Registered Nurse

Registered Nurse

JOB TITLE: Registered Nurse              

DEPARTMENT/PROGRAM: LHTC       

SUPERVISOR: Nurse Manager

POSITION GRADE: 82 $32.00 - $38.30 (commensurate with education and experience)

JOB SUMMARY: 

Under the general direction of the Nurse Manager, the Registered Nurse will conduct general assessments as well as an evaluation for sick/injured clients. The Registered Nurse medically and psychiatrically manages the clients in their care working with all disciplines to promote positive medical outcomes. The RN will demonstrate and be accountable to the Agencies Mission, Vision, Values, Guiding Principles and Strategic Plan.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 

• Exercises full compliance with the Agency’s Code of Conduct, all Agency Policies and Procedures.
• Maintains confidentiality and security for all client and staff related materials and/or records.
• Under the general supervision of the Director of Nursing and medical director, the detox registered nurse is responsible for the monitoring, treatment and safety of individuals aged 16+ receiving medically supervised treatment for substance use withdrawal in an integrated behavioral health detox setting that serves substance use disorder and comorbid psychiatric conditions.
• Assists with a patient intake as needed under the guidance of the Intake Coordinator.
• Administers prescribed medications and treatments in accordance with the 7 rights of medication administration and in accordance with written protocols including routine and PRN medications.
• Takes temperature, pulse, blood pressure, and other vital signs to detect deviations from normal and assess the condition of patient, and/or monitors unlicensed staff in obtaining vital signs as directed.
• Accurately transcribes physician orders in accordance to written policy
• Communicates with pharmacy staff to obtain medications, conducting prior authorizations as needed to ensure continued care
• Oversight of LPNs.
• Assists case managers in providing a comprehensive transition of care upon discharge.
• Assesses acute symptoms of withdrawal, psychiatric status, and/or medical needs. Accurately documents assessments, and effectively communicates nursing assessments to the interdisciplinary treatment team including medical and psychiatric providers.
• Assists in the behavioral management of patients which included verbal redirection and active listening. Functions as a role model to reinforce the development of adaptive behaviors.
• Implements crisis management technique to de-escalate clients and peer to peer interactions when necessary to maintain safety of the milieu
• Utilizes compassionate psychotherapeutic intervention to assist patients in regaining or improving coping skills and prevent further disability.
• Provides appropriate level of patient education to improve client’s level of understanding regarding illness, treatments, patient rights and responsibilities, and the acquisition of adaptive coping behaviors.
• Provides special attention/monitoring of those patients at risk for suicidal attempts or leaves against medical advice.

Minimum Qualifications

• NYS Registered Nurse license
• Bachelor degree preferred
• At least 1 year of experience working with direct care of substance use disorder patients, psychiatric experience a plus
• Ability to establish effective working relationships with other staff, patients and referral sources
• Maintain compassion and empathy as well as clear boundaries with patients under the influence of alcohol and other drugs

POSITION SPECIFICS:

Skills:

CPR/First Aid, BLS Certified

Narcan training a plus

Physical Demands: 

• Standing/Walking: Standing and walking is required for the majority of time spent on campus. Nurses must be able to walk around campus throughout shift (including hills, stairs, and inclement weather conditions)
• Lifting: Regular lifting of medical supplies, medications, patient supplies, and patient charts, all weighing up to twenty pounds is required.
• Bending: Bending is required when administering patient care. One must be able to bend to touch the floor to remove environmental hazards.

Kneeling: Squatting is required when operating medical equipment and performing aspects of patient care, such as CPR

COMPETENCIES:

Leading Self

• Character and Courage (Integrity and Trust)
  • Do the right thing, because it is the right thing, even when no one is looking. Truth to Power.
• Customer Focus
  • Build positive relationships through communication and collaborative problem solving.
• Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion, Justice and Equity
  • Believe in the dignity and humanity of all people to reach their full potential.