Medication Dispensing Nurse, LPN II

University of Colorado•Aurora, CO

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Medication Dispensing Nurse, LPN II is responsible for performing work related to assessing a patient’s physical and/or mental state, assessing if a patient presents in a state appropriate for substance use disorder (SUD) treatment and/or Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT), as well as dispensing medications, drawing blood from patients, keeping accurate, timely, and clear patient health records, storing controlled substances, and other duties as assigned. As an experienced LPN, this role will provide more comprehensive patient assessments and support the training and mentorship of lower-level Medication Dispensing Nurses. This position will require working hours ranging from 5:00 am to 5:30 pm Monday to Saturday, based on the needs of the agency and not to exceed 40 hours per week. This position will also be required to deliver medication to off-site locations in the greater Metro Denver area. The Medication Dispensing Nurse, LPN II will be assigned to ARTS Adult Outpatient Program clinic locations (or Opioid Treatment Programs), located in Aurora, Arvada, and Denver, and may be required to periodically work on the Medication Mobile Unit (MMU), which will operate and provide substance use disorder services in the greater Metro Denver area. This position will report to the Program Director of Medication Assisted Treatment and Nursing Programs.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
One (1) year of nursing, nursing assistance, dispensing medication, and/or experience related to position.
Must possess and maintain a valid, Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Registered Nurse (RN) license with the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA).
Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship.
Must possess and maintain a valid Colorado Driver's License or be able to obtain one within 30 days of hire.
Must agree to, and successfully pass, a fingerprint and criminal background check.
May be subject to pre-employment, post-accident, post-incident or reasonable suspicion drug and alcohol testing per University Addiction Research and Treatment Services Department Policies.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Excellent written communication skills, which includes the ability to check for typographical, grammatical, and spelling errors.
Ability to effectively manage difficult behaviors.
Ability to engage patients in treatment for substance use disorder treatment.
Ability to comply with established rules, policies and procedures and meet deadlines.
Ability to be open-minded and nonjudgmental.
Ability to develop healthy relationships with clients.
Ability to establish boundaries with clients.
Ability to exercise discretion (e.g. patient confidentiality).
Working knowledge of Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) and Health Information Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with patients as well as with employees at all levels throughout the institution.
Outstanding customer service skills.
Ability to develop rapport with patients in a caring and nurturing manner.
Ability to problem-solve and make appropriate decisions, and work under pressure and meet deadlines.

Nice To Haves

Additional appropriate education will substitute for the required experience on a year-for-year basis.
2+ years of nursing, nursing assistance, dispensing medication, and/or experience related to position.
Prior work experience with medication assisted treatment.
Prior work experience with patients in substance use disorder treatment.
Possess and maintain in good standing a valid intravenous (IV) certification.
Experience observing, monitoring, and intervening in drug/alcohol treatment.
Experience working with patients who are involved with probation, human services, and/or other referral sources.
Experience using an electronic patient health record system.

Responsibilities

Administer medication such as: Methadone, Suboxone, Naltrexone, Antabuse, and extended-release injectable naltrexone to patients.
Transport narcotic medication in a manner consistent with DEA, State, and Federal, rules and regulations, while abiding by ARTS policies and procedures to include but not limited to using a lock box.
Delivery locations will include correctional facilities, rehabilitation centers, inpatient treatment facilities, or any location deemed appropriate by ARTS.
Monitor each patient’s vital signs and health condition.
Draw blood for analysis/labs and obtain test results.
Administer TB tests.
Assess adverse reactions to medications, and issues relating to drug overdose, HIV, and/or HCV.
Handle infectious materials, human blood, or other body fluids according to applicable policy and procedures.
Perform other duties as assigned by Nurse Program Manager.
Assess patients for appropriateness of treatment.
Assess patients’ needs for physical exams and report observations to medical providers and/or counselors.