Licensed Practical Nurse; 1st shift and PT 2nd shift

Introduction

We invite Licensed Practical Nurses to join the State of Connecticut Department of Developmental Services (DDS) West Region Public Programs. We have three positions available at the Northwest Regional Center in Torrington, CT.

• Position 1: 63 hours bi‑weekly part‑time second shift (Saturday, Sunday, Monday 2:00 PM – 10:30 PM; Wednesday 2:00 PM – 10:00 PM). PCN: 19884.
• Position 2: 49 hours bi‑weekly part‑time second shift, alternating weeks of 21 hours (Mon, Tue, Thu 2:00 PM–9:30 PM) and 28 hours (Sat, Sun, Mon, Tue 2:00 PM–9:30 PM). PCN: 15963.
• Position 3: 70 hours bi‑weekly full‑time first shift (Week 1:
  Friday, Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu 6:30 AM–2:00 PM; Week 2: Sat, Sun, Mon, Wed, Thu 6:30 AM–2:00 PM). PCN: 23173.

• Industry‑leading health benefits, including medical and dental coverage.
• Extensive pension plan and supplemental retirement offerings.
• Paid time off, including 13 paid holidays per calendar year.
• Professional development opportunities.
• Healthy work‑life balance culture.
• State Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility after 10 years of service.

The Northwest Regional Center is a continuous‑operation intermediate care facility that provides comprehensive and individualized health care and rehabilitation services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disability. The LPN assists caregivers and nurses in delivering bedside care, medication administration, and other clinical tasks.

In a state facility this class is accountable for rendering bedside care or mental health services to individuals with physical disabilities and/or an intellectual disability in instances where the services of a registered nurse are not required.

• Assists doctors and nurses in the general care and treatment of individuals.
• Measures doses and administers medications including insulin injections.
• Documents medications using appropriate forms.
• Performs narcotic counts.
• Checks and may administer intravenous medications.
• Reports changes in individuals to doctors.
• Ensures that restraints are applied correctly.
• Transcribes doctors medication orders.
• Dispenses certain medications in doctor’s absence.
• Applies topical medication.
• Takes and charts temperatures, pulses and respirations.
• Performs simple nursing treatments.
• Monitors general individual needs including personal hygiene.
• Reports on individual conditions and behavior.
• Keeps the unit safe and healthy.
• Administers enemas or suppositories.
• Performs Foley catheterization care.
• Orients individuals concerning medications and their use.
• May perform emergency first aid.
• May drive individuals to necessary appointments/outings.
• Performs related duties as required.

• Practical nursing specialties and bedside care.
• Medications used in care of individuals with physical disabilities and/or intellectual disability.
• Infection control practices.
• Nutrition and diets.
• Medical and laboratory sciences.
• Interpersonal skills.
• Oral communication and written skills.
• Ability to keep records and lead staff.

License or temporary permit to practice nursing in Connecticut by the State Board of Examiners for Nursing, or hold a Multistate or Compact Licensed Practical Nurse license.

• One (1) year LPN experience.
• Experience providing nursing services to both children and adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities and autism spectrum disorder.
• Experience communicating with non‑verbal individuals.
• Experience supporting individuals that may exhibit mild to severe challenging behaviors.
• Experience with basic nursing skills including medication and nutrition via G‑Tube or J‑Tube; glucose monitoring, insulin administration; respiratory treatments, colostomy, cecostomy, urostomy care; wound care; and catheterization.
• Experience with infection control practices.
• Experience communicating with interdisciplinary teams and medical providers both over the telephone and in written correspondence.
• Experience using Microsoft applications (Outlook, Excel, Teams, Word).

May be required to possess and retain a valid Connecticut Motor Vehicle Operator's license, Public Passenger Endorsement, or Commercial Driver's license for designated positions.

• Lifting/restraining individuals.
• Exposure to communicable/infectious diseases.
• Risk of injury from assaultive/abusive individuals.
• Exposure to disagreeable conditions.

The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.