Registered Nurse , RN - Grand Mesa Youth Services Center

Overview

Department information: The Division of Youth Services (DYS) provides a continuum of residential and non-residential services including juvenile detention, commitment, and parole. DYS is the statutory agency responsible for the care and supervision of youth committed by the District Court to the Colorado Department of Human Services. DYS operates multiple facilities and contracts with providers statewide. For more information, visit the DYS site: https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

Residency/Geography: The primary duties are located within 30 miles of the state border; therefore, this position is exempt from residency requirements. Applications will be considered from residents and non-residents of Colorado. This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies.

About CDHS Benefits: Most State of Colorado employees are eligible for a comprehensive benefits package; details are available in the Supplemental Information section below.

Summary of Position: Delivers health care to detained and committed youth within the nurse’s scope of practice. Primary care is provided by independent practitioners with responsibility for a continuum of care from the initial assessment through development and maintenance of health care including physical, psychiatric and dental maintenance.

Clinical Duties: Initial nursing assessments and triage of requests for health/medical care submitted by youth. Review admission medical information obtained inister nursing care and provide youth education for routine, urgent and emergent medical situations within scope of practice. Obtain laboratory and other diagnostic procedures ordered by medical providers, review results and notify provider as indicated. Initiate nursing/medical treatment plans for youth with special health care needs.

Review and revise treatment plans as needed. Complete health appraisals, physical exams, vision/hearing screenings, in-house laboratory testing, and immunizations per DYS policy. Document all encounters in the electronic medical records system and/or appropriate medical logs; maintain confidentiality per HIPAA. Initiate consultations/referrals as indicated. Respond to emergent situations (Code Blue/Code Red), administer CPR/First Aid, and call 911 if needed. Deliver medications and evaluate youth who may be confined to specific buildings/rooms throughout campus.

Other nursing duties as delegated by DYS physicians or mid-level providers.

Medication and Treatment: Responsible for ordering and preparation of youth medications for administration within the facility. Transcribe and procure medication orders. Maintain accuracy of Medication Administration Records (MAR) and monitor for medication errors; report issues to the Lead Medical or Mid-Level Provider. Educate youth and staff about medications, side effects, and importance of adherence. Investigate and document refusals and initiate interventions.

Maintain inventory logs of medications and supplies. Transcribe, order, prepare and administer medications including intramuscular medications per orders. Update MARs and monitor for errors. Assist in ordering and maintaining stock supplies. Check First Aid Kits, AEDs, refrigerators, and equipment; ensure proper functioning. Document administration of medications and behavioral contacts in the EMR. Assess vaccine status and administer vaccines per ACIP/provider recommendations.

Follow Vaccine for Children’s Program protocols.

Mental Health: Evaluate residents’ mental status and behavioral health conditions through interview, health appraisal, and observation. Provide basic mental health interventions and refer to psychiatrist or mental health resources as needed. Conduct referrals and coordinate with mental health providers. Involve parents/guardians in care and treatment where appropriate.

Health

Education:

Assess knowledge deficits and provide individual and group education on health promotion, disease and injury prevention to youth and staff. Topics include healthy lifestyle, hygiene, STI prevention, contraception options, and other health topics; address gender-specific educational needs and…