Nurse, Healthcare Nursing

Position Purpose

The Nurse is responsible for all nursing‑related services for each patient and for linking patients to physicians and outside medical resources. The nurse participates in interdisciplinary team meetings when necessary to inform the clinical team about medical issues and is available for emergency medical situations. The nurse provides all services under the supervision of the Director of Nursing, including medical and history screens, routine nursing care, and overseeing the medical and psychiatric management of the patient in coordination with the attending physician.

The nurse is also a member of the treatment team and provides input into the development of the Master Treatment Plan.

• A minimum of a graduation from a community college with a Practical Nurse Degree.

• Minimum of 1 year of experience in a chemical dependency/psychiatric setting, preferably in a detox unit and/or inpatient, partial hospitalization, and/or outpatient setting.
• Must have two years of sobriety prior to hire if recovering from a substance use disorder and participate in a self‑help program.
• Detoxification experience preferred for detox locations.
• Current (five‑year) record of no felonies.

• Licensed to practice nursing in the appropriate state; maintains current licensure per state requirements.
• Maintains current CPR certification.

• Knowledge of addictions and mental health complications.
• Knowledge of crisis management, stress management, ethics, and team building.
• Knowledge of alcohol and other drugs and their physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual impact on the individual and their family.
• Ability to determine if a medical emergency exists and take appropriate action when necessary.
• Knowledge of emergency procedures used in case of alcohol and/or drug overdose and the stages of withdrawal.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and municipal laws and regulations that regulate the treatment of alcoholism and drug addiction, including confidentiality, patient rights, code of ethics, discrimination, airborne and blood‑borne pathogens, and use of universal precautions.
• Flexibility to adapt to schedule changes and assume responsibilities related to work as a member of an addiction treatment team.

• Complete admission documentation within 24 hours of the patient’s admission, including admission note, nursing assessment, pre‑screen testing, HRS consent form, patient health examination, and criteria for admission form (if detox admit).
• Transcribe physician orders and implement all medical protocols as ordered.
• Administer medications and monitor the detoxification process.
• Confer with and assist the medical doctor and the psychiatrist.
• Make appropriate referrals using referral forms.
• Conduct nursing assessments and monitor detoxification patients.
• Manage medication administration and train staff in medication dispensing.
• Observe and assess patients for clinical signs and symptoms and follow prescribed treatment courses.
• Determine and implement specific detoxification protocols as designated by the medical director.
• Attend and participate in all in‑service functions.
• Assist with emergency situations and make immediate referrals.
• Document services for each patient in accordance with licensure standards.
• Maintain required training and continuing education.
• Meet with patients requesting to see the doctor to determine the urgency of their medical needs and expedite treatment as required.
• Effectively communicate concerns about patient health to the medical director and follow up as necessary.
• Under the supervision of the medical director, assist in educating patients about health problems and medical care.
• Facilitate medication education for new patients and for all other patients starting new medications.
• Assist the treatment team in incorporating medical issues into treatment planning.
• Take verbal orders from the medical director, document them in the patient’s record, and carry them out accurately and professionally.
• Provide routine nursing care under the supervision of the medical director.
• Participate in…