Mid-Level Provider (Nurse Practitioner/Physician Assistant) – Buena Vista

About the role

The Colorado Department of Corrections seeks a qualified Mid‑Level Provider to deliver acute, chronic and emergency medical care to inmates at its Buena Vista facilities. This full‑time, onsite position involves direct patient assessment, treatment, and coordination of care within a correctional environment.

Key responsibilities

• Perform physical examinations, obtain detailed medical histories, and diagnose conditions within scope of practice.
• Prescribe medications from the CDOC formulary following agency guidelines.
• Conduct sick‑call, emergency treatment, and chronic‑care clinics as assigned.
• Make rounds in infirmaries or skilled‑nursing settings and provide emergency medical coverage, including basic life support.
• Order laboratory and diagnostic tests relevant to inmate care.
• Perform minor procedures such as suturing, incision and drainage, cyst excision, splint/cast application, and toenail removal.

Required profile

• Current licensure as a Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant in Colorado.
• Experience providing primary care in a high‑security or institutional setting.
• Ability to work independently, make rapid clinical decisions, and adhere to correctional policies.
• Strong communication skills for interacting with inmates, staff, and external health providers.

Required skills

• Suturing
• Incision and drainage
• Excision of cysts
• Splint and cast application
• Toenail removal
• Basic life support
• Cardiac arrest management
• Prescribing medications

What we offer

• Distinctive career advancement opportunities within the state system.
• Secure retirement benefits including PERA Defined Benefit or Contribution plans, plus 401(k) and 457 plans.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, short‑ and long‑term disability, and life insurance coverage.
• Paid holidays, vacation and sick leave.
• Wellness programs, tuition reimbursement, and ongoing training opportunities.