Registered Nurse

Job Overview: This position provides nursing care to ensure patients of the Montana Chemical Dependency Center are safe and healthy. Responsibilities include observing and assessing patients’ health conditions; reviewing chemical dependency history and analyzing need for detoxification including breathalyzer and other drug screenings; assigning work to Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) and Treatment Technicians (TT); and providing guidance and training as necessary.

Major Duties or Responsibilities:

Patient Care/Education

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  Monitors, records, and reports symptoms or changes in patients’ health.
  
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  Orders, interprets, and evaluates diagnostic tests to identify and assess patients’ condition.
  
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  Monitors all aspects of patient care, including diet and physical activity.
  
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  Consults with healthcare providers to assess, implement, or evaluate patient care plans.
  
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  Conducts patient education through presentations, individual counseling, and educates family members about medical needs.
  
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  Oversees patients’ detoxification from various drugs of addiction.
  

Interdisciplinary Teams/Charge Nurse

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  Participates in the Utilization Review Committee to assist with patients pre-screening process for in-patient treatment.
  
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  Participates as a member of the Interdisciplinary Team to develop and plan scope of treatment for the patients.
  
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  Assigns and reviews work of Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) and Treatment Technician (TT) and provides support and training as necessary.
  
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  Participates with interview panels and assists with orientating new staff.
  
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  Coordinates coverage to ensure staffing needs are met.
  
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  Provides immediate intervention with inadequate staff performance and refers information as necessary to direct supervisor.
  

New Patient Admissions

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  Completes nursing assessment including thorough documentation related to patients’ current and past medical conditions.
  
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  Reviews chemical dependency history and analyzes need for detoxification including breathalyzer and other drug screenings.
  
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  Administers vaccines including tuberculosis (TB) screening.
  
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  Determines appropriate referral for mental health therapy.
  

D. Medication and Treatment

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  Verifies current prescribed medications and implements physician orders.
  
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  Oversees and administers topical, injections, and oral medications as prescribed.
  
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  Orders medication supplies with contracted pharmacy staff.
  
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  Provides patient education and advises on the importance of following a prescribed medication regime.
  
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  Ensures the safety of medication disbursements and storage.
  

Qualifications:



Physical and Environmental Demands:

Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds, reach forward, below and lift hands above shoulders, and use of dominant hand; go up and down flights of stairs during emergencies.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (Behaviors):

Required for the first day of work:

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  Knowledge of nursing and medication.
  
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  Knowledge of patients’ rights regarding medical treatment.
  
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  Ability to identify problems, develop and implement solutions.
  
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  Establish and maintain effective working relationships.
  
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  Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
  
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  Ability to maintain patient confidentiality and comply with protected health information.
  

Minimum Qualifications (Education and Experience):

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  Current Montana State Licensed RN.
  
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  One year of acute care experience preferred.
  
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  Other combinations of directly related experience may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
  
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  Must have or willing to obtain PRIOR to hire date a valid CPR/AED/FIRST AID certification card.
  

Eligible Training Assignment:

25.80