Staff Nurse

SUMMARY: The Withdrawal Management/Sobering Nurse provides direct patient care to individuals withdrawing from psychoactive substances. The Nurse will play vital role with the Nurse Manager to develop, implement, and update nursing procedures and provide input on medical protocols.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS:

• Pre-screen and approve admittance of patients who meet established criteria as defined by Licensed Medical Practitioner (LMP).

• Monitor and evaluate patient progress and other vital information; maintain up to date documentation of observations and evaluations in patient electronic medical record.

• Perform patient care activities according to LMP patient care instructions, individual medication orders, and other established patient care instructions.

• Recognize and initiate appropriate response to crisis or emergency situations

• Notify LMP when patient status or needs are outside of normal patient protocols: Implement determined course of action.

• Provide on-site assignment and guidance to Certified Medical Assistants (CMAs) and other non-medical support staff. While CMAs perform under the ultimate supervision of medical staff, the RN is responsible for ensuring the safe and effective performance of assigned tasks, consistent with the RN's scope of practice and the CMA's authorized duties within facility policy.

• Participate in Clinical Case Review, coordination of medical care, treatment team meetings, and similar other activities as needed.

• Work collaboratively with CODA Directors/Managers to ensure that safety and industry standards are maintained program wide.

• In addition, Registered nurses will:

• Evaluate medical status of newly admitted patients, confirming patients meets established criteria and identifying any special needs or circumstances that require LMP notification.

• Contact LMP for newly admitted patients, reporting medical status and requesting individual medication orders.

• Nurse provides direct nursing care and medical monitoring to individuals who are acutely intoxicated. The RN performs admission screening, ongoing clinical assessment, and safety monitoring to ensure medical stability within the sobering setting.

SECONDARY RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS:

• Assisting with short-term coverage for additional clinical and administrative duties where needed.
• Actively participate in training and development activities.
• Provide information, assistance, and occasional training to other team members.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE::

• Advanced understanding of and ability to effectively apply ASAM placement criteria.
• A minimum of 1 year experience in behavioral healthcare.
• Bachelor degree in nursing OR Associates degree in nursing and an additional 3 years of nursing experience in place of additional education.
• Have basic understanding of behavioral healthcare interventions. (e.g. Social Learning Theory, Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma Informed Care, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder)

COMPETENCIES AND SKILLS:

• Patient Care that is compassionate, appropriate, and effective for treating substance use disorders and promoting health.
• Interpersonal and communication skills that result in effective information exchange and teaming with patients, their families, and other health professionals.
• Professionalism, as manifested through a commitment to carrying out professional responsibilities, adherence to ethical principles, and sensitivity to a diverse patient population
• Ability to work well with a multidisciplinary treatment team.
• Demonstrated consistency in the application of "6 Rights" of medication administration.
• Comprehensive knowledge of substance use disorders, management and evaluation of substance use withdrawal syndromes, and treatment principles OR the ability to show proficiency in these areas within six months of hire.
• Ability to utilize both oral and written communications skills to effectively communicate with patients, co-workers, community resources, supervisors, and various other individuals encountered in the course of performing work while maintaining patient confidentiality and establishing professional rapport.
• Ability to maintain professional communications and boundaries while managing complex situations and interacting with individuals diagnosed with substance use or co-occurring conditions.
• Ability to operate a computer, utilize basic MS Office programs, and effectively navigate and maintain patient records in an electronic medical records system.

REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES:

• Current, unencumbered Oregon Registered Nurse (RN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) licensure. To work in Sobering, RN required.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification or ability to acquire within 30 days of hire.
• Crisis prevention training completion within 90 days of hire.
• A valid Oregon or Washington driver's license if required to drive.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Ability to safely operate a motor vehicle if required to drive.
• Must be able to occasionally lift up to 25 lbs.
• Must be able to perform BLS for 15 minutes continuously and maintain BLS certification.
• Must be able to utilize personal protective equipment and follow safety procedures while interacting directly with patients and working in a clinical environment, including handling of laboratory specimens.
• Must be able to operate a personal computer, including reading from a computer monitor, keyboarding, and using a mouse.
• Must be able to negotiate staircase, reach, bend, and handle objects

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Consistent attendance and punctuality are required of this position.
• A negative result on all pre-employment, reasonable suspicion, and post accident drug screens.
• An acceptable criminal record as determined by DHS, the Oregon Administrative Rules, and the Oregon Revised Statutes; and no current supervised parole or probation.
• An acceptable driving record and insurance coverage as recommended by CODA's automobile insurance provider if required to drive.