Substance Abuse Registered Nurse

Loretto Hospital is a safety-net hospital that serves more than 33,000 patients each year from Chicago’s Austin and surrounding communities. Established in 1923 as a not-for-profit community-focused healthcare provider, Loretto offers its community a unique patient-centered healthcare delivery system that promotes general wellness and education. The hospital staff are committed to providing the best possible medical care in a holistic, safe and comfortable resident environment. By empowering patients with knowledge and resources, Loretto Hospital strives to cultivate a culture of proactive medical management within the community, with the goal of increasing the quality of life for patients and community residents.

About the role

The RN/LPN provides direct nursing care and clinical support within Loretto Hospital’s Substance Use Disorder (SUD) program, which includes ASAM Level 3.5 (Clinically Managed High-Intensity Residential Services) and ASAM Level 3.7 (Medically Monitored Intensive Inpatient Services). This role supports individuals with substance use disorders through assessment, medication administration, withdrawal monitoring, and coordination of care. The nurse must demonstrate an understanding of the distinctions between hospital-based inpatient care and IDHS/SUPR-governed residential SUD treatment settings, ensuring care delivery aligns with regulatory, clinical, and recovery-oriented standards. RNs are primarily responsible for comprehensive clinical assessments and care planning; LPNs (pending HR and union approval) may provide care within scope under RN supervision.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct nursing care to patients in SUD residential (3.5) and medically monitored (3.7) levels of care.
• Perform patient assessments, including withdrawal symptom monitoring using evidence-based tools (e.g., CIWA, COWS) per protocol.
• Administer medications safely and accurately in accordance with provider orders and organizational policies.
• Monitor patients for signs of withdrawal, medical instability, or psychiatric symptoms and respond appropriately.
• Educate patients on medications, withdrawal management, harm reduction, relapse prevention, and recovery support.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams (physicians, counselors, case managers, peer support) to coordinate care plans.
• Conduct rounds on assigned patients every two hours.
• Support a trauma-informed, patient-centered, and recovery-oriented environment.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation in the electronic medical record (EMR).
• Respond to medical emergencies and behavioral crises in accordance with hospital policy.
• Demonstrate technical skill and accuracy when administering medications, treatments, and procedures in accordance with the physician’s orders.
• Obtain necessary CEUs every 2 years for licensure and to remain up-to-date on current evidence for substance-use disorders.
• Participate in shift reports, case conferences, and quality improvement activities.
• Understand and adhere to Loretto Hospital’s compliance standards as they appear in the Compliance Policy, Code of Conduct, and Conflict of Interest Policy.
• Keep abreast of all pertinent federal, state, and Hospital regulations, laws, and policies as they presently exist and as they change or are modified.

Requirements

• Graduated from an accredited school of nursing.
• Current RN License for the State of Illinois; if an LPN, current LPN License for the State of Illinois.
• Minimum of 1–2 years of nursing experience.
• Current BLS certification.
• CPI required within 30 days of hire date.

Qualifications

• BSN preferred.
• ACLS preferred in 3.7 setting.
• Experience in behavioral health, detoxification, addiction treatment, or SUD services strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with ASAM criteria, withdrawal protocols, and recovery-oriented care preferred.

Physical demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, stand, and walk as well as occasionally stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Using proper body mechanics, the employee may be expected to lift, pull, push, or move patients and/or equipment. Fine motor skills are required when using hands and fingers to handle, feel, or reach. Normal or corrected vision, hearing, and ability to speak are necessary. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, sharp eye focus, and ability to distinguish colors. There will be periods of stressful intense concentration with more than average pressure used in a variety of problem-solving situations.

Benefits

• Competitive salary.
• Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, and retirement savings plans.
• Paid time off.
• Career development opportunities in a vibrant community of professionals dedicated to excellent patient care.