Detox Intake Nurse (RN)

Wabanaki Public Health & Wellness (WPHW) is growing, and we are excited to be adding new people to our team!  If you value inclusivity, balance, and cultural centeredness and have a true passion for serving others, you may be a great fit for our team!  WPHW is a non-profit organization that serves four federally recognized tribes located in five communities:  the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, the Aroostook Band of Mi'kmaq, the Passamaquoddy Tribe at Indian Township, the Passamaquoddy Tribe at Pleasant Point, and the Penobscot Nation.  Wabanaki traditions, language, and culture guide our approach and describe the ways we live in harmony with each other and the land we collectively share.  Services are available to community members living on and off-reservation across the State of Maine.

Position Summary:

The Registered Nurse (RN) is responsible for coordinating and conducting patient intake for all new admissions at Cedar Roads Detox, an ASAM Level 3.7 medically monitored inpatient program in Bangor, Maine. The RN ensures accurate and thorough nursing assessments, timely documentation, and safe initiation of withdrawal management protocols. In addition to intake responsibilities, the RN assists with inpatient care when needed, supporting the nursing team to maintain patient safety and high-quality care throughout the detox process. This role works closely with the interdisciplinary care team, including medical providers, counselors, peer support, and administrative staff.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead the intake process for all new admissions, including comprehensive nursing assessments, medical histories, medication reconciliation, suicide risk screenings, and physical assessments.


• Develop and document initial nursing care plans in alignment with ASAM 3.7 standards and provider orders.


• Ensure all required medications are ordered, received, and cataloged at the time of intake to support timely and accurate treatment.


• Implement and monitor standing withdrawal protocols and escalate clinical concerns to prescribing providers as needed.


• Provide direct patient care support on the inpatient unit, including vital signs monitoring, medication administration, withdrawal symptom management, and crisis intervention.


• Maintain accurate and timely documentation in the electronic medical record, including intake findings, patient progress, interventions, and discharge readiness.


• Assist in discharge planning by ensuring continuity of care, medication reconciliation, and education for patients and families.


• Collaborate with the interdisciplinary care team to coordinate patient treatment and transitions of care.


• Educate patients and families on detox processes, medications, and recovery resources.


• Support quality improvement activities, audits, and compliance with Maine DHHS, HIPAA, 42 CFR Part 2, and accreditation standards.


• Participate in staff meetings, training, and interdisciplinary case reviews.


• Perform other duties as assigned by leadership to support patient care, compliance, and safe facility operations.

Education and Experience Required:

• Valid and unencumbered Registered Nurse (RN) license issued by the State of Maine.


• At least 1 year of nursing experience in detox, emergency, medical-surgical, or behavioral health settings preferred.


• Current BLS certification (ACLS preferred).


• Knowledge of substance use disorders, withdrawal management, and ASAM criteria strongly preferred.


• Experience with EMR systems (Kipu preferred) and ability to document accurately and efficiently.

Skills and Qualifications Required:

• Strong assessment and clinical decision-making skills in acute settings.


• Ability to manage and de-escalate behavioral health crises.


• Effective communication skills with patients, families, and interdisciplinary teams.


• Detail-oriented with strong organizational and time management skills.


• Commitment to confidentiality, cultural humility, and trauma-informed care.


• Team-oriented with flexibility to support both intake and inpatient care functions.


• Must pass all required background and credentialing checks 

Skills and Qualifications Required:

• Full-time position, 40 hours per week


• Monday through Friday, 8-hour day shifts


• Primarily responsible for intake assessments; assists with inpatient nursing care when needed


• Based on-site at Cedar Roads Detox in Bangor

Wabanaki Public Health & Wellness is an equal opportunity employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.