CDOC Registered Nurse (Nurse I)

Boulder, CO, USA|

Job Overview

Compensation

Salary

Range $92,004.00 - $128,796.00

Benefits

Distinctive career advancement opportunities

Strong retirement benefits

Medical insurance

Dental Insurance

short term disability

long term disability

paid life insurance

Paid holidays

Vacation leave

sick leave

Wellness Program

Tuition Reimbursement

Training opportunities

Job Description

The Colorado Department of Corrections (CDOC) is a state government agency responsible for the management and oversight of correctional facilities across Colorado. Committed to public safety and rehabilitation, CDOC employs a dedicated team of professionals who provide essential services to inmates while ensuring the security and efficiency of correctional operations. CDOC offers an inclusive work environment and is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, encouraging candidates of all backgrounds to apply. The agency supports career growth by providing distinctive advancement opportunities, strong and flexible retirement plans including PERA, comprehensive health benefits, and various wellness and training programs. This position may work at multiple locations statewide including Arkansas Valley, Buena Vista, Canon City, Sterling, Limon, Denver, Crowley, Delta, Pueblo, Rifle, and Trinidad reflecting the department's broad geographic reach and the opportunity for varied work experiences within correctional healthcare.

The role of Registered Nurse I within CDOC involves delivering skilled nursing care in outpatient clinics, infirmaries, or specialized cell house settings for incarcerated individuals. Nurses in this position are pivotal in providing acute care, managing chronic medical conditions, and responding to emergencies in a secure correctional environment. Key responsibilities include accurate documentation of inmate medical records, administering medications via multiple methods (PO, IM, IV, SQ, SL), assisting with minor medical and surgical procedures, triaging inmates, and implementing infection control measures. This role requires collaboration with physicians and other healthcare professionals to develop and execute treatment plans while maintaining confidentiality and adhering to strict safety protocols. Nurses are expected to perform physical and emotional assessments, intervene in crises, conduct patient and staff education, and help maintain the clinical environment's security by managing sensitive items and contraband.

Working within the corrections environment demands a high level of resilience, self-control, and the ability to operate effectively under pressure, including potentially violent or stressful situations. The position requires flexibility in scheduling with shifts covering days, evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays. This career path offers a meaningful opportunity to make a difference in public safety and healthcare delivery within the criminal justice system, all while benefiting from comprehensive state employee benefits and professional development resources. Candidates must hold a current and valid Registered Nurse license recognized in Colorado or through the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact and meet minimum qualifications related to experience and competencies. The CDOC values employee wellness and provides a range of benefits including medical and dental insurance, paid holidays, disability coverage, and life insurance. Employment is contingent upon passing medical and background screenings, including drug testing and physical ability assessments, ensuring candidates are fit for the demands of the role. The agency fosters a tobacco-free workplace and encourages veterans and protected classes to apply. Overall, this Registered Nurse I role offers a rewarding and challenging career opportunity within Colorado's correctional healthcare system.

Job Requirements

Possess a current, valid license as a Registered Nurse from the Colorado Board of Nursing or any state participating in the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC)
Possess a high school diploma or GED
Must be 21 years of age
Possess a valid driver’s license
Have no felony convictions
Applicants must have valid U.S. work authorization at the time of application
Successfully pass all modules of the six-week Colorado Department of Corrections Basic Training including English reading comprehension, competency assessments and defensive tactics exams
Possess the physical ability to successfully complete Defensive Tactics including lifting arms above head, stabilizing another person, delivering blows, withstanding impact, swinging a baton, rotating body, getting up from knees, and ability to see and hear
Willing and able to work a variety of shifts including days, afternoons, graveyards and rotating schedules
TB screening required upon hire
Ability to work in stressful and potentially violent situations
Successful completion of a background investigation is required
Must consent to a medical screening and drug testing
Must adhere to a tobacco-free workplace policy

Job Qualifications

Current, valid license as a Registered Nurse from the Colorado Board of Nursing or any state participating in the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC)
Ability to effectively treat inmate patients on a daily basis in a variety of settings
Ability to follow patient confidentiality standards
Ability to respond to emergency situations involving inmates and/or medical situations
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
Ability to read and comprehend the English language
Ability to effectively communicate fluently in English both verbally and in writing
Excellent discernment and decision making skills
Ability to follow instructions and pay attention to details
Ability to work a variety of shifts on a full time basis
Ability to create accessible documents and technical content that follows plain language guidelines with accessibility in mind
Self-control, a strong sense of ability to work in stressful, potentially violent situations
Ability to remain alert, emotionally stable, and mentally resilient under pressure and observant throughout their shift
Tolerance to stress, confinement, and high-stakes interaction
Preferred: Correctional nursing experience
Charge nurse and/or supervisory experience
Acute care or long term nursing experience

Job Duties

Documents in a accurate and timely manner to provide comprehensive inmate medical records
Provides standardized patient education within established nursing guidelines
Transcribes medical orders and reports at change of shifts
Preserves confidentiality
Provides physical care and treatments, administers medications, collaborates on treatment plans, employs infection control measures, provides crises intervention, interviews and triages inmates and performs patient and staff instruction
Assists physicians, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners with minor medical and surgical procedures
Ensures ordering and restocking of medications and supplies
May occasionally be required to participate in restraining an inmate primarily for medical reasons
Delivering PO, IM, IV, SQ, SL medications to inmates in medication lines, infirmaries, specialized cell houses, and PRN
Observes and reports the physical and emotional condition of inmates including the effectiveness of medications and treatments during triage, sick line and emergency situations
Performs physical and emotional assessments of inmates during triage, sick-line and emergency situations, employing basic nursing and assessment skills and protocol
Promotes and is accountable for safety and security of the clinical environment through conscientious observations and sensitive item/contraband control including counting syringes, needles, narcotics, instruments, and key control
Operates a variety of clinical equipment dictated by the type of equipment available in the assigned work unit
Knowledgeable about all Life Safety policies and procedures applicable to the assigned work unit
Informs supervisor of any violations of security or safety through the report writing process
Attends training programs as assigned, including 2-day self-defense to ensure self protection skills
This position may be required to work any shift, weekends, and holidays