Nurse Practitioner/Physician Assistant - Per Diem

Position Profile: The Nurse Practitioner/Advanced Practice Practitioner is the person who evaluates clients upon admission and medically monitors clients admitted to Milestone Recovery in accordance with established policies, procedures, and protocols of the Medically Monitored Withdrawal program.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities: 

• Possess the ability to or have the willingness to learn to recognize, diagnose and treat alcohol and other substance use disorders. 
• Possess knowledge and management skills or have the willingness to learn to detoxify clients from alcohol, opioids, and other substances. 
• Have knowledge and ability to prescribe or have the willingness to learn the full range of treatment for clients with alcohol and other substance use disorders. 
• Have working knowledge of drugs of dependency, their classification, pharmacology, and biochemistry.
• Be knowledgeable and skilled in treating adult chronic diseases, including but not limited to: COPD, CAD, IDDM, HTN, and acute and chronic infections. 
• Understand the organizational structure of Milestone Recovery and work within its policies and procedures.
• Respect client confidentiality at all times.
• Perform and record accurate history and physical examinations of clients admitted to Milestone Recovery’s Medically Monitored Withdrawal program no later than day 2 of the client’s admission.  
• Assess clients to determine appropriate level of care and provide immediate medical and psychiatric clearance.
• In addition to assessing clients at time of admission, see clients as requested by nursing or other providers for evaluation of new symptoms or follow-up on current ones and document findings.
• Document clear and concise medical orders in the electronic health record.
• Utilize appropriate medical terminology during written documentation and verbal communication with other healthcare personnel.
• Utilize pharmaceuticals according to DEA and state regulations.
• Be available for On-Call on designated days by responding by phone within 30 minutes and being able to sign orders electronically upon request.
• Address and/or modify medical protocols as appropriate in consultation with the treatment team.
• Provide consultation for referrals with the treatment team as needed.
• Recognize limitations of expertise and consult with other providers when needed.
• Maintain current CPR certification.
• Actively participate in implementation of new initiatives.
• Accept and perform other duties as assigned.

Physical demands and work environment: The position requires regular freedom of movement, as well as operating office equipment in a typical office environment. There may be extended periods of time spent operating a desktop computer, which requires good hand-eye coordination and finger dexterity. Physical activity may include walking, bending, standing, and occasional lifting. 

Qualifications Required: Master’s degree and certification by Nurse Practitioner or Physician certifying body is required. Must have and maintain a DEA license with no restrictions. Active license to practice in the State of Maine. Previous experience working with chronic substance use disorders, mental illness, and/or homelessness.