Registered Nurse -Colorado Mental Health Hospital in Fort Logan-Denver

Location: 3520 W Oxford Avenue, Denver, CO 80236
Employment type: Full‑time, On‑site

Key Highlights

• This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies and shifts
• Shift times: 11:00 a.m. – 11:30 p.m. (additional night, evening, weekend and holiday shifts required)
• Must hold valid, unrestricted U.S. driver’s license
• Good‑will and background check required

This role provides nursing leadership and direction for staff and delivers therapeutic care in the psychiatric milieu of the Colorado Mental Health Hospital at Fort Logan (CMHHIFL). The primary responsibilities include safe and effective nursing care for patients with complex psychiatric and medical needs.

• Patient Care
  :
  Assess, plan, coordinate, and evaluate nursing care for patients with psychiatric and medical conditions; document pertinent data; deliver therapeutic interventions (individual counseling, psycho‑educational groups, milieu management); communicate nursing plans to the interdisciplinary team; ensure timely documentation and shift hand‑offs; notify medical staff of changes in condition; direct crisis intervention in emergencies (de‑escalation, seclusion/restraint, CPR).
• Milieu Management
  :
  Create a safe therapeutic environment through proactive problem anticipation, intervention planning, and assignment of responsibilities; function as Charge Nurse for specific shifts; supervise nursing staff, ensuring care meets community and professional standards; coordinate replacement staff for high acuity.
• Medication Administration
  :
  Evaluate and administer medication, considering effectiveness, side effects, and interactions; adhere to policies for order transcription and documentation.
• Supervision & Delegation
  :
  Lead nursing staff, clinicians, students, and assistive personnel; delegate assignments and supervise their completion; serve as Charge Nurse as required.
• Patient Teaching
  :
  Assess and teach patients and families on preventative health, illness management, coping skills, social and living skills, and medication side effects to enhance self‑efficacy.
• Interdisciplinary Treatment Planning
  :
  Provide nursing input within the interdisciplinary team; act as liaison between patient, family, providers, and supervisors; clarify rationales for interventions.
• Maintains Skills & Competence
  :
  Keep up‑to‑date skills and knowledge through continuing education and literature review; engage in clinical supervision and team development.
• Other Duties as Assigned
  :
  Perform additional tasks as directed.

• Current, valid licensure as a Registered Nurse from the Colorado Board of Nursing or any state participating in the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC).
• Minimum age 21 years due to the juvenile population served.

• Must be at least 21 years old.

• Availability for shift work: nights, evenings, back‑to‑back, weekends, and holidays as needed.
• Full background and reference check required.
• Handling of hazardous materials (bodily fluids or caustic chemicals) may be required.
• Travel to escort patients to appointments or attend training may be required.
• Former state employees terminated or resigned may face disqualification unless explanations are provided.

If a candidate receives notice of elimination from consideration, they may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board or request a review by the State Personnel Director within ten (10) calendar days of notice.

For additional recruiting questions, please contact  Apply through the CDHS Careers portal.

The Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS) offers a wide range of medical and human services. Employment benefits include retirement plans, health insurance, life insurance, disability coverage, 401(k), 457, paid holidays, and wellness programs. CDHS supports diverse and inclusive workplaces and is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

• People‑first approach with a dedicated and enriched team culture.
• Commitment to flexibility, health, and employee engagement.
• Accountability and responsibility for state health and human services.
• Transparency and openness in all operations.
• Ethical conduct and collaboration across the organization.
• Dedication to diversity and culturally responsive services.

CDHS is committed to fully including all qualified individuals. If you have a disability and need a reasonable accommodation during any employment phase, please contact our ADAA coordinator, Nancy Schmelzer at  or call 1‑800‑929‑0791.

~THE STATE OF COLORADO IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER~