Registered Nurse (RN) –Detoxification Center
Location: Massachusetts
Department: Nursing / Substance Use Disorder Treatment
Job Type: Full-Time, Part-Time, Contract, or Per Diem
Shift: Days, Evenings, Nights, Weekends, or Rotating Shifts
Reports To: Nurse Manager / Director of Nursing / Clinical DirectorJob SummaryThe Registered Nurse (RN) provides comprehensive nursing care to individuals undergoing medically supervised withdrawal from alcohol, opioids, benzodiazepines, and other substances. The RN is responsible for assessing patients upon admission, monitoring withdrawal symptoms, administering prescribed medications, identifying potential complications, and coordinating care with physicians, behavioral health professionals, and the interdisciplinary treatment team. The RN promotes patient safety, comfort, dignity, and recovery while ensuring compliance with Massachusetts nursing regulations, applicable healthcare standards, and facility policies.Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Conduct nursing assessments and obtain medical histories, medication lists, substance use histories, allergies, and baseline vital signs upon admission.
- Monitor patients for withdrawal symptoms using standardized assessment tools, such as CIWA-Ar or COWS, as appropriate to the patient's condition and facility protocols.
- Administer prescribed medications for withdrawal management, symptom relief, and co-occurring medical conditions in accordance with provider orders and facility policies.
- Monitor vital signs, level of consciousness, hydration status, and overall clinical condition throughout the detoxification process.
- Recognize and promptly respond to complications, including seizures, severe withdrawal symptoms, respiratory depression, dehydration, and altered mental status.
- Notify physicians or advanced practice providers of significant changes in patient condition and escalate care when medically necessary.
- Collaborate with physicians, behavioral health clinicians, counselors, social workers, and case managers to coordinate individualized treatment plans.
- Document nursing assessments, medication administration, withdrawal scores, interventions, and patient responses accurately in the electronic medical record (EMR).
- Provide education regarding withdrawal symptoms, medication adherence, overdose prevention, relapse prevention, and available recovery resources.
- Maintain a safe, supportive, and therapeutic environment for patients experiencing substance withdrawal.
- Monitor medication effectiveness and potential adverse reactions, including sedation and other medication-related complications.
- Assist with admission, transfer, discharge, and referral processes to support continuity of care.
- Follow infection prevention protocols, medication security procedures, patient identification standards, and confidentiality requirements.
- Maintain professional boundaries and provide nonjudgmental, trauma-informed, and culturally sensitive care.
- Participate in treatment team meetings, quality improvement initiatives, emergency preparedness activities, and required staff training.
- Support referrals to ongoing substance use treatment, rehabilitation services, behavioral health care, and community recovery resources.
Qualifications
- Current, active Registered Nurse (RN) license in Massachusetts.
- Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an approved nursing program.
- Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification, as required by the employer.
- Previous experience in detoxification, substance use treatment, behavioral health, emergency nursing, or acute care preferred.
- Knowledge of withdrawal management, medication administration, substance use disorders, and co-occurring mental health conditions.
- Familiarity with withdrawal assessment tools, including CIWA-Ar and COWS, preferred.
- Strong clinical assessment, critical-thinking, communication, and crisis management skills.
- Ability to recognize medical emergencies and respond appropriately within the RN scope of practice.
- Commitment to patient confidentiality, professional ethics, and compassionate, person-centered care.
- Ability to work effectively with patients from diverse backgrounds in a structured treatment environment.
Work EnvironmentThis position is based in a medically supervised detoxification center or substance use treatment facility in Massachusetts. The RN may care for patients experiencing acute withdrawal symptoms, complex medical needs, and co-occurring behavioral health conditions. The position may require rotating shifts, nights, weekends, holidays, and occasional overtime. Depending on the facility's level of care, the nurse may need to respond to medical emergencies and coordinate transfers to higher levels of care.Compensation and BenefitsCompensation is based on experience, qualifications, facility requirements, and employment status. Benefits may include medical, dental, and vision insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, shift differentials, continuing education, and professional development opportunities.Equal Employment OpportunityThe employer provides equal employment opportunities to qualified applicants and complies with applicable federal and Massachusetts employment laws.Application RequirementsApplicants should submit a résumé, verification of current Massachusetts RN licensure, relevant certifications, and professional references as requested by the hiring organization. Employment may be contingent upon background checks, credential verification, and other required screenings.