Nurse Clinician

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Nurse Clinician

Salary

$65,520.00 – $101,462.40 Annually

Location

Cherokee – 51012 – Cherokee County, IA

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

26-03152

Agency

400 Health & Human Services – State Operated Specialty Care

Opening Date

05/20/2026

Closing Date

6/3/2026 11:59 PM Central

LinkedIn Tag

LI-POST

Point of Contact

Dawn Bobzien, dawn.bobzien@hhs.iowa.gov

Description

Benefits

Questions

Job Description

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Division of State-Operated Specialty Care, Bureau of Cherokee Mental Health Institute (CMHI) is seeking a Nurse Clinician to join our team!

This position may qualify for a recruitment payment. Current state employees are not eligible for recruitment payments upon transfer, demotion, or promotion to another agency.

The Nurse Clinician ensures compliance with all state and federal regulatory requirements02021

and that all patient care documentation and operational procedures adhere to federal, state, and accreditation standards (e.g., The Joint Commission, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services). The Nurse Clinician uses their clinical background to audit, educate, and implement corrective actions to improve overall care and operations. This position will also serve as the facility’s Infection Preventionist.

Job duties include but are not limited to:

Audit and Monitor: Conduct regular audits of medical records, clinical documentation quality of care, and facility operations.

Regulatory Adherence: Ensure compliance with HIPAA, OSHA, TJC, CMS, and other state-specific healthcare regulations.

Policy Development, Review, and Revision: Assist in developing, reviewing, and revising policy/procedure based on evidence-based practice and regulations.

Staff Education: Educate staff on compliance requirements, policy/procedure, and best practice to prevent errors.

Risk Mitigation: Investigate patient/facility safety incidents, compliance concerns, and develop corrective action plans.

Regulatory Liaison: Monitor on-going compliance, maintain a survey ready environment, prepare for and support external accreditation surveys and inspections, and respond to findings with corrective action plans.

Infection Preventionist: Identify, investigate, monitor, and report healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) to reduce risks for patients, staff, and visitors. Conduct surveillance, educate staff, and ensure compliance with regulatory standards to prevent disease transmission. Submit required data to national and/or public health agencies. Participate in construction planning, renovation, and environmental hazard assessment to manage infection risks. Work with the Employee Health Coordinator to manage staff exposures and prevent the transmission of communicable diseases.

Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Chair the Performance Improvement, Infection Prevention, and Joint Commission Workgroup committees. Participate as an active member in hospital-wide committees to include Safety, Medical Executive, Pharmacy and Therapeutics, Antimicrobial Stewardship, Staff Development, and other ad hoc committees. Work closely with all departments of the facility to ensure compliance with all regulatory standards.

Applicants will be required to complete a background check to be considered for this position.

CMHI provides active inpatient treatment to adults in need of acute psychiatric care. The facility offers several services includingindividualized treatment plans. Support for patients with special education needs to continue their education is provided, and individuals are encouraged to collaborate with staff members in formulating their own plan. Medication, group counseling, and activities therapies might be included as well. For more CMHI info: https://hhs.iowa.gov/family-community/specialty-care-facilities/cherokee-mental-health-institute

Benefits of Joining CMHI

Working for the State of Iowa comes with its perks. In addition to a competitive salary, you’ll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and professional growth.

Health, Dental, and Vision Coverage:Health and dental insurance packages to keep you and your family healthy at a low cost with outstanding coverage!

Paid Time Off:Take time to recharge with paid time off, including vacation(96 hours/year to begin, increasing with years of service), sick leave (144 hours/year), and paid holidays (9 days/year).

Retirement Plans:Participate in retirement plans such as IPERS (employees contribute 6.29% and the State of Iowa contributes 9.44%) as well as our Retirement Investors Club (RIC), Employer Sponsored Retirement Plan (the State of Iowa matches dollar for dollar up to $75/month).

Flexible Spending Accounts:Take advantage of flexible spending accounts for medical and dependent care expenses.

Insurance Coverage:Benefit from life insurance and free long-term disability insurance for added peace of mind.

Employee Assistance Program:Access resources and support through our Employee Assistance Program for personal and professional challenges.

Employee Discount Programs:Enjoy discounts on a variety of goods and services through our employee discount programs.

For additional information on benefits click here (https://das.iowa.gov/media/5266/download?inline) .

Click hereto see how we compare with other employers or offers by using our Total Compensation Calculator.

Cherokee Highlights

CMHI is located in Cherokee, a city of approximately 5,000 set in the beautiful Little Sioux River Valley in Northwest Iowa. Residents enjoy fishing and canoeing on the Little Sioux River which winds through town providing a backdrop to a well-developed parks and trails system. In addition, Cherokee has over 1,000 acres of land devoted to parks and outdoor activities like camping, hiking, and horseback riding. Cherokee is the home of the first accredited museum and planetarium in Iowa, Sandford Museum and Planetarium, established in 1951. Cherokee may be the smallest town in the world to have its own symphony orchestra! This 60-member orchestra has been referred to as the “best kept secret in Northwest Iowa.”

Cherokee is home to Western Iowa Tech Community College and 1 hour or less from other educational institutions including Morningside College, Northwestern College, Buena Vista University, and Dordt College. This quintessential Iowa town is 1 hour from Sioux City and 2 hours from Omaha. Check out these 10 Reasons to Move to Iowa (https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/iowa/10-reasons-move-to-ia/) .

The State of Iowa is an EEO/AA Employer

HHS values those with “lived experience” and encourages adults who were fostered as youth, foster parents, and/or parents who were in the HHS system to apply. Minorities, women, persons with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply (Hearing and Speech Impaired – Relay Iowa 1-800-735-2942 TDD).

E-Verify and Right to Work

The State of Iowa participates in E-Verify, a federal program that helps employers confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. Within the required timeframe, new hires will be verified through the E-Verify system to ensure authorization to work in the United States. The State of Iowa also complies with the federalRight to Worklaws, which protect employees’ rights to work without being required to join a labor organization. For more information, please visit www.e-verify.gov.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Applicants must meet at least one of the following minimum requirements to qualify for positions in this job classification:

1) Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor’s degree in nursing andexperience equal to one year of full-time professional clinical work in a correctional environment or in any combination of nursing specialty areas including epidemiology, geriatrics, maternal and child health, nursing education, pediatrics, public health, mental health or psychiatrics, or intellectual disability.

2) All of the following (a and b):

a. One year of full-time professional clinical work experience in either a correctional environment or in any combination of nursing specialty areas including epidemiology, geriatrics, maternal and child health, nursing education, pediatrics, public health, mental health or psychiatrics, or intellectual disability; and

b. A total of four years of education and/or full-time experience (as described in number one), where thirty semester hours of accredited college or university course work in nursing equals one year of full-time experience.

3) Current, continuous experience in the state executive branch at the Iowa Veterans Home that includes experience equal to five years of full-time work as a Registered Nurse. The Iowa Veterans Home’s service/duty requirements are not applicable to other institutions or agencies for qualification purposes.

For additional information, please click on this link to view the job description. (https://das.iowa.gov/sites/default/files/hr/documents/classandpay/JobClassDescriptions/NurseClinician-02021-52021.pdf)

Additional Qualification Requirements

All positions in this class require licensure as a Registered Nurse in the State of Iowa by the Iowa Board of Nursing, or licensure as a Registered Nurse in accordance with the Nurse Licensure Compact Administrator’s Agreement of the National Council of State Boards of Nursing.

More information about the Nurse Licensure Compact Administrators agreement of the National Council of State Boards of Nursing is available atNurse Licensure Compact (https://nursing.iowa.gov/about-us/general-information/other-state-boards-nursing-licensure-compact) .

Why Choose the State of Iowa?

At the heart of our commitment to excellence is a dedication to our most valuable asset – our employees. Discover the outstanding benefits that set us apart as an employer of choice.

Our Robust Benefits Package Includes:

Competitive Compensation:

Enjoy a competitive salary that reflects directly on your skills and expertise.

Keep in mind, your wage is just one part of your total compensation. Unlock the complete value of your employment with the State of Iowa by using our user-friendlyTotal Compensation Calculator (https://das.iowa.gov/media/3773/download?inline) .Gain insights into your comprehensive annual compensation, including salary and State-provided benefits.

Health and Wellness:

Prioritize your well-being with our comprehensive health plans, including medical, dental, and vision coverage. Enjoy the peace of mind knowing that the State of Iowa covers 90% of the premiums, providing you and your loved ones with excellent coverage at a remarkably low cost.

Retirement Planning:

We are proud to offer the Iowa Public Employees Retirement System (IPERS). A defined benefit plan, IPERS benefits are guaranteed for life, meaning once you retire, you will receive the same monthly benefit for the remainder of your life (once vested). We invest in your long-term financial well-being, so you can retire with peace of mind.Click here to learn more about IPERS (https://ipers.org/members) .

Paid Time Off:

Life is unpredictable, and at the State of Iowa, we understand the importance of work-life balance. Our leave policies, including paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave with unlimited accrual, ensure you have the flexibility you need for personal and family matters.

Professional Development:

Elevate your career with continuous learning opportunities. We support your growth through training programs, workshops, and tuition reimbursement.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP):

We care about your well-being beyond the workplace. Access confidential counseling, resources, and support through our Employee Assistance Program.

Diversity and Inclusion:

Be part of a diverse and inclusive workplace that embraces all backgrounds and perspectives. We believe diversity is a strength that drives innovation.

Join Us – Elevate Your Career:

Ready to elevate your career with the State of Iowa?Click here (https://iowa.attract.neogov.com/recruitment/p/benefits) to explore more about our unparalleled benefits and discover what makes us unique. Your success is our priority!

01

Do you understand that the answers to all of the following questions must be truthful, honest, and accurate to the best of your ability? Please read all questions and answers thoroughly and make sure you understand them completely.Ensure the answers to your questions match the information filled out on your application and the attachments you have uploaded. If the answers to your questions are inconsistent with your application information or uploaded attachments, you will be given zero points for the question.Knowingly misrepresenting the facts when submitting any information related to an application, examination, certification, appeal, or any other facet of the selection process will result in your disqualification from this application and future employment with the state of Iowa.

Yes – I understand and agree.

No

02

Have you graduated from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor’s degree in nursing? IF YES – How many months of experience do you have of full-time professional clinical work in a correctional environment or in any combination of nursing specialty areas including epidemiology, geriatrics, maternal and child health, nursing education, pediatrics, public health, mental health or psychiatrics, or intellectual disability?

I have not graduated from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor’s degree in nursing

Less than 12 months of the identified experience

12 months or more of the identified experience

03

Are you a current State of Iowa employee? IF YES – How many months of experience do you have in the state executive branch at the Iowa Veterans Home as a Registered Nurse?

I am not a State of Iowa employee

Less than five years of the identified work experience

Five years or more of the identified work experience

04

Do you have one year of full-time professional clinical work experience in either a correctional environment or in any combination of nursing specialty areas including epidemiology, geriatrics, maternal and child health, nursing education, pediatrics, public health, mental health or psychiatrics, or intellectual disability? IF YES – How many years do you have of a combination of accredited college or university course work in nursing AND/OR additional experience (as described in the first part of this question)? The experience used to fulfill this requirement must not be the same experience used to qualify on the first part of this question. 30 semester hours of accredited college or university course work in nursing equals one year of full-time experience.

I do not have the the one year of full-time professional clinical work experience in either a correctional environment or in any combination of nursing specialty areas including epidemiology, geriatrics, maternal and child health, nursing education, pediatrics, public health, mental health or psychiatrics, or intellectual disability

Less than four years of the combined education and/or experience

Four years or more of the combined education and/or experience

05

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY

Have you filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq?

No – I have NOT filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq

Yes – I HAVE filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq

Required Question

Employer

State of Iowa

Agency

400 Health & Human Services – State Operated Specialty Care

Address

Lucas State Office Building

321 E 12th St

Des Moines, Iowa, 50319

Website

https://hhs.iowa.gov/

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