Registered Nurse

Overview

The Registered Nurse (RN) provides comprehensive nursing care to patients in a substance use disorder (SUD) treatment setting, including detoxification and/or residential services. The RN is responsible for independent assessment, care planning, implementation, and evaluation of patient care, and for coordinating services across the interdisciplinary treatment team. In accordance with Vermont law, the RN practices within a full scope of nursing, including assessment, diagnosis, care planning, and evaluation of patient outcomes.

• Clinical Assessment & Care Management
  • Conduct comprehensive physical and behavioral health assessments
  • Establish nursing diagnoses and develop individualized care plans
  • Monitor and evaluate patient progress, modifying care plans as needed
  • Administer medications, including detoxification and MAT protocols, per provider orders
  • Respond to acute medical and behavioral health needs
• Detoxification & Addiction Treatment
  • Conduct and document withdrawal assessments using standardized tools (e.g., CIWA, COWS) (as applicable)
  • Monitor patients for complications related to substance withdrawal (e.g., alcohol, opioids)
  • Support medication-assisted treatment (MAT), including patient education and adherence monitoring
  • Provide health education focused on recovery, relapse prevention, and wellness
• Care Coordination
  • Collaborate with physicians, APRNs, counselors, and case managers to support integrated care
  • Coordinate admissions, transfers, and discharges
  • Facilitate referrals to medical and behavioral health services as needed
  • Communicate effectively with patients, families, and care teams
• Supervision & Delegation
  • Direct and supervise LPNs and unlicensed assistive personnel
  • Delegate tasks in accordance with Vermont nursing regulations and patient safety considerations
  • Provide clinical guidance and mentorship to nursing staff
• Documentation & Compliance
  • Maintain accurate, timely, and compliant clinical documentation
  • Ensure adherence to Vermont Nurse Practice Act, organizational policies, and regulatory standards
  • Participate in audits, quality improvement initiatives, and performance monitoring
• Safety & Quality
  • Maintain a safe, therapeutic, and trauma-informed care environment
  • Respond to emergencies, including overdose, withdrawal complications, and behavioral crises
  • Promote infection control and patient safety protocols
• Work Environment
  • Detoxification units, residential treatment centers, outpatient clinics, or community-based settings
  • Fast-paced, team-oriented clinical environment
  • May require shift work, including nights, weekends, and holidays

• Ability to stand, walk, and respond quickly in emergency situations
• Ability to lift or assist patients as needed
• Manual dexterity for clinical procedures

• Advanced clinical judgment and critical thinking
• Leadership and team coordination
• Effective communication and patient education
• Crisis management and de-escalation
• Documentation accuracy and regulatory compliance

• Current, active Registered Nurse (RN) license in the State of Vermont
• Graduate of an accredited nursing program (Associate Degree in Nursing or Bachelor of Science in Nursing)
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification (ACLS preferred depending on setting)

• Experience in substance use disorder treatment, detox, or behavioral health
• Experience with medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
• Knowledge of trauma-informed care and harm reduction principles
• Experience with electronic health records (EHR)