Forensic Head Nurse

Forensic Head Nurse (40 Hour)(Office/On‑Site) Agency: Connecticut Department of Administrative Services, Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) Location: Whiting Forensic Hospital, 70 Obrien Drive, Middletown, CT Opening Date: 11/7/2025 Application Deadline: 11/17/2025 Salary: $95,538 - $126,271 per year Job Type: Full‑time (40 hours), Hazardous Duty Schedules PCN 136223: Unit Dutcher 3 South, Second Shift (2:45 PM‑11:15 PM), Week 1 OFF Saturday/Sunday, Week 2 OFF Friday/Tuesday PCN 100371: Unit 1, Third Shift (10:45 PM‑7:15 AM), Week 1 OFF Saturday/Sunday, Week 2 OFF Friday/Thursday Benefits State employee benefits overview Hazardous Duty pension plan (State Employees Retirement System Tier IV) Retire in 25 years with pension & healthcare benefits Professional growth and development opportunities Work/life balance support Additional yearly bonus of $3,000 for second/third shift RN’s (prorated for part‑time) Responsibilities Lead the planning of care and implementation of the nursing process. Plan unit workflow and determine priorities. Schedule, assign, oversee, and review work. Establish and maintain unit procedures. Provide staff training and assistance. Conduct or assist in performance evaluations. Lead professional and paraprofessional staff in patient/client care. Maintain and promote nursing standards. Identify staff development needs. Instruct staff regarding policies and procedures. Participate in interdisciplinary meetings to promote continuity of care. Respond to emergencies. Act as liaison with operating units. Ensure controlled drugs are properly stored, administered, and ordered. Make policy or standards recommendations as needed. Prepare reports and correspondence. Perform related duties as required. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Considerable knowledge of psychiatric nursing principles, techniques, and standards. Specialized patient/client care for nursing assignments. Medication knowledge: actions, interactions, uses, side effects. Knowledge of policies and procedures for maximum‑security environments. Understanding of statutes related to treatment of mentally ill offenders. Proficiency in assessment, nursing diagnosis, outcome identification, health planning, implementation, and evaluation. Sensitivity to cultural and socioeconomic differences. Interpersonal skills; oral and written communication skills. Ability to establish collaborative relationships with other professionals. Act as a role model to health‑care staff. Supervisory ability. Minimum Qualifications Two (2) years of experience as a Registered Nurse. One (1) year of that experience in caring for the mentally ill or emotionally disturbed. Alternatively, a bachelor's degree in nursing may substitute for one (1) year of general experience. Special Requirements Must possess an active RN license in Connecticut or a Multistate/Compact RN license. Possible requirement for fluency in a foreign language or proficiency in American Sign Language. Potential travel may be required. Character Requirements Background investigation will be conducted. Any false information or reference discrepancies may result in cancellation of certification. Equal Opportunity Statement The State of Connecticut is an equal‑opportunity/affirmative‑action employer and strongly encourages applications from women, minorities, and persons with disabilities. Application Process Applicants must be current State of Connecticut employees with at least six (6) months of full‑time service. Apply only through the official State of Connecticut Online Employment Center. Resume and other documentation may be requested during later stages of the process. Contact Nicole Frascatore (Nicole.Frascatore@ct.gov) for questions. #J-18808-Ljbffr