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Apr 25, 2026

Nurse (40 Hour) (Office/On-site)

  • State of Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection
  • Bridgeport, CT, USA
  • $79,874 - $104,588 yearly

Job Description

We are seeking dedicated nursing professionals to support high‑quality, recovery‑oriented inpatient behavioral health care.

The Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) is seeking to fill two full‑time (40 hours/week) second-shift Nurse positions within the Southwest Connecticut Mental Health System (SWCMHS).

NEW! We're excited that Connecticut has joined the Nurse Licensure Compact effective October 1, 2025. Visit the Nurse Licensure Compact for more details.

IN ADDITION TO THE BASE ANNUAL SALARY, YOU MAY BE APPROVED FOR AN ADDITIONAL COMPENSATION BONUS
  • Each Registered Nurse permanently assigned to the second shift may be eligible to receive a “recruitment and retention” yearly bonus of three thousand dollars ($3,000.00)
  • This bonus shall be pro‑rated for part‑time
  • To be eligible for this bonus, the employee must have completed one year of service in the Registered Nurse classification

NOTE
  • Permanent DMHAS employees in the classification of Nurse should not apply; transfers within DMHAS will be handled through the agency lateral transfer process
  • Candidates hired from this posting may be initially provided with a temporary assignment; the permanent assignment will be determined within the first six months of employment


Schedule
  • 2nd shift: 4:00 PM – 12:30 AM
  • Full‑time, 40 hours per week
  • Rotating schedule including every other weekend and alternating holidays
  • Note: These positions can be assigned any unit/location and second shift work schedule/shift within SWCMHS


What We Can Offer You
  • Access to a comprehensive suite of state employee benefits
  • NEW: Visit our State Employee Benefits Overview page to explore available options
  • Opportunities for professional growth and career development
  • A commitment to promoting a healthy work/life balance

Position Highlights
  • Provide therapeutic nursing care in accordance with individualized Nursing Care Plans
  • Offer input on patient needs, treatment responses, and recommended plan adjustments
  • Conduct comprehensive initial assessments for individuals with acute psychiatric and substance‑related conditions
  • Deliver direct care including education, counseling, medication administration, and documentation of patient progress


Program Assignments
Co‑Occurring Treatment Unit (CTU) – 20 Beds
A locked inpatient unit serving individuals with co‑occurring mental health and substance use disorders. The unit focuses on assessment, stabilization, and education using the Integrated Dual Disorders Treatment (IDDT) model.

Psychiatric Intensive Care Units (PICU 1 & PICU 2) – 42 Beds
Two locked inpatient units providing care for individuals with severe, acute psychiatric needs requiring a highly structured environment.
  • PICU 1 focuses on assessment, stabilization, and preparation for community reentry
  • PICU 2 provides extended care emphasizing rehabilitation and skill development
Both units coordinate with community providers to support safe discharge planning.

A comprehensive medical examination, including drug screening, is required following a conditional offer of employment. All state employees must comply with Connecticut’s Drug‑Free Workplace Policy.


About Us
DMHAS promotes the overall health and wellness of individuals with behavioral health needs through an integrated network of services grounded in dignity, respect, and self‑sufficiency.

SWCMHS provides a continuum of mental health and substance use services across Fairfield County, including 62 inpatient beds, outpatient programs, and supportive treatment services.

Selection Plan

For Applicants with an Out‑of‑State RN License (Non‑Compact)
If you hold an RN license from another state and do not have a multistate/compact license, follow these steps to apply for a Connecticut RN license:

  • Review CT’s eligibility and documentation requirements for licensure by endorsement.
  • Submit the CT DPH online application (under “Public Health Practitioners,” select “Registered Nurse,” then “Start”).
  • Request electronic license verification through Nursys® by searching your license, selecting Connecticut, and completing the transaction. Nursys will send confirmation once your verification is available to DPH.


For Assistance in Applying
  • Review the Applicant Tips on How to Apply.
  • Visit the Applicant Reference Library for additional support throughout the recruitment process.

Before You Apply
  • Meet Minimum Qualifications: Ensure you meet the Minimum Qualifications listed on the posting by the closing date. These qualifications must be clearly specified on your application.
  • Educational Credits: List your earned credits and degrees accurately. Institutions must be accredited. For foreign education, provide equivalency documentation from a recognized U.S. accrediting service.
  • Resume Policy: Per Public Act 21‑69, resumes are not accepted during the initial application process. Additional documents (cover letter, transcripts, performance reviews, etc.) may be requested later.
  • Preferred Shift/Location: Select all locations and shifts you are willing to work. Failure to do so may limit your consideration for specific vacancies.
  • Timely Submission: All application materials must be submitted by the posting deadline. Revisions cannot be made after you submit. Late submissions are rarely accepted; applicants may request exceptions by emailing DAS.SHRM@ct.gov and providing documentation of incapacitating circumstances during the entire posting period.
  • Salary Calculations: For current state employees, salary calculations may differ between branches of state government.
  • How to Apply: The only way to apply is through the “Apply” or “Apply Online” buttons on the official State of Connecticut Online Employment Center posting.

After You Apply
  • Check Your Status: Email providers may delay messages. Regularly review your Personal Status Board for updates, questionnaires, and tasks. You may also enable SMS notifications.
  • Referral Questions: You may be required to complete Referral Questions (RQs) after the posting closes. Access them through your email or your Personal Status Board.
  • Prepare for an Interview: Only candidates whose experience aligns most closely with the role will be interviewed. Review the Interview Preparation Guide to get ready.
  • Stay Connected: Monitor your Personal Status Board daily and check all email folders (including spam).
  • Future Vacancies: Applications to this recruitment may be considered for future vacancies in this job class.
  • Employment Rules: Positions are filled in accordance with contractual language, reemployment, SEBAC, transfer, promotion, and merit rules. Employees are also bound by the State Code of Ethics (www.ct.gov/ethics).

Questions? We’re Here to Help
Due to high volume, we are unable to confirm receipt or provide individual status updates. For recruitment updates, check your Personal Status Board or review the Frequently Asked Questions. For additional questions about the process, contact Ben Beaudry at Benjamin.Beaudry@ct.gov.

PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

In a state agency this class is accountable for providing a full range of professional nursing care.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

  • Independently implements the nursing process with individuals including carrying out physician's orders regarding diet, medication and treatment;
  • Performs assessments;
  • Changes dressings;
  • Monitors and ensures quality care through observation and evaluation;
  • Reports on physiological and mental health status of individuals;
  • Documents nursing interventions on medical records;
  • Distributes and maintains records of controlled drugs and ensures their security;
  • Maintains records and makes reports;
  • Makes decisions in routine cases;
  • Instructs individuals, staff and family members regarding treatments, nursing plans and related individual care issues directed towards an awareness and understanding of health/mental health issues;
  • Responds to emergencies;
  • Maintains availability of medications and supplies;
  • Ensures cleanliness of equipment and environment;
  • May participate as a member of an interdisciplinary treatment team in the assessment, development, implementation and evaluation of individual's treatment or health/mental health care plans;
  • May formulate and implement nursing care plans;
  • May participate in outpatient clinics and assist in physical examinations;
  • May administer routine tests;
  • May conduct training;
  • May delegate nursing tasks consistent with established protocols;
  • May participate in psychotherapeutic and rehabilitation interventions;
  • May physically restrain individuals;
  • May provide related medical or mental health specialty services;
  • May serve as Qualified Intellectual Disability Professional;
  • Performs related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

  • Knowledge of
    • and ability to apply professional nursing theory, practice and ethics;
    • current medications, their actions, interactions, uses and side effects;
    • medical, therapeutic and psychiatric nursing interventions and methods;
    • and ability to apply quality standards, procedures and protocols;
    • and sensitivity to cultural and socio-economic difference;
    • and ability to apply clinical therapeutic models of individual care with emphasis on interdisciplinary team approach;
  • Skills
    • interpersonal skills;
    • oral and written communication skills;
  • Ability to
    • act as a role model to health care staff by demonstrating and teaching professional behaviors;
    • learn specialized individual care applicable to work assignment;
    • listen and provide empathetic assistance to individuals and families in meeting their needs and carrying out prescribed treatments;
    • develop therapeutic relationships with individuals, and their caregivers;
    • respond to emergencies;
    • respond to and seek supervision;
    • encourage and facilitate cooperation, pride trust and group identity to foster commitment and team work;
    • analyze and evaluate proper care and treatment.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE

Graduation from an accredited nursing program.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Incumbents in this class must possess and retain a license or temporary permit as a Registered Nurse in Connecticut OR hold a Multistate or Compact Registered Nurse license.
  • Incumbents in this class may be required to be fluent in a foreign language or proficient in the use of the American Sign Language in certain designated positions.
  • Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.

WORKING CONDITIONS

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

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

As defined by Sec. 5-196 of the Connecticut General Statutes, a job class is a position or group of positions that share general characteristics and are categorized under a single title for administrative purposes. As such, a job class is not meant to be all-inclusive of every task and/or responsibility.

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