Registered Nurse I-Colorado Mental Health Hospital in Fort Logan-Denver Print (https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/colorado/jobs/newprint/5042820) Apply  Registered Nurse I-Colorado Mental Health Hospital in Fort Logan-Denver Salary $43.80 Hourly Location Denver, CO Job Type Full Time Job Number IIC-05470 8/13/2025 Department Colorado Department of Human Services Division OBH - CMHIFL Opening Date 08/13/2025 Closing Date 8/27/2025 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 Hospital in Fort Logan 3520 W. Oxford Ave. Denver, CO 80236 FLSA Status Non-Exempt; position is eligible for overtime compensation. Department Contact Information jerusalen.marshall@state.co.us 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 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) About Fort Logan: The Colorado Mental Health Hospital at Fort Logan (CMHHIFL) is one of two state hospitals serving our community. The vision of CMHHIFL is to provide the highest quality mental health services to persons with complex, serious, and persistent mental illness within the resources available. Our mission is to support those individuals in achieving their recovery goals and reaching their full potential. CMHHIFL provides inpatient treatment to adult patients, generally between the ages of 18-59. The hospital currently has 138 adult inpatient beds, over six treatment milieus serving civil and forensic individuals. Medical services, occupational therapy, neuropsychological-rehabilitation services, and trauma-informed care services are available for all patients throughout the hospital. Through our core values listed below, CMHHIFL staff is committed to: + Individual dignity and respect. + Person-centered, evidence-based care. + Trauma informed recovery. + Multidisciplinary collaboration. + Diversity and inclusion. + Strong family and community partnerships   Opt-in below to receive text message updates on CDHS recruiting events! CDHSCareers Description of Job About the position: This position is responsible for shadowing, learning from, and assisting the hospital’s Infection Preventionist in implementing and supporting infection prevention and control efforts. The RN collaborates closely with the Infection Preventionist to conduct surveillance, assist with audits and outbreak response, provide education, and advise healthcare workers and ancillary staff on infection prevention practices. This is the primary focus of the position. In addition, the RN may assist with general nursing responsibilities within the Medical Services Department—including the Medical Clinic, Employee Health, and other assigned programs—but only as needed to provide extra support during periods of increased demand or limited staffing. The position helps ensure the hospital remains in compliance with applicable standards, rules, and regulations established by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), The Joint Commission, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Denver Department of Public Health and Environment. Duties include: Provides Direct Assistance to the Hospital’s Infection Preventionist: + Supports the Infection Preventionist (IP) in planning, implementing, and evaluating infection prevention and control strategies across the hospital. + Under the direction of the IP, the RN performs routine surveillance, collects and summarizes data, supports outbreak investigations, and helps ensure compliance with applicable infection prevention regulations, protocols, and standards. Documentation and Regulatory Support: + Maintain organized and accessible electronic and paper records of infection prevention and control (IPC) monitoring activities, education, and interventions. + Prepare and compile documentation to support internal audits, survey readiness activities, and external regulatory reviews under the direction of the Infection Preventionist. + Support policy and procedure updates by gathering and organizing related reference materials, regulatory guidance, and evidence-based best practices. + Track the implementation status and outcomes of IPC-related performance improvement initiatives, as directed by the Infection Preventionist. + Maintain a weekly summary dashboard of healthcare-associated infection (HAI) data by unit to support leadership’s awareness and response. + Assist with implementing visual alert systems, such as color-coded indicators, to help prioritize infection control surveillance efforts. + Utilize standardized environmental rounding tools and logs to ensure consistent and complete data collection during IPC monitoring. Infection Surveillance and Reporting Support: + Assist with ongoing surveillance and tracking of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) in accordance with facility protocols and regulatory standards. + Collect, enter, and maintain accurate data using National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) definitions and hospital-approved surveillance methods. + Compile preliminary data summaries and generate draft reports for review and validation by the Infection Preventionist. + Support case tracking and assist in identifying trends, clusters, or changes in infection patterns under the guidance of the Infection Preventionist. + Prepare and organize data sets and relevant documentation to assist the Infection Preventionist in completing internal and external reporting requirements. Infection Control Observations and Environmental Rounds: + Conduct and participate in environmental rounds to assess infection prevention conditions, including cleanliness, hand hygiene stations, PPE availability, and required signage. + Document observations in a standardized format and assist the Infection Preventionist in follow-up coordination with Environmental Services, facilities, or unit leadership. + Identify and report breaches in infection prevention protocols, including but not limited to cleaning practices, PPE use, and isolation precautions. + Evaluate and document adherence to shared equipment cleaning and disinfection procedures, including verification of log use and supply availability. Staff Education, and Infection Prevention Communication: + Assist with onboarding and training of new staff on infection prevention practices, including the correct use of personal protective equipment (PPE), hand hygiene, and standard precautions. + Collaborate with the Infection Preventionist to create and disseminate educational materials such as flyers, newsletters, or posters on timely infection prevention topics. + Prepare, organize, and distribute materials for required annual trainings and emergency preparedness drills (e.g., bloodborne pathogens, respiratory protection fit testing). + Support infection prevention committees by taking accurate minutes and distributing summaries as needed. Other Duties as Assigned: + May provide cross-coverage or serve as backup for other areas within the Medical Services Section as operationally necessary. + Perform administrative or clinical tasks that arise during urgent or high-priority infection control needs. + Help with organizing supplies, documents, or logs related to infection prevention. + Provide shared on-call support with the Infection Preventionist, including responding to urgent infection control needs after-hours or on weekends, when scheduled. + Other duties as assigned Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights Minimum Qualifications: Education/Licensure/Certification/Experience: Current, valid licensure as a Registered Nurse from the Colorado Board of Nursing or any state participating in the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC) No Substitutions Special Qualifications: + Due to the juvenile population served at the MHI facilities, incumbents of this position must be at least 21 years of age. Preferred Qualifications: + Previous State employee + Basic understanding of infection prevention and control principles, including hand hygiene, standard precautions, and transmission-based precautions. + Ability to recognize signs of infection and apply isolation guidelines according to facility policies. + Knowledge of medical terminology, basic microbiology concepts, and patient care practices that impact infection risk. + Ability to collect, organize, and maintain infection-related data (e.g., hand hygiene audits, environmental cleaning observations). + Experience supporting infection prevention audits, staff education and compliance activities. + Strong collaboration and communication skills for working closely with infection preventionist and multidisciplinary teams. + Critical thinking skills to escalate infection risks to the Infection Preventionist (IP). + Basic clinical nursing skills and adaptability to provide backup support in medical clinic operations and other Medical Services sections as needed. + Capacity to interpret basic infection surveillance reports and contribute to root cause analysis + Proficiency in documenting and maintaining accurate medical and compliance records. + Demonstrates consistent adherence to hospital infection prevention policies, Joint Commission standards, CMS regulations, and state health requirements. + Maintains confidentiality and complies with HIPAA regulations when handling patient and staff health information. + Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills to manage multiple assignments and deadlines. + Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite or similar programs for data entry, presentations, and reporting. Conditions of Employment: + Applicants may be eligible for On-Call status: support with the Infection Preventionist, including responding to urgent infection control needs after-hours or on weekends, when scheduled + Full background check and reference check required + 2-Step TB test, Annual influenza and other vaccinations as required by the State of Colorado + Shift work- may be required to work days, evenings, and nights + Use, Handling, or Exposure to hazardous materials – May be exposed to environmental cleaning solutions + Must possess a valid, unrestricted U.S. Driver's License + Travel – May need to escort patients to medical appointments or attend training + Former State employees who were disciplinarily terminated or resigned in lieu of termination must (1) disclose that information on the application (2) provide an explanation why the prior termination or resignation should not disqualify the applicant from the current position, (3) provide the employee number from the applicant’s prior State employment. Absent extraordinary circumstances, prior disciplinary termination or resignation in lieu of termination and failure to provide this information will disqualify the applicant from future State employment with CDHS Appeal Rights: If you receive notice that you have been eliminated from consideration for this position, you may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board or request a review by the State Personnel Director. An appeal or review must be submitted on the official appeal form, signed by you or your representative. This form must be delivered to the State Personnel Board by email (dpa_state.personnelboard@state.co.us), postmarked in US Mail 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. For more information about the appeals process, the official appeal form, and how to deliver it to the State Personnel Board; go to spb.colorado.gov ; contact the State Personnel Board for assistance at (303) 866-3300; or refer to 4 Colorado Code of Regulations (CCR) 801-1, State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, Chapter 8, Resolution of Appeals and Disputes, at spb.colorado.gov under Rules. Supplemental Information How to Apply (https://cdhs.colorado.gov/information-for-job-applicants#how-to-apply) The Assessment Process For additional recruiting questions, please contact tricia.jepsen@state.co.us About Us: If your goal is to build a career that makes a difference, consider joining 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. 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 www.copera.org plus 401(k) and 457 plans + Medical and dental health plans + Employer supplemented Health Savings Account + Paid life insurance + Short- and long-term disability coverage + 11 paid holidays per year plus vacation and sick leave + BenefitHub state employee discount program + Employee Wellness program (https://coloradostateofhealth.com/) + 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. For more information, go to https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/dhr/student-loan-forgiveness-programs . Our Values: We believe in a people-first approach: To serve the people of Colorado, we develop a culture and work environment that creates an energized, inspired, and healthy team capable of giving their best to Coloradans. 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. We are committed to increasing the diversity of our staff and providing culturally responsive programs and services. Therefore, we encourage responses from people of diverse backgrounds and abilities. ADAA Accommodations: CDHS is committed to the full inclusion of 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, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or to perform 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 our ADAA Coordinator, Nancy Schmelzer, at cdhs_ada@state.co.us or call 1-800-929-0791. ~THE STATE OF COLORADO IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER~ (https://cdhs.colorado.gov/information-for-job-applicants#eoe)   Toll-Free Applicant Technical Support (https://cdhs.colorado.gov/information-for-job-applicants#technical-support) 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 Your legal name is used in the hiring process for background checks. Did you use your full legal name in your application? + Yes + No 02 If you are a current or former State of Colorado employee, please list your employee number (starts with 997...). Failure to provide this requested information may render your application incomplete, and you may no longer be considered for the position. 03 Former State employees who were disciplinarily terminated or resigned in lieu of termination must disclose the information on the application. In the space below, please provide an explanation as to why the prior termination or resignation should NOT disqualify your application from the current position. 04 The bottom of this job announcement provides links to additional information on how to apply, the assessment process, toll free applicant technical support, and about how the State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer. Please acknowledge below that you have read the information provided in these links. + This information is available to me and I have read this information. + I am unable to access the links with this information on the job posting. (If you select this option, please contact the recruiter, whose information is listed on this announcement, so that they can send this information directly to you.) 05 Describe your experience supporting infection prevention and control activities, including data collection, surveillance, and staff education. 06 Explain what “standard precautions” are and why they are essential in healthcare. How would you differentiate between contact, droplet, and airborne precautions? 07 Describe how you would conduct a hand hygiene audit. What key observations would you make, and how would you ensure your data is accurate and unbiased? 08 If you noticed a potential infection risk, such as improperly stored sterile equipment or staff not following hygiene protocols, how would you report it? To whom would you escalate concerns? 09 A patient develops a new infection shortly after admission. What steps would you take to investigate whether it is healthcare-associated? What information would you collect if assisting in an outbreak investigation? 10 How would you explain a new infection control policy to staff members resistant to change? Can you share an example of educating patients, families, or non-clinical staff about infection prevention? 11 Infection prevention requires collaboration across multiple departments. How would you build effective working relationships with teams you don’t regularly interact with, and how would you prioritize multiple requests from different departments? 12 Why is infection prevention critical for regulatory compliance and hospital accreditation? How do you maintain confidentiality when handling infection-related patient information? 13 This position requires flexibility and adaptability to provide cross-coverage support across the medical clinic, and other medical service areas.Please describe your experience managing changing priorities and supporting multiple clinical functions. How do you ensure quality and continuity of care when stepping into different roles? 14 This position requires on-call availability to respond to positive infectious disease cases; such as, COVID-19. Please share your experience handling on-call responsibilities and your role in managing contact tracing and outbreak control. Required Question Employer State of Colorado Address See the full announcement by clicking the "Printer" icon located above the job title Location varies by announcement, Colorado, -- Website https://careers.colorado.gov/ Apply Please verify your email addressVerify Email