Licensed Practical Nurse - Room for Advancement

Position Overview: We are seeking a compassionate and dedicated Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) to join our substance abuse treatment team. The Substance Abuse LPN will play a critical role in providing high-quality nursing care, medication management, and support services to individuals receiving treatment for substance use disorders. The ideal candidate will have a strong commitment to patient-centered care, excellent clinical skills, and a compassionate approach to addressing the complex needs of individuals struggling with addiction.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Patient Assessment: Conduct comprehensive nursing assessments to evaluate patients' physical health, mental health, substance use history, and treatment needs.

2. Medication Management: Administer medications as prescribed by healthcare providers, including detoxification medications, maintenance medications (e.g., methadone, buprenorphine), and medications to manage co-occurring medical conditions or psychiatric symptoms.

3. Monitoring and Observation: Monitor patients for signs of withdrawal, adverse reactions to medications, or changes in medical status, and promptly report any concerns to the healthcare team.

4. Patient Education: Provide education to patients and their families on medication regimens, side effects, overdose prevention, harm reduction strategies, and other aspects of recovery and wellness.

5. Treatment Planning: Collaborate with the interdisciplinary treatment team to develop individualized treatment plans based on patients' needs, goals, and preferences.

6. Crisis Intervention: Respond to medical emergencies, overdose incidents, or behavioral crises in a calm and effective manner, following established protocols and procedures.

7. Documentation: Maintain accurate and up-to-date medical records, including nursing assessments, medication administration records, progress notes, and treatment plans, in accordance with regulatory standards and organizational policies.

8. Collaboration and Communication: Communicate effectively with other members of the treatment team, including physicians, therapists, counselors, and support staff, to ensure coordinated and comprehensive care for patients.

9. Quality Improvement: Participate in quality improvement initiatives, clinical audits, and performance improvement projects to enhance the delivery of care and promote positive treatment outcomes.

Qualifications:

• Graduation from an accredited school of practical nursing.
• Current LPN license in NY
• Minimum of 2 years of nursing experience, preferably in a behavioral health or substance abuse treatment setting.
• Knowledge of addiction medicine, pharmacology, and evidence-based practices in substance abuse treatment.
• Strong assessment, critical thinking, and clinical decision-making skills.
• Ability to establish rapport with patients, demonstrate empathy and compassion, and maintain professional boundaries.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Basic computer skills and proficiency in electronic health record (EHR) systems.