"Medication Dispensing Nurse"

Job Summary

This position accurately collects and handles appropriate patient biological samples for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease in support of AOP's clinical and medical operations. The position is also responsible for collecting urinalysis specimens from patients (observation of same-sex urine specimen provision), as well as conducting breathalyzer testing of patients and recording the results. This position requires working at all three of the ARTS locations, on a rotating schedule throughout the week.

Standard working hours are Monday through Friday, 5:00am to 1:30pm or 5:00am -5:30pm. This position may work periodically on some Saturdays from 5:00am to 10:00am, based on the need of the agency, not to exceed 40 hours per week.

Key Responsibilities

• Assess patients for appropriateness of treatment.
• Assess patients' needs for physical exams and report observations to physicians and/or counselors.
• Administer medication such as: Methadone, Suboxone, Naltrexone, Antabuse, and extended-release injectable naltrexone to patients.
• Transport narcotic medication in a manner consistent with DEA, State, and Federal, rules and regulations, while abiding by ARTS policies and procedures to include but not limited to using a lock box. Delivery locations will include correctional facilities, rehabilitation centers, inpatient treatment facilities, or any location deemed appropriate by ARTS.
• Monitor each patient's vital signs and health condition.
• Draw blood for analysis/labs, obtain test results, and administer TB tests.
• Assess adverse reactions to medications, and issues relating to drug overdose, HIV, and/or HCV.
• Handle infectious materials, human blood, or other body fluids according to applicable policy and procedures.
• Other duties as assigned by Program Director of MAT and Nurse Programs.

Work Location

Onsite - this role is expected to work onsite at ARTS clinic locations located in Denver, Arvada, and Aurora, as well as potential periodic duty on the ARTS Medication Mobile Unit.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• Two (2) years of nursing, nursing assistance, dispensing medication, and/or experience related to position. + Additional appropriate education will substitute for the required experience on a year-for-year basis.
• Must possess and maintain a valid, Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Registered Nurse (RN) license with the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA).

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior work experience with medication assisted treatment.
• Prior work experience with patients in substance use disorder treatment.
• Possess and maintain in good standing a valid intravenous (IV) certification.
• Experience observing, monitoring, and intervening in drug/alcohol treatment.
• Experience working with patients who are involved with probation, human services, and/or other referral sources.
• Experience using an electronic patient health record system.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent written communication skills, which includes the ability to check for typographical, grammatical, and spelling errors.
• Ability to effectively manage difficult behaviors.
• Ability to engage patients in treatment for substance use disorder treatment.
• Ability to comply with established rules, policies and procedures and meet deadlines.
• Ability to be open-minded and nonjudgmental.
• Ability to develop healthy relationships with clients.
• Ability to establish boundaries with clients.
• Ability to exercise discretion (e.g. patient confidentiality).
• Working knowledge of Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) and Health Information Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with patients as well as with employees at all levels throughout the institution.
• Outstanding customer service skills.
• Ability to develop a rapport with patients in a caring and nurturing manner.
• Ability to problem-solve and make appropriate decisions, work under pressure, and meet deadlines.

Conditions of Employment

• Must possess and maintain a valid Colorado Driver's License or be able to obtain one within 30 days of hire.
• Must agree to, and successfully pass, a fingerprint and criminal background check. (Note: Required background checks include a review with the Colorado Bureau of Investigation, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation).
• May be subject to pre-employment, post-accident, post-incident or reasonable suspicion drug and alcohol testing per University Addiction Research and Treatment Services Department Policies.

Anticipated Pay Range

The starting salary range (or hiring range) for this position has been established as $52,808 - $61,680.