Licensed Practical Nurse

Job Overview

Licensed Practical Nurse positions are available in the State of Connecticut, Department of Developmental Services, South Region, at Shore Road in Waterford, CT. Full‑time and part‑time vacancies are open for first, second, and third shifts.

• 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 the 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.

• 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.

• Experience working with individuals with Intellectual and/or Developmental Disabilities.
• Experience communicating with non‑verbal individuals.
• Experience with basic nursing skills including, but not limited to, administering medication and nutrition via G‑Tube or J‑Tube; glucose monitoring, insulin administration; respiratory treatments, colostomy; cecostomy; urostomy care; wound care; and catheterization.
• Experience supporting individuals that may exhibit mild to severe challenging behaviors.
• Experience communicating internally and externally with a diverse population both over the telephone and in written inquiries.
• Experience in supervision of staff, including providing daily operational direction and work assignments.
• Experience using Microsoft applications, including Outlook, Excel, Teams, and Word.

• Knowledge of practical nursing specialties and bedside care, various medications used in conjunction for the care of individuals who have physical disabilities and/or an intellectual disability, infection control practices, nutrition and diets, medical and lab sciences.
• Considerable interpersonal skills; oral communication and written skills.
• Ability to keep records; lead staff.

• Professional growth and paid professional development opportunities.
• A healthy work‑life balance for all employees.
• State of Connecticut is an eligible Public Service Loan Forgiveness employer; qualifying student loan forgiveness after 10 years of service.
• Additional compensation: a “retention” bonus of $600 yearly paid in July and December for nurses permanently assigned to second and third shifts upon completion of one year of service.
• Benefits may be pro‑rated for part‑time opportunities.

Incumbents may be required to lift/restrain individuals; may have exposure to communicable/infectious diseases and some risk of injury from assaultive/abusive individuals; may be exposed to disagreeable conditions.

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.

The mission of DDS is to partner with the individuals we support and their families, support lifelong planning, and join with others to create and promote meaningful opportunities for individuals to fully participate as valued members of their communities.

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