Full-Time Registered Nurse

JOB DESCRIPTION: Substance Abuse Nurse

EXEMPT/NON-EXEMPT: Exempt SUPERVISED BY: Program Administrator POSITIONS SUPERVISED:  Med-Techs

Schedule: Full-Time, Monday Friday 9am-5pm, on call and weekends as needed

Salary: W-2 Hourly, $40-50 per hour depending upon education and experience

The SUD Nurse is responsible for delivering high-quality, person-centered nursing care to clients enrolled in Phoenix Health Services’ Substance Use Disorder (SUD) treatment programs. The Nurse oversees medical assessments, medication management, health education, and coordination of care in compliance with COMAR regulations, Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) guidelines, and Phoenix Health Services’ policies.

This position ensures the physical well-being of clients through collaboration with Nurse Practitioners (NPs), Physicians, Counselors, and House Managers across multiple residential levels of care (3.1, 3.3, and 3.5) and PHP program.

A. Clinical and Medical Care

• Conduct admission health screenings and nursing assessments for new clients.
• Obtain and document vital signs, medical history, allergies, and current medications.
• Support the NP or Physician in physical exams and follow-up visits.
• Monitor and document withdrawal symptoms, detox progress, and health concerns.
• Provide wound care, first aid, and chronic condition management (e.g., diabetes, hypertension).
• Observe and report changes in client condition to NP and Clinical Program Director.
• Delegating Nurse duties; initial and 45-day reviews, treatment plans and reviews. Medication management.
• Maintaining patient confidentiality

B. Medication Management

• Oversee the self-administration of medication process per Phoenix Health Services’ SOP.
• Maintain accurate Medication Administration Records (MARs) and Medication Count Sheets.
• Store and secure all medications in compliance with COMAR 10.63.03.
• Track, reorder, and restock medication supplies as needed.
• Ensure proper documentation of medication refusals, errors, or adverse reactions.
• Collaborate with NP and pharmacy to reconcile medications for each client.

C. Documentation and Reporting

• Complete and maintain nursing notes in the Electronic Medical Record (EMR).
• Document medication logs, incident reports, and treatment progress daily.
• Report any suspected medication diversion, misuse, or adverse events immediately.
• Participate in internal audits, quality assurance reviews, and compliance checks.
• Ensure proper documentation by MedTech’s and CNA’s.

D. Health Education and Client Support

• Educate clients on medication adherence, side effects, and self-care strategies.
• Provide basic health education (nutrition, hygiene, wellness, communicable disease prevention).
• Conduct group or one-on-one sessions on wellness and relapse prevention.
• Encourage client participation in treatment and healthy lifestyle practices.
• Directing and developing staff (med-tech’s, peers, CNA’s, house managers) through continuous training to ensure proper administration and documentation and maintaining MedTech certification.

E. Coordination and Communication

• Work closely with House Managers to ensure compliance with medication and medical protocols.
• Communicate regularly with clinical and administrative teams on client medical updates.
• Attend daily or weekly interdisciplinary treatment team meetings.
• Coordinate with external providers (labs, pharmacies, hospitals) as needed.
• Seeks to continuously improve work processes and offer suggestions for the improvement of patient care.
• Will be proactive in identifying potential crisis situations and responding appropriately in emergency/crisis situations. 
• On-call after work hours for emergencies and\or MedTech questions regarding medication administration or patient issues\problems\concerns.

F. Compliance and Safety

• Maintain confidentiality of all Protected Health Information (PHI) under HIPAA guidelines.
• Follow infection control procedures and universal precautions.
• Ensure safe medication storage, handling, and disposal.
• Participate in staff training and continuing education in behavioral health nursing and SUD care.
• Comply with COMAR, BHA, and CARF/Joint Commission standards.

Qualifications

• Education: Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Registered Nurse (RN) with current Maryland license.
• Experience: Minimum of one year in substance use disorder, behavioral health, or residential treatment setting preferred.
• Certifications: CPR/First Aid, Narcan administration training required (or within 30 days of hire).
• Skills:
• Strong documentation and EMR proficiency.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Compassionate, nonjudgmental approach to individuals in recovery.

Requirements

• Focused more on rogers especially 3.3 clients
• Focusing on percentage of medically high-risk clients with assistance of CNA
• Determine whether client needs 24 hour skilled nursing
• Medical visits to each 3.1 facility weekly and rogers twice a week or more depending on population need. Looking at med book, clean old medications, nursing consultation with each client
• Medical assessment for all new adm w/in 24hrs
• Preferably delegating but if not required to get it within 30 days of employment
• Assisted Living initial Assessment, 45 day follow up assessment, signed the MAR

G. Physical and Work Environment Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs and move throughout residential facilities.
• Flexible schedule required; may include evenings, weekends, or on-call rotation.
• Exposure to clients with physical, behavioral, or emotional challenges.

H. Performance Indicators

• Accuracy and completeness of documentation.
• Compliance with medication management protocols.
• Quality of communication with staff and clients.
• Positive audit and compliance results.
• Feedback from clients and team members.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $40.00 - $50.00 per hour

Experience:

• Nursing: 2 years (Required)

License/Certification:

• BLS Certification (Preferred)
• RN (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Baltimore, MD 21215 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Baltimore, MD 21215: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $40 - $50