Job Description

The Recovery from Addiction Program (RAP) operated by the Department of Mental Health (DMH) is seeking experienced professionals to serve as the Charge Nurse (RN III). The selected candidates will be responsible in providing a safe and therapeutic environment of care by ongoing evaluation, education, and supervision of staff to ensure best practice is utilized in the provision of care. Complies with all federal regulations, 42 CFR Part 2 and Part 8, Confidentiality of Alcohol and Drug Abuse clients and HIPAA Regulations assuring clients care meets best practice standards.

Please Note: This position is 40 hours per week with alternating weekends off on second shift, 2:45 PM - 11:15 PM. This position is assigned to Chambers 3 South with Week 1: Sunday and Friday & Week 2: Monday and Saturday as the days off.

• Supervises employees of a lesser grade by assigning tasks based on individual competencies, evaluation performance and making recommendations concerning performance to maintain a high level of quality care. Participates in the Progressive Disciplinary Process.
• Assesses, evaluate, and respond to changes in client conditions, documenting and reporting such changes to appropriate person to assure prompt response to client needs.
• Provides support to clients reinforcing a therapeutic environment of care.
• Assures client care meets best practice standards and in compliance with protocols for the unit.
• Provides medical monitoring of detoxification and utilizes protocols as ordered by physician.
• Assess the acuity of unit and bring concerns to the attention of the Nursing Supervisor, Director of Nurses or Administrator on Call.
• Demonstrates knowledge of techniques related to the use of restraint and seclusion, including restraint and seclusion reduction principles comprising skills related to prevention, de-escalation, and debriefing.
• Conducts and/or participates in admissions, discharges, and transfers and orientation to the unit as necessary and in accordance with program protocols.
• Monitors vital signs and assess withdrawal signs and symptoms per protocol.
• Administer routine and PRN medications according to the nursing standards of care.
• Performs duties of the medication nurse as assigned. Communicates with physicians, transcribes orders, maintain controlled medication counts and document to maintain accurate client records.
• Monitor and treat clients who have a concomitant substance use/medical/psychiatric illness.
• Document pertinent information in according with established standard protocols and procedures.
• Assures controlled substance count and syringe count as required by standards and ensures accurate records are kept in accordance with identified protocols.
• Works in conjunction with other nurses from all shifts to communicate client's needs to improve client care.
• Meets with other team members and participates in developing nursing care plans for each individual client to best meet the needs of the client.
• Actively participates in the Interdisciplinary Team, conducting rounds, modifying Treatment Plans and meeting with families as indicated to foster health and healing for the clients.
• Leads or co-leads client groups, as required.
• Works with clients on an individual and group basis by providing instruction to facilitate the independent management of their personal hygiene and health needs.
• Assures compliance with all governing regulations, policies and procedures.
• Responds to all emergencies and provides direct client care in a professional, skilled manner.
• In conjunction with the Director of Nurses and/or Nursing Supervisor, conducts monthly unit meetings, and disseminates all necessary information to staff.
• Assess the individual educational needs of the staff and takes opportunities as available to educate staff to promote improved client care.
• Participates in the evaluation of staff performance and provide assistance and education, as needed, to assist them in providing high quality, individualized nursing care.
• Demonstrates responsibility regarding punctuality and attendance to assure staff is available to provide client care.
• Attend mandatory training to update knowledge base and enhance both professional and personal growth.
• Assists in the development and monitoring of group schedules.
• Provides instruction to other nursing staff by example and explanation to ensure quality care to clients and to maintain professional standards of nursing.
• Reports to Infection Control entities, as needed.
• Assist in developing nursing and medication records on each client.
• Assist in the preparation and drafting of relevant trainings and training materials.
• Monitor and provide emergency medical care and daily medical treatments to medically compromised clients.
• Assists in monitoring inventory, ordering of medications, and equipment needed for daily operation of the unit in collaboration with the pharmacy.

• Familiarity in formatting and revising individual treatment plans in collaboration with multidisciplinary treatment team.
• Knowledge of harm reduction and medication -assisted therapies.
• Knowledge of principles & practices of supervision, performance evaluation, training needs and corrective action.
• Ability to relate well with others; demonstrated professional interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge of HIPAA Regulations as well as Federal Regulation 42 CFR Part 2 and Part 8.
• Knowledge of the types and application of emergency medical procedures such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and tourniquets.
• Knowledge of human anatomy and physiology as applied to nursing.
• Knowledge of standard nursing policies, procedures, methods, and techniques.
• Knowledge of the types and characteristics of drugs used in diagnosing, treating, and controlling physical, mental and/or emotional disorders.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as physicians' orders and treatment plans.
• Ability to participate in a multi-disciplinary health care team.
• Knowledge of the care and treatment and natural course of substance use disorders.
• Knowledge of substance use and treatment modalities.
• Knowledge of detoxification protocols.
• Knowledge of chemically addicted, dual diagnosed (substance abuse/mental health) or psychiatrically ill clients with co-morbidity.
• Knowledge of the Section 35 process and procedures is preferred.