Description

POSITION PURPOSE:

The Nurse is responsible for all Nursing related services for each patient and for linking patients to the physicians and to outside medical resources. He/She participates in the Interdisciplinary Team Meetings when necessary to inform the clinical team about medical issues and is available for emergency medical situations. The Nurse provides all services under the supervision of the Director of Nursing. The Nurse is responsible to provide medical & history screens, providing routine nursing care and overseeing the medical and psychiatric management of the patient in coordination with the attending physician. He/she is also a member of the Treatment Team and provide input into the development of the Master Treatment Plan. 

Qualifications

POSITION REQUIREMENTS/QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION:

A minimum of a Graduated from a Community College with Practical Nurse Degree.

EXPERIENCE:

A minimum of 1-year experience in a chemical dependency/psychiatric setting, preferably in a detox unit and/or inpatient, partial hospitalization and/or outpatient setting required.

LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION:

• Licensed to practice nursing in the appropriate state maintains current licensure per state requirements.
• Maintains current CPR.
• Detoxification experience preferred.
• Experience delivering Health Education classes.
• Current (five-years) of no felonies or substance abuse convictions.

KNOWLEDGE AND TRAINING REQUIRED AT TIME OF HIRE:

• Knowledge of addictions and mental health complications.
• Knowledge and competency in problem solving, stress management, ethics and team building.
• Knowledge of alcohol and other drugs that includes:
• Alcohol and addictive drugs and their physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual impact on the individual.
• Alcohol and addictive drugs and their impact on the family.
• Ability to determine if a medical emergency exists and to take appropriate action, when necessary.
• Knowledge of emergency procedures used in case of alcohol and/or drug overdose.
• Knowledge of the stages of alcohol and other drug withdrawals and ability to take appropriate action at each stage.

Knowledge of Federal, State and Municipal laws and/or regulations that regulate the treatment of alcoholism and drug addiction, including:

• Confidentiality
• Patient Rights
• Professional Code of Ethics
• Discrimination
• Knowledge of airborne and blood borne pathogens (TB, HIV, AIDS, HB) and risk reduction methodologies and the use of universal precautions.
• Flexibility to adapt to schedule changes and assumption of responsibilities not delineated in the job description which are related to work as a member of an addiction treatment team

AGE SPECIFIC INDIVIDUALS SERVED/ RESPONSIBILITY:

Adults

SPECIFIC AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY TO POSITION

1. Completes the following documentation within 24 hours of the patient’s admission to the program:
2. Admission Note
3. Nursing Assessment
4. Pre-Screen Testing
5. HRS Consent Form
6. Patient Health Examination
7. Criteria for Admission Form (if Detox admit).
8. Transcribes Physician’s Orders and implement all Medical Protocols as ordered.
9. Administers medications and monitor detoxification process.
10. Confers with and assist the Medical Doctor and the Psychiatrist.
11. Makes appropriate referrals using referral forms.
12. Conducts Nursing Assessments and monitoring of detoxification patients
13. Handles the medication management; trains staff on medication dispensing.
14. Ensures Universal Precautions of the unit.
15. Observe and assess patients for clinical signs and symptoms and follow prescribed course of treatment.
16. Determines and implements specific detoxification protocols as designated by the Medical Director.
17. Ensures patient confidentiality in compliance with 42CFR, Part 2.
18. Attends and participate in all “in-service” functions.
19. Assists with emergency situations and make immediate referrals.
20. Provides documentation which reflects services for each patient in accordance with licensure standards.
21. Maintains the Confidential nature of all patients and facility activities.
22. Maintains required Training & Continuing Education.
23. Maintains Standards of Ethical Conduct.
24. Complies with all the company’s Policies and Procedures.
25. Performs any other task outlined in accordance with 65D-30.
26. Meets with patients requesting to see the doctor to determine the urgency of their medical needs and expedite treatment as required.
27. Effectively communicates concerns about patient health to the Medical Director and follows up as necessary.
28. Under the supervision of the Medical Director, assists in educating patients about health problems and medical care.
29. Facilitates medication education for new patients and for all other patients starting new medications.
30. Assists the treatment team in incorporating medical issues into treatment planning.
31. Takes verbal orders from the Medical Director, documents them in the patient record and carries them out accurately and professionally.
32. Provides routine nursing care under the supervision of the Medical Director.
33. Participate in regular meetings with Clinical Director to discuss specific patient problems.
34. Facilitate Medical Groups as directed by Clinical Director / Director of Nursing.
35. Participate in regular department meetings and staff meetings.
36. Encourage efficient utilization of supplies and equipment to prevent waste.
37. Maintains effective communication between outside medical services and the facility.
38. Participates in Performance Improvement, Utilization Review, Fire & Disaster Committees, and others as requested.
39. Has good work habits: get things done in a timely, efficient manner with no excessive absences; is on time for scheduled shifts and prepared to begin work.
40. Functions well as a team member and contribute positively to the morale of staff.
41. Maintains up-to-date training in CPR, First Aid, Crisis Intervention, Infection Control, Fire Safety, and other areas mandated by organizational policies.
42. Communicates effectively with other staff members and demonstrates the ability to work as a team member.
43. Demonstrates flexibility and adaptability, responding positively to changing situations in the work setting.
44. Demonstrates objectivity and maturity under stress.
45. Accepts and utilizes supervision.
46. Addresses problems noted by supervisor.
47. Demonstrates willingness to accept responsibility.
48. Completes all tasks with concern for work quality.
49. Protect the privacy of all patient information in accordance with the company’s privacy policies, procedures and practices, as required by federal and state law, and in accordance with general principle of professionalism as a health care provider. Failure to comply with the company’s policies and procedures on patient privacy may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment.
50. May access protected health information (PHI) and other patent information only to the extent that is necessary to complete your job duties. The incumbent may only share such information with those who have a need to know specific patient information you have in your possession to complete their job responsibilities related to treatment, payment or other operations.
51. Expected to report, without the threat of retaliation, any concerns regarding the company’s policies and procedures on patient privacy and any observed practices in violation of the policy to their supervisor.
52. Performs other duties assigned.