"Alerted.org

LICENSED PRACTICAL NURSE III - CMHHIP - Pueblo

Print (https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/colorado/jobs/newprint/5184282)

Apply



LICENSED PRACTICAL NURSE III - CMHHIP - Pueblo

Salary

$28.23 - $39.53 Hourly

Location

Pueblo, CO

Job Type

Full Time

Job Number

IIB 03671 01/05/2026

Department

Colorado Department of Human Services

Division

OBH - CMHIP

Opening Date

01/05/2026

Closing Date

1/20/2026 11:59 PM Mountain

FLSA

Determined by Position

Type of Announcement

This position is open only to Colorado state residents.

Primary Physical Work Address

Colorado Mental Health Institute at Pueblo, 1600 W. 24th Street, Pueblo, CO 81003

FLSA Status

Non-Exempt; position is eligible for overtime compensation.

Department Contact Information

Tricia [email protected]

Salary Note

Although the full salary range for this position is provided, appointments are typically made at or near the range minimum.

How To Apply

Please submit an online application for this position at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/colorado. 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.

+ Description

+ Benefits

+ Questions

Department Information

Licensed Practical Nurse III - Full Time

CMHHIP

This position will be accepting applications from residents of Colorado. This announcement is open to potential candidates who are legal residents of the United States. All legal residents of the United States are eligible to apply and compete.

This posting will be used to fill multiple vacancies. Candidate, please keep in mind that even though you may have applied for a position on a specific unit as indicated in this announcement and 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. These opportunities will be based on vacancies at the time of offer and business needs. All work locations evaluated will remain within CMHHIP.

Colorado Mental Health Institute at 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 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.

Most State of Colorado employees are eligible for a great benefit package! Please see the Supplemental Information section below for details! (https://dhr.colorado.gov/state-employees/state-of-colorado-employee-benefits)

Opt in below to receive text message updates on CDHS recruiting events!

CDHSCareers

Description of Job

Licensed Practical Nurse III-Full Time

This posting will be used to fill Multiple Units

About the Position:

Under the direction of a Registered Nurse: The purpose of this position is to provide a safe and therapeutic milieu/unit, milieu management, take measures to maintain patient/staff safety and actively participate in programming on the assigned unit(s). This position is a trainer of milieu management and safety. This position is a resource and is looked to for expertise in managing a milieu and the safety of a unit. This position is called upon when help is needed to problem-solve issues with milieus/units across the campus. This position also assists with unit searches, perimeter checks and ensures staff are aware of safety data sheets (SDS). This position is responsible for monitoring the nursing care (both psychiatric and medical) provided to all patients. This position advocates for patients. This position participates as a member of the multidisciplinary team, mentoring new staff and students, educating families and other community members, and attending in-services and committee meetings. Utilizes Nursing Standards of Care (Colorado Psychiatric Technician Practice Act)/Department of Nursing and hospital policy and procedure as well as Quality Assurance/Performance Improvement (QAPI) goals. Provide immediate crisis intervention in the milieu/unit and responds to all emergency situations. Ensures approved containment techniques are performed correctly. Records and reports behavior and observations and refers to the Registered Nurse for appropriate assessment. Participates in and leads assigned therapy sessions. Is assigned a patient load and is responsible as a primary one-on-one. Is responsible for reinforcing patient teaching as directed by the RN. Involved with treatment plan formulations and reviews. Is responsible for reviewing and following the current plan of care. . Initiates and utilizes precautions and restrictions pertinent to patient treatment and safety. Alerts the supervisor with recommendations for additional training/teaching when an increase in any type of training/teaching is identified or at such time when identifying other staff might benefit from attending classes such as hospital-approved physical intervention.

This position is accountable to the Nurse Manager and Charge RN/Supervising RN.

Must be able to meet/perform all essential job duties.

Patient Care and Safety/Security:

+ Counsels patients on psychiatric care needs during group therapies per RN direction.

+ Meets with patients for 1:1 therapies, talking and reinforcing RN education for the patient and patient's family/significant others on medications and treatment plan.

+ Follows and maintains infection control standards and regulations.

+ Utilizes clean, aseptic technique and sterile techniques when required as it relates to medication administration and treatment procedures.

+ Follows all patient identification processes for medication and treatments.

+ Understands how to obtain emergency packs from Sterile Stores (CSS) to include after-hours, procuring narcotics from the clinic after pharmacy hours, and narcotic control.

+ Knows how to obtain respiratory services/oxygen and equipment/laboratory services after hours.

+ Addresses patient complaints/complaints of family and resolves patient grievances at the unit level.

+ Aware of patient allergies, sensitivities of food/drug interactions, and drug/drug interactions.

+ Monitors patient’s nutritional needs to include dysphagia and one-to-one monitoring.

+ Immediately delivers information to medical and psychiatric doctors/charge RN regarding patient medical and psychiatric needs.

+ Is appropriate in all communications with co-workers.

+ Alerts the RN to assess the need for PRN (Patient Request or Need) medication prior to administration.

+ Alerts RN and acts on patients expressing suicidal ideation or having issues that could lead to privileges needing to be held.

+ Transports patients from building to building or transports patients off grounds.

+ Reports and corrects any hazardous findings (toxic chemicals utilized by housekeeping) immediately to Charge RN and/or Division of Facilities Management (DFM).

+ Knows the location of all emergency equipment and SDS sheets.

+ Assists/teach patients (under RN direction) about illness by demonstrating a working knowledge of mental/physical illness and implementing appropriate therapeutic approaches after team evaluation.

+ Provide an accurate account of patients’ progress in treatment, physical condition, and behaviors observed per Nursing Department documentation, procedure and hospital policies.

+ Provide testimony when necessary in court if subpoenaed. Inspect alarm systems, communication devices, perimeter, and integrity of the physical environment (property and facility).

+ Assists with fire drills and unit searches per policy/requirements.

+ Ensure the Nurse Manager/Charge Nurse is aware of safety and security issues along with alerting the team leader/team coordinator.

+ Make sure staff are working with patients according to their psychiatric diagnosis.

+ Monitors patient behavior through scheduled checks to prevent dangerous situations.

+ Recognizes Patient Rights. Demonstrates understanding of the role of the Patient Right Specialist and utilizes this person as a resource when necessary.

Clinical Skills:

+ This position ensures that the client's milieus are safe and therapeutic.

+ This position understands and intervenes when the milieu becomes disruptive to maintain safety for patients and staff.

+ This position provides guidance to other disciplines on the unit as it relates to the unit's safety and security needs.

+ Serves as a role model for proper/approved verbal and physical treatment interventions to include implementation and documentation.

+ Ensures that during a seclusion and/or restraint (S/R) episode, all staff are utilizing the correct technique and if applied, restraints are properly used and placed on the patient according to hospital policy.

+ Follows all CDHS/CMHHIP policies and procedures and practices within the Colorado Psychiatric Technician Practice Act/Nursing Process.

+ This position makes regular decisions related to milieu safety and security measures and decides if different measures need to be taken (i.e., unit searches, searches of patients or their belongings).

+ Understands, promotes, and participates in Trauma Informed Care initiatives. Provides information and training in regard to milieu management.

+ Identifies and maintains staff/patient boundaries.

+ Understands that this position can be pulled to cover or transferred to any unit/shift in the hospital.

+ Assumes responsibility to maintain a safe, secure and therapeutic environment while at work.

+ Anticipates potential problems and responds to correct environmental deficits.

+ Intervening in critical situations as necessary, which may include physically restraining aggressive, assaultive patients or performing CPR.

+ Completes and routes paperwork to include incident reports, Injury on the Job (IOJ), medication variances, adverse drug reactions, and follows physician orders and hospital approved flow sheets.

Department Standards/Staff Development:

+ Knows, utilizes and follows multiple sources of standards, policy, procedure, and guidance to include, but not limited to: 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 (SDS), Colorado State Personnel Procedure Manual, Affirmative Action policy, Colorado Workers Compensation guidelines, Emergency Guides, ADA statutes, Colorado Alliance for the Mentally Ill recommendations, Patients’ Rights Handbook.

+ Attends in-service training to meet the educational and mandatory training requirements.

+ Maintains and is current on all competencies and provides input on updates or revisions to competencies.

+ Serves as instructor for coworkers on effective management of dangerous or potentially violent individuals.

+ Teaching new and seasoned staff in all competencies.

+ Works in conjunction with staff development and nursing management to develop competency assessment and training components to ensure staff are competent and able to perform or complete return demonstrations related to competency assessment and able to perform duties as expected on the units.

+ Ensures members of the team are competent to manage safety and security situations through established modules and testing of each competency.

+ Responsible for ensuring the educational profile is current and up to date with staff training records for staff on the unit for any provided trainings.

+ Provides training on seclusion and restraint episodes.

+ Review the S&R video and critique the skills used in conjunction with the Nurse Manager so that staff can improve their S&R skills.

+ Determines how best to teach new employees information related to safety and security and makes recommendations to supervisors about the training needs of peers and other team members.

+ Ensures that nursing supervisors are aware of issues on the unit with patients and with nursing staff members.

+ Nursing staff can only direct nursing personnel and if needing direction on what is going on in the unit, this position will consult with the nursing supervisor on the unit.

+ Knows all new policies and standards and ensures all nursing staff are adhering to updates and changes in established policies and standards.

+ Follows hospital and Nursing Department policies and procedures.

+ Attends assigned meetings (i.e., team meetings, program meetings, hospital meetings, etc.)

+ Attends weekly nursing rounds or reads/reviews and understands information in the weekly Nursing Executive Committee (NEC) minutes to be aware of nursing direction, new information, changes in policy/procedure/instructions, etc.

+ Responsible for maintaining licensure and not allowing it to lapse for any period of time. Adheres to all CDHS and CMHHIP policies and procedures.

Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI):

+ Maintains nursing standards of care, follows nursing procedures/forms/form instructions/resource sheets/computerized trainings/nursing groups/competencies/addenda/staff training.

+ Ensures timely, accurate patient care documentation and participates in the QA/PI process at the unit level as directed by the Nurse Manager.

+ Documents changes in patient condition and significant events identified in progress notes; medical conditions are identified and followed up on. Follows the Plan of Care, including, intervention, evaluation, revision, outcome, and effectiveness of interventions.

+ Follows Nursing Documentation Standards

Other Duties as Assigned:

+ Any other duties that may arise while completing the tasks of this position to meet the needs of the unit and Department.

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights

Education/Licensure/Certification/Experience:

Current, valid licensure as a LPN from the Colorado Board of Nursing or any state participating in the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC)

**Complete Board approved IV certification course including supervised clinical; OR document completion of such from another state Maintains evidence (both LPN and

employer) of original documentation and demonstration of IV knowledge/judgment/skill

Follows written IV policies and procedures approved by medical staff, nursing and agency administration

**Advanced Educational Preparation for LPNs in Colorado is limited to IV certification.

Three years of professional experience in an occupational field related to the work assigned to the position

Substitutions:

Appropriate education will substitute for up to two years of the required experience on a year-for-year basis

Essential Attributes:

+ Must be able to see and hear in order to observe, address and respond to potential breaches in safety and security Work in situations involving assaultive behavior, physical control of another person and/or restraint situations

+ Must be able to lift up to 50+ pounds on occasion

Conditions of Employment:

+ FULL BACKGROUND CHECK : This position will have direct contact with vulnerable persons (as defined by C.R.S.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.R.S. 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

+ 2-step TB (tuberculosis) screening is required of all new employees upon hire

+ This position will be paid biweekly

+ A pre-employment criminal background check will be conducted as part of the selection process as this position is deemed to have direct contact with vulnerable persons. 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 CMHIP New Employee Orientation core curriculum to include English reading comprehension, relevant competency assessments and written/practical exams in Defensive Tactics

+ Possess the physical ability to successfully complete CTI & CPR

+ Lift arms above head and kick as high as own waist

+ Stabilize another person to accomplish a controlled containment to the floor

+ Withstand impact on own body using an ASP shield

+ Rotate body 90 degrees with feet planted for using a defensive tactic

+ Kneel on one or both knees and stand up again with multiple repetitions

+ Must be able to see and hear in order to observe, address and respond to potential breaches in safety

+ Seize, hold, control or subdue violent or assaultive persons and defend oneself or others to prevent injury

+ Demonstrate body agility, strength of all four limbs and the ability to walk and climb stairs consistently

+ Work in situations involving assaultive behavior, physical control of another person and/or restraint situations

+ 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

+ Former employees of the Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS) who were disciplinary terminated or resigned in lieu of termination must disclose the information on your application and may not be eligible for employment at CDHS

CDHS Selection Process Explanation

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.

+ Preferred Qualifications & Competencies:

Relevant years of state service experience.

Minimum Qualification Screening Process

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. Cover letters and resumes WILL NOT be reviewed during the minimum qualifications screening process. You must specifically document your work experience and qualifications. Do not use "see resume" or "see attached."

You must meet the minimum qualifications to continue in the selection process. Part-time work experience will be prorated.

Comparative Analysis Process – Structured Application Review

After minimum qualification screening, the comparative analysis process will involve a review and rating of all the information you submit. The comparative analysis step may also include your results from an eSkills Test.

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.

Supplemental Questions

Answer the supplemental questions completely and thoughtfully. We will rate your answers based on the content of your response and your writing skills (spelling, grammar, and clarity of your writing).

Appeal Rights

You may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board or request a review by the State Personnel 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.

You or your representative must sign and submit the official appeal form for review.

You can find the official appeal form here.

You must be deliver the official appeal form to the State Personnel Board:

By email ([email protected]), or

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

Faxed (303.866.5038) within ten (10) calendar days from your receipt of notice or acknowledgement of the department’s action.

Contact the State Personnel Board for assistance:

At (303) 866-3300, 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.

Supplemental Information

How to apply to the State of Colorado (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bKuwGdPpOW0)

The Assessment Process

For additional recruiting questions, please contact: [email protected]

About Us & Benefits:

If your goal is to build a career that makes a difference, join the dedicated people of the Colorado Department of Human Services (https://www.colorado.gov/cdhs) (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. Each of us is committed to contributing to a safe and accessible CDHS . In addition to a great location and rewarding and meaningful work, we offer:

+ Strong, secure, yet flexible retirement benefits including a PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan plus 401(k) and 457 plans

+ Medical (https://dhr.colorado.gov/state-employees/state-employee-benefits/medical-benefits) and dental (https://dhr.colorado.gov/state-employees/state-employee-benefits/dental-insurance) health plans

+ Employer supplemented Health Savings Account

+ Paid life insurance

+ Short- and long-term disability coverage (https://dhr.colorado.gov/state-employees/state-employee-benefits/disability-insurance)

+ 11 paid holidays per year plus vacation and sick leave

+ State of Colorado Employee BenefitHub Resource Center (https://stateofcolorado.benefithub.com/app/home)

+ Employee Wellness program

+ Excellent work-life programs, such as flexible schedules, training and more

+ Remote work arrangements for eligible positions

+ Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (https://dhr.colorado.gov/dhr-resources/student-loan-forgiveness-programs) .

Our Values:

+ We believe in a people-first approach: 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 hold ourselves accountable: We take responsibility through our actions, programs, and results for the state of health and human services in Colorado.

+ Transparency matters: We are open and honest with employees, our partners, the Coloradans we serve, and the public.

+ We are ethical: We abide by what is best for those we serve by doing what is right, not what is easy.

+ Collaboration helps us rise together: We work together with all partners, employees, and clients to achieve the best outcomes for Coloradans.

ADAA Accommodations:

CDHS is committed to a Colorado for ALL qualified individuals. 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 [email protected] .

~THE STATE OF COLORADO IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER~ (https://cdhs.colorado.gov/information-for-job-applicants#eoe)

We are committed to increasing a “Colorado for ALL" of our staff and providing culturally responsive programs and services. Therefore, we encourage responses from people of all backgrounds and abilities. The State of Colorado believes that a “Colorado for ALL” drives our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. The 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

~THE STATE OF COLORADO IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER~ (https://cdhs.colorado.gov/information-for-job-applicants#eoe)

~THE STATE OF COLORADO IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER~

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. Please click the following link for detailed information: www.colorado.gov/pacific/dhr/benefits

Please note that each agency's contact information is different; therefore, we encourage all applicants to view the full, official job announcement which includes contact information and class title. Select the job you wish to view, then click on the "Print" icon.

01

Do you possess an LPN license from the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies or a participating state in eNLC? (Please remember to upload this document to your application)

+ Yes

+ No

02

Do you currently work for the Colorado Department of Human Services? (This includes the Colorado Mental Health Hospital in Pueblo)?

03

Do you currently work at CMHHIP?

04

How many years of professional nursing experience in Behavioral Health, Forensic, Medical, and Geriatric patients do you have?

+ Less than 1 year

+ 1-3.99 Years or less experience

+ 4-5.99 years of experience

+ 6-7.99 years of experience

+ 8-9.99 years of experience.

+ 10+ years of experience

05

Please indicate the position number, classification, unit, and shift, along with what working days you are interested in (For Internal Candidates only)?

06

When asking a patient to do something that they may not agree with or want to do, how do you follow the persuasion sequence to gain compliance?

+ You tell them you are in charge and they must do it.

+ Ask and explain why.

+ Ask and explain why and offer options and let them choose.

+ Ask and explain why and offer options, let them choose, and give the opportunity for them to reconsider.

+ Ask and explain why and offer options, let them choose, and give the opportunity for them to reconsider, take the appropriate action.

+ Ask and explain why and offer options, let them choose, and give the opportunity for them to reconsider, take the appropriate action, close the conversation and give support regardless of the action and establish a positive foundation for future interaction.

07

What are the 10 Medication administrations Rights?

+ Discusses none.

+ Right Patient, Right Medication, Right Dose, Right Route, Right Time.

+ Right Patient, Right Medication, Right Dose, Right Route, Right Time, Right Education.

+ Right Patient, Right Medication, Right Dose, Right Route, Right Time, Education, Documentation.

+ Right Patient, Right Medication, Right Dose, Right Route, Right Time, Right Education, Right Documentation, Right to Refuse.

+ Patient, and Right Medication, Right Dose, Right Route, Right Time, Right Education, Right Documentation, Right to Refuse, Right Assessment.

+ Right Patient, Right Medication, Right Dose, Right Route,Right Time, Right Education, Right D