Licensed Practical Nurse

State of Connecticut - DMHAS Connecticut Valley Hospital; Hartford (CT); On-site; USD 58,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

State of Connecticut DMHAS seeks Licensed Practical Nurses for multiple full‑time and part‑time roles across CVH campuses in Middletown and Hartford. Positions include 1st, 2nd, and 3rd shifts with possible unit assignments and weekend differentials.

The DMHAS team provides bedside care and mental health services in a supportive, patient‑centered environment. A license or temporary permit to practice nursing in CT is required, with potential for overtime opportunities.

Qualifications

• Licensed Practical Nurse license or temporary permit required.
• Experience delivering bedside nursing and psychiatric support preferred.
• Ability to follow clinical guidelines and document care accurately.

Responsibilities

• Assist doctors and nurses in general care and treatment.
• Administer medications including injections and monitor effects.
• Record medications and vital signs accurately in the chart.
• Support patients with daily living activities and safety.

Skills

LPN license

Patient care

Bedside care

Education

Tools

Electronic Health Records

Job description

Introduction

Are you a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)? Looking for a fulfilling career with growth potential? Join our team and make a difference in the lives of those who need it most.

The State of Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) is seeking dedicated Licensed Practical Nurses for multiple opportunities! We have a variety of full‑time and part‑time roles available across various shifts. Join us in delivering compassionate bedside care and mental health services. Learn more.

POSITION HIGHLIGHTS

• FACILITY: Connecticut Valley Hospital (CVH)
• DIVISIONS & LOCATION:
• General Psychiatry Division (GPD)
• Middletown
• Addiction Services Division (ASD)
• Middletown Campus
• Hartford Campus (Blue Hills)
• AVAILABLE SCHEDULES: Full-Time and Part-time
• AVAILABLE SHIFTS: First, Second, and Third (see below for specifics per locations)
• NOTE: These positions can be assigned any unit/location and work schedule/shift within CVH
• GPD Hours
• ASD-Middletown Hours
• ASD-Blue Hills Hartford Hours
• 1st Shift
• 7:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
• 7:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
• 6:45 a.m. - 3:15 p.m.
• 2nd Shift
• 3:00 p.m. - 11:30 p.m.
• 3:00 p.m. - 11:30 p.m.
• 2:45 p.m. - 11:15 p.m.
• 3rd Shift
• 11:15 p.m. - 7:15 a.m.
• 11:15 p.m. - 7:15 a.m.
• 11:00 p.m. - 7:00 a.m.

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

WHY THE STATE OF CONNECTICUT

• Explore our comprehensive State Employee Benefits Overview to see what we offer
• Enjoy abundant opportunities for professional growth and development
• Experience a healthy work/life balance
• Please note benefits may vary for part‑time positions

DISCOVER THE OPPORTUNITY TO

• Be a part of a comprehensive team of caring professionals
• Provide support to a division that is passionate about improving the lives of those we serve
• Assist our clients so they can achieve success
• Make a difference in the public sector
• Work together in a collaborative team environment

Permanent DMHAS employees in the classification of Licensed Practical 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. Some positions may be eligible for shift and/or weekend differentials, depending on the assigned schedule.

OUR MISSION

DMHAS is a health care agency whose mission is to promote the overall health and wellness of persons with behavioral health needs through an integrated network of holistic, comprehensive, effective and efficient services and supports that foster dignity, respect and self‑sufficiency in those we serve.

ABOUT CVH & THE DIVISIONS

Connecticut Valley Hospital (CVH) is the largest DMHAS inpatient facility, serving adults with behavioral health and substance use needs across campuses in Middletown and Hartford. The General Psychiatry Division provides recovery‑oriented psychiatric care, and the Addiction Services Division offers 24/7 detox and residential rehabilitation with evidence‑based, trauma‑informed treatment. Blue Hills in Hartford provides walk‑in access and rapid triage for individuals needing inpatient substance use treatment.

Please note: A comprehensive medical examination, including a drug screening, will be required of all applicants upon a conditional offer of employment.

Selection Plan

Salary Information:

• Part‑time: $31.93 - $42.68 Hourly
• Full‑time (35 Hours/Week): $58,324 - $77,966 Yearly

Purpose of Job Class (Nature of Work)

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.

Examples of Duties

• 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.
• DEPARTMENT OF DEVELOPMENTAL SERVICES:
• Performs the full range of duties as described in the class specification for the Lead Developmental Services Worker.
• DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH AND ADDICTION SERVICES:
• Performs the full range of duties as described in class specifications for the Mental Health Assistant 1 or Mental Health Assistant 2.

Knowledge, Skill and Ability

• 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.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE

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.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience working with clients/patients supported by the agency
• Experience using interpersonal skills to support, calm and deescalate clients/patients
• Experience participating with the development of nursing care and treatment plans
• Experience advocating for services that meet client needs
• Experience working as part of a multidisciplinary team and working independently
• Experience utilizing Electronic Health Records
• Experience working in roles that require mandatory overtime

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• DEPARTMENT OF DEVELOPMENTAL SERVICES: Incumbents in this class 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.

WORKING CONDITIONS

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

Conclusion

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

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

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.

QUESTIONS? WE’RE HERE TO HELP

Due to high volume, we are unable to confirm receipt or provide status updates directly. For recruitment updates, please check your Personal Status Board and review our Frequently Asked Questions. If you have additional questions about the recruitment process, please email Alyssa Hovanec.