Registered Nurse , RN - Mount View Youth Services Center

Division of Youth Services Overview

The Division of Youth Services (DYS) provides a continuum of residential and non‑residential services that encompass juvenile detention, commitment, and parole. DYS is the agency statutorily mandated to provide for the care and supervision of youth committed by the District Court to the custody of the Colorado Department of Human Services.

DYS operates fifteen secure facilities that serve youth between the ages of 10 and 21, who are pre‑adjudicated, sentenced, or committed. The Division also contracts with numerous private residential and non‑residential service providers throughout the State. For pre‑adjudicated youth, DYS manages the Youth Detention Continuum and provides services to youth at risk of further progression into the juvenile justice system. In addition to residential programming, DYS administers juvenile parole services throughout the State.

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.

• Conduct initial nursing assessments and triage of health/medical requests submitted by youth.
• Review admission medical information obtained by security staff at intake and administer nursing care.
• Provide education to youth 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 when indicated.
• Initiate and revise nursing/medical treatment plans for youth with special health care needs.
• Complete health appraisals, physical exams, vision/hearing screenings, in‑house laboratory diagnostic testing (e.g., urine dipsticks, pregnancy tests, STI urine testing, PPD tests) and administer immunizations per DYS policy.
• Document all encounters with youth in electronic medical records and maintain confidentiality per HIPAA regulations.
• Initiate consultations/referrals to mid‑level provider and/or appropriate physician when indicated.
• Respond to emergent situations (Code Blue, Code Red) on campus, administer CPR/First Aid and initiate a 911 call if needed.
• Administer medications and medical supplies, including intramuscular medications, and evaluate youth confined to specific buildings or rooms.
• Perform other nursing duties as delegated or ordered by DYS physicians or mid‑level providers.

• Order, prepare, and administer youth medications for facility administration.
• Transcribe and procure medication orders from psychiatrists, physicians, and mid‑level providers.
• Maintain accurate Medication Administration Records (MAR), monitor for errors, and report to the Lead Medical or Mid‑Level Provider.
• Educate youth and staff on medication benefits, side effects, and importance of compliance.
• Investigate interviews with youth refusing medication, initiate interventions, and document findings.
• Maintain medication inventory logs, order and restock supplies, and monitor First Aid Kits and AEDs to ensure functional medical services.
• Document medication administration and behavioral contacts in the electronic medical record database.
• Assess vaccine status and administer vaccines per CDC ACIP and provider recommendation.

• Evaluate residents’ mental status and behavioral health conditions through interview, health appraisal, and observation.
• Provide basic mental health intervention and refer to psychiatrists or mental health resources for further evaluation or transfer.
• Make referrals or consultations with mental health providers or psychiatrist as necessary.
• Actively involve parents and legal guardians in the care and treatment of mental health conditions.

• Assess and identify knowledge deficits regarding general health and hygiene topics.
• Provide individual and group education on health promotion, disease and injury prevention, nutrition, exercise, sleep hygiene, stress management, proper hygiene, dental…