What are the responsibilities and job description for the Night Shift Substance Abuse Nurse position at The Retreat of Boston?
Company Description The Retreat of Boston is a patient-centered drug and alcohol treatment center providing detox and residential level care. The organization focuses on safe, medically supervised withdrawal and structured recovery support for individuals with substance use disorders. Care is delivered in a therapeutic environment that emphasizes dignity, respect, and long-term wellness. Interdisciplinary teams collaborate to offer evidence-based services tailored to individual needs. The center is committed to maintaining a supportive workplace for clinical staff who are dedicated to compassionate, high-quality addiction care.
Role Description The Night Shift Substance Abuse Nurse is a full-time, on-site position based in Ludlow, MA, responsible for providing nursing care to patients undergoing detox and residential treatment for substance use disorders. Daily responsibilities include conducting assessments, monitoring vital signs and withdrawal symptoms, administering medications per protocol, and responding to medical and psychiatric emergencies. The nurse documents all care accurately, maintains patient records, and communicates changes in patient status to the treatment team. This role also involves providing patient education on medications, health conditions, and recovery resources, along with offering reassurance and therapeutic support during overnight hours. The nurse collaborates closely with physicians, counselors, and support staff to ensure continuity of care, adherence to safety and infection control standards, and a calm, therapeutic environment throughout the night shift.
Qualifications
- Active state licensure as an RN or LPN and completion of an accredited nursing program.
- Experience in substance use treatment, behavioral health, detox, or acute care settings.
- Skills in patient assessment, vital sign monitoring, and medication administration, including protocols related to withdrawal management.
- Ability to recognize and respond to medical and psychiatric emergencies, following established clinical and safety procedures.
- Strong documentation skills, including accurate charting in electronic health records and clear written communication.
- Effective interpersonal and communication skills for working with patients, families, and multidisciplinary teams in a diverse environment.
- Commitment to nonjudgmental, trauma-informed, and culturally sensitive care for individuals with substance use disorders.
- Ability to work reliably on night shifts, manage multiple priorities, and maintain professionalism in a fast-paced clinical setting.
- Basic life support (BLS) or CPR certification; advanced certifications (e.g., ACLS) are a plus.
- Familiarity with detox protocols, addiction recovery concepts, and relevant regulatory and confidentiality standards (e.g., HIPAA).
- Comfortable performing blood draws or willing to learn
- 1:16 ratio of detox/residential patients