Registered Nurse / Licensed Practical Nurse

Job Description:

Full-Time | Night Shift (7p–7a) | 

The Registered Nurse (RN) / Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) provides essential support to individuals with mental health and co-occurring substance use disorders in an inpatient setting. The role blends clinical care, patient education, and active engagement in the milieu to support safety, stability, and recovery. 

Responsibilities:

• Perform comprehensive nursing assessments (medical, behavioral, and substance use history), including withdrawal risk (e.g., CIWA, COWS) and suicide/self harm risk (e.g., C SSRS). 
• Initiate and monitor withdrawal and stabilization protocols; administer PRN/scheduled medications per standing orders and provider directives.
• Monitor patient responses to medications and treatment interventions and promptly report significant changes or concerns to the appropriate staff.
• Collaborate with the interdisciplinary treatment team, including Behavioral Health Technicians (BHTs), clinicians, medical providers, and case management staff to support coordinated patient care.
•  Engage with patients to support individualized treatment plans, encourage participation in recovery programming, and provide support during behavioral health or substance use–related crises.
• Administer/dispense medications accurately and efficiently in accordance with provider orders, facility protocols, and applicable regulations.
• Complete medication reconciliation; maintain strict chain of custody for controlled substances; conduct counts and resolve discrepancies.
• Follow up with provider notes, to accurately obtain medication orders. 
• Lead or cofacilitate psychoeducation groups, and regularly provide education on medication management, and other related topics, including relapse prevention, health promotions, etc. 
• Document assessments, care plans, medication administration (MAR), withdrawal scales, progress notes, and incidents accurately and on time in the EHR.
• Follow procedures for sharps, bloodborne pathogens, and post exposure protocols.
• Follow procedures for infection control, including Administer injections when ordered (Tuberculin), Check PPD results and facilitate further action when necessary. 
• Obtain vitals, baseline labs, ECGs as indicated (e.g., QTc monitoring for antipsychotics/ methadone), urine toxicology, and pregnancy tests when appropriate.
• Adhere to infection prevention/standard precautions; complete fall risk, elopement risk, and safety assessments; maintain a clean and safe care environment.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory standards including state nursing regulations, HIPAA, and facility policies.  
• Maintain a safe, therapeutic, and respectful treatment environment for patients and staff.

Core Responsibilities:

• Performs comprehensive nursing assessments — including withdrawal risk (CIWA, COWS) and suicide/self-harm risk (C-SSRS), and initiates and monitors withdrawal and stabilization protocols
• Administers medications accurately per provider orders, maintains strict chain-of-custody and counts for controlled substances, and documents all care, MAR, and progress notes in the EHR
• Collaborates with the interdisciplinary treatment team; including BHTs, clinicians, providers, and case management — to support coordinated, individualized patient care
• Leads psychoeducation groups, obtains vitals/labs/screenings as indicated, and maintains a safe, compliant, and therapeutic care environment in accordance with regulatory standards
• Maintains strict chain-of-custody, counts, and reconciliation for controlled substances, and documents all care, MAR, and progress notes accurately in the EHR

Requirements/Qualifications:

• Current, unrestricted RN or LPN license in the state of IL.
• Experience: 1+ year in behavioral health, substance use, detox, residential, or inpatient setting preferred; new grads considered with strong interest/aptitude.
• Current BLS certification
• Strong critical thinking, problem-solving, and conflict-resolution skills, with the ability to remain calm and composed in high-pressure or crisis situations
• Ability to work effectively as part of an interdisciplinary treatment team in a fast-paced clinical environment.

Benefits/Perks:

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Life Insurance

Location:

Elgin, IL