Job Summary

Responsible for implementing and supervising nursing services in the medical detoxification and gives direction to unit assistants on shift. Assists in training and evaluation of medical staff.

Implements nursing care in a medically supervised facility treating up to 16 individuals going through withdrawal from alcohol, opiates, benzodiazepines, and other drugs, in accordance with program procedures of the organization.

Essential Functions

• Implements nursing care in accordance with program procedures established by the Medical Director and Nursing Supervisor and approved by the Program Administrator.
• Administer drugs, medications, treatments, inoculations, and tests as allowed by law.
• Implement verbal physician orders and authenticating in writing, within a reasonable time, and included in the patient medical record.
• Communicate with physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, and pharmacists regarding patient care.
• Pre-screening of new patients for appropriateness for admission, including TB screening.
• Obtain physical assessment data and health history.
• Record and document into health record all observations of patient response, following CIW-Ar, COWS or other assessment tools utilized in program protocols
• Inventorying and caring for patients’ personal possession.
• Executes prescribed treatments and medical interventions, including transcribing and administering routine and prescribed medications in accordance with procedures established by the Medical Director and Supervising Nurse.
• Records patient observations and activities in patient records accurately and timely in accordance with nursing standards and organizational policy and procedure.
• May be designated Charge Nurse for a shift, with oversight of LPNs or nursing assistants.
• Screens and provides first response to pregnant in detoxification, including obtaining health history on mother, screening for TB and contagious disease.
• Actively and compassionately interacts with patients to encourage engagement in treatment after completion of detoxification.
• Maintains a safe and sanitary environment applying principles of medical asepsis and applying infection control techniques and universal precautions.
• Provides patient education on health care, as assigned or appropriate.
• Implements safety and emergency procedures during fire drills and other disaster procedures, with assistance to patients in the detox unit.
• Attends regularly scheduled detox staff meetings.
• Follows all policies and procedures regarding patient information protection, including alcohol drug patient confidentiality (42 CFR) and HIPAA (45 CFR).
• Attends training on chemical dependency as required by employer.
• Maintains and demonstrates a current working knowledge of applicable clinical procedures and nursing care based on company policy and State and Federal guidelines
• If does not have prior experience in a detox/withdrawal management facility, employee must complete preliminary 40 hours of training to include alcohol and drug education, patient confidentiality requirements, and program policies and procedures.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Minimum Education/Certifications

Graduate of an accredited School of Nursing and current licensure in New Jersey State as Registered Nurse.

Certifications required: BLS-CPR

Minimum Work Experience

1 year or more experience in the management of addictions preferred.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

Must be willing to work holidays, weekends and provide additional coverage as needed.

Physical Demands Analysis:

The following tables detail the individual physical demands using the following six categories: Mobility, Strength, Upper Extremity Postural Activity, Sensory/Perceptual, Work Environment, and Conditions of Work.