.
• Must maintain RN licensure.
• Must be available in the event of an emergency (e.g., bio-terrorist attack, chemical attack, disease outbreak, or all hazards) and be required to report to work immediately at the regular or alternate location.
• Must be available in the event of the activation of the Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) and be required to report to work immediately at the regular or alternate location.
• Travel: On average up to 50% and during peak times up to 75%, including 2-4 overnights in a hotel monthly when traveling. Hotel/per diem are provided for approved official state travel.
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 40 lbs. of equipment for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to walk or stand for extended periods, including walking up and down multiple flights of stairs.
• Must be proficient in word processing and able to use current communication technology to connect to the office from the field.
• Must obtain an influenza shot annually prior to the onset of the flu season or wear a mask while on facility/agency premises.
• Must be vaccinated against COVID-19 (fully vaccinated means two weeks after a second dose in a two-dose series or two weeks after a single-dose vaccine).
• Must be willing to work in environments where contagious diseases may be present.
• Must be willing to perform annual fit testing for N-95 masks and complete annual training on donning and doffing of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Must be willing to work occasional evening, night, weekend, or holidays depending upon survey or complaint circumstances.
• Must successfully complete and apply all required surveyor training within the first six months of service.

Preferred Qualifications

• Non-clinical or clinical health care experience, preferably in an acute or specialized setting, nursing facility, or agency (other areas such as assisted living/home care will be considered).
• Experience with evaluating a health care facility's quality of care, services, and treatment of residents/clients.
• Experience evaluating facility practices through observations and record review.
• Experience conducting interviews with residents/patients, family members, staff, outside agencies, and medical professionals.
• Experience analyzing evidence and survey results to determine if and why a healthcare facility is out of compliance with applicable statutes and regulations.
• Experience writing clear, concise, and legally defensible statements of deficiencies.
• Ability to analyze and interpret clinical evidence and observe, record, and interpret information.
• Thoroughness when performing work and conscientiousness in attention to detail.
• Model high standards of honesty, integrity, trust, openness, and respect for individuals.
• Ability to speak and write clearly and concisely.
• Strong interpersonal and conflict management skills.

Benefits

• Free parking and access to RTD bus lines.
• Flexible working arrangements.
• Retirement options (PERA), including Defined Benefit Plan or the PERA Defined Contribution Plan, plus optional 401K and 457 plans.
• Medical and dental health plans.
• Paid life insurance.
• Short- and long-term disability coverage.
• 11 paid holidays per year and generous personal time off.
• Tuition assistance.
• Wellness programs.
• Professional development opportunities on a wide variety of subjects.
• Career advancement opportunities throughout the State system.
• Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program.

Conditions of Employment

• A pre-employment background check will be conducted as part of the selection process.
• Must be a resident of the State of Colorado at the time of submitting your application.