Medication Dispensing Nurse, LPN III

University of Colorado•Aurora, CO

1d•$53,864 - $65,176•Onsite

About The Position

The Medication Dispensing Nurse, LPN III is responsible for acting as a work lead for the program and will be 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 and independent LPN, this role will provide more comprehensive patient assessment, observation and treatment and informally supervise the work of lower-level Medication Dispensing Nurses. This includes assigning and overseeing the work of other LPNs, training on policies, procedures and workflows, supporting employee performance and development, and making recommendations to leadership. This position will require working hours ranging from 5:00am to 5:330pm 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 III (Lead) will be assigned to ARTS Adult Outpatient Program clinic locations (or Opioid Treatment Programs), located in Aurora, Arvada, Denver, and Sheridan, 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 Nursing Program Manager.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Two (2) years 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.
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.
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, make appropriate decisions, work under pressure, and meet deadlines.

Nice To Haves

Additional appropriate education will substitute for the required experience on a year-for-year basis.
3+ 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.
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.
Administer TB tests.
Collaborate with SUD Counselors to oversee patient treatment plans.
Guide team by advising others on how to complete processes and procedures.
Train new team members.
Assign tasks, monitor daily workflows, and document incidents.
Oversee proper handling of infectious materials, human blood, or other body fluids according to applicable policy and procedures.