Registered Nurse - Substance Use Disorder/Outpatient Behavioral Health

About the role

The Outpatient Behavioral Health Services (OBHS) Nurse plays a crucial role in supporting and advocating for individuals undergoing treatment for opioid use disorders. Working closely with healthcare providers, the OBHS Nurse helps implement and manage medication-assisted treatment plans, ensuring the safety, well-being, and recovery of patients.

Responsibilities

• Conduct thorough assessments of patients to determine eligibility and appropriateness for medication-assisted treatment.
• Collaborate with the healthcare team to obtain comprehensive patient histories, including substance use, medical, and psychiatric history.
• Develop individualized medication-assisted treatment plans in collaboration with physicians and other healthcare providers.
• Educate patients on the benefits, risks, and expectations of medication-assisted treatment.
• Administer and monitor medications used in medication-assisted treatment, such as methadone, buprenorphine, or naltrexone. Monitor and manage potential side effects, adverse reactions, and drug interactions.
• Regularly assess and document patient progress, including changes in physical health, mental health, and substance use. Maintain accurate and up-to-date electronic health records, ensuring compliance with confidentiality regulations.
• Provide education to patients and their families about opioid use disorders, medication-assisted treatment, and recovery. Offer counseling and support to help patients navigate the challenges of recovery.
• Collaborate with physicians, therapists, social workers, and other healthcare professionals to ensure coordinated and comprehensive care. Communicate effectively with patients, addressing their concerns and fostering a supportive and therapeutic relationship.
• Respond promptly and effectively to crises or emergencies related to opioid use disorders. Implement crisis intervention strategies and coordinate with the healthcare team to provide appropriate care.
• Participate in quality improvement initiatives to enhance the effectiveness of medication-assisted treatment programs. Stay informed about the latest research and developments in opioid addiction and medication-assisted treatment.
• Affords assistance in the creation, evaluation, and ongoing review of existing clinical practices and policies. Monitors and reports on changing internal or external critical incidents and diversion that impact OBHS and Denver Health policy. Recommends and implements changes to practice and policy based on those observations.

Requirements

• Completion of an accredited nursing education program that satisfies the licensing requirements of the Colorado State Board of Nursing for Registered Nurses required.
• 1-3 years experience in a direct patient care setting required. Work in outpatient clinics, psychiatric emergency services, mobile narcotic units, or triage department preferred.
• BLS-Basic Life Support (BLS/CPR) - AHA - American Heart Association required.

Qualifications

• Psychiatric Nursing: Understanding of psychiatric disorders, including substance use disorders, and the ability to assess and manage mental health issues.
• Pharmacology: In-depth knowledge of medications used in MAT, such as methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone, including their mechanisms of action, side effects, and potential interactions.
• Addiction Medicine: Knowledge of evidence-based practices in addiction treatment, including behavioral interventions, counseling techniques, and harm reduction strategies.
• Crisis Intervention: Understanding of crisis intervention techniques and the ability to respond effectively to emergencies, including overdose situations.
• Trauma-Informed Care: Familiarity with trauma-informed care principles to create a safe and supportive environment for individuals who may have experienced trauma.
• Cultural Competence: Awareness and sensitivity to cultural factors that may influence a person's experience with behavioral health issues and substance use disorders.
• Legal and Ethical Considerations: Knowledge of relevant laws, regulations, and ethical guidelines related to behavioral health and addiction treatment.
• Collaborative Care: Ability to work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team, including physicians, therapists, social workers, and other healthcare professionals.
• Empathy and Compassion: Ability to empathize with individuals facing behavioral health challenges and demonstrate compassion in providing care.
• Adaptability: Flexibility and adaptability in responding to the dynamic needs and challenges of individuals in recovery.
• Problem-Solving: Ability to assess complex situations, identify problems, and develop effective solutions to support individuals on their recovery journey.
• Resilience: Emotional resilience to cope with the emotional demands of working with individuals facing behavioral health and substance use disorders.
• Advocacy: Advocacy skills to ensure individuals have access to appropriate resources, treatment, and support services.

Skills

• Psychiatric Nursing
• Pharmacology
• Addiction Medicine
• Crisis Intervention
• Trauma-Informed Care
• Cultural Competence
• Legal and Ethical Considerations
• Collaborative Care
• Empathy and Compassion
• Adaptability
• Problem-Solving
• Resilience
• Advocacy

Benefits

At Denver Health, we take care of the people who take care of our community. Our benefits are built to support your life, your family, and your future — with generous paid time off, fully paid parental leave, exceptional retirement contributions, comprehensive health coverage, and nationally recognized well-being programs. We invest in your growth through tuition assistance, career advancement pathways, and professional development — while also offering meaningful financial advantages through loan forgiveness eligibility and employer contributions.

Pay

$36.32 - $54.48 / hr

Schedule

Shift Days (United States of America)