Registered Nurse (RN) - Day Shift, ORCA Center

DESC•Seattle, WA

just now•Onsite

About The Position

The Registered Nurse (RN) acts as a member of a multi-disciplinary team responsible for providing nursing services to adults who have experienced an opioid overdose and/or those with a diagnosis of Opioid Use Disorder. DESC’s ORCA Center provides 24-hour, low-barrier, enhanced supportive services. Here, the RN will provide in-the-moment, low-threshold medical access to clients who may not otherwise present to more traditional clinics. Work is done under the supervision of the ORCA Nurse Supervisor, Senior Nurse Manager, Director of Nursing, and Medical Director.

Requirements

Registered Nurse licensed in the State of Washington, OR Registered Nurse licensed under Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) and will apply for Washington State endorsement within 60 days of hire.
Knowledge of psychiatric medications, side effects and methods of administration.
Interest or experience in working with clients who are difficult to engage and maintain in traditional behavioral health programs.
Be able to pass a Washington State Criminal background check.
Experience or training in addiction medicine and harm reduction.
Ability to relate to a wide range of people, demonstrate highly developed communication skills, and have a desire to serve people with Opioid Use Disorder.
Ability to remain open and receptive to constructive feedback.
Ability to communicate and coordinate with staff from diverse backgrounds.
Strong commitment to serving individuals with complex needs, including homelessness and co-occurring behavioral health conditions.
Familiarity with trauma-informed care, harm reduction principles, and equity frameworks.
Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team environment.
Proficiency with electronic health records and clinical documentation.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor of Nursing degree.
Nursing certifications.
Experience in low-barrier buprenorphine programs or Federal Opioid Treatment Programs.
Experience in an acute care setting (e.g., emergency department or overdose prevention center).
Knowledge and skill in working with co-occurring mental health and substance abuse disorders; with homeless or formerly homeless individuals.
Crisis intervention and stabilization experience.
Familiarity with Recovery Principles, Crisis Intervention and Stabilization, Integrated Treatment of Co-occurring Disorders, Intensive Case Management, Illness Management, and relevant Evidenced based/Emerging best practices.
Bilingual in Spanish/English.
Strong applicants can demonstrate the ability to be positive in their empathetic responses to all persons; understand the value of meaningful and deep client engagement; and value a non-judgmental response to sensitive issues. Candidates should be able to accept feedback and work in a highly collaborative and sometimes stressful environment.

Responsibilities

Provide clinical assessments, RN case management, medical monitoring, wound care and other treatments, intervention in medical emergencies, and linkages to behavioral health treatment and primary care.
Provide individualized medication management services and education as needed, and ongoing assessment of mental status and the impacts of current treatment.
Perform initial history and physical of client; documenting any client identified concerns, vital signs, and mental health status exams/AIMs assessments.
Reconcile medication and medical record with hospitals, other outpatient mental health clinics, and primary care facilities, including collecting appropriate Release of Information requests (ROIs) as needed.
Provide / coordinate chronic disease management; educate client re: self-care and medication management.
Administer oral medication, injections, and provide wound care within scope of practice and plan of care or as prescribed by eligible provider.
Be able to use critical thinking, clinical judgment, patience, and flexibility in frequent contacts with clients. Have strong communication and customer service skills.
Assess clients for a range of health care needs and facilitate linkage and on-going connection to relevant urgent, primary and specialty health services to ensure continuity of care. Advocate for patients' access to a variety of community resources and services.
Oversee on-site medication monitoring services.
Participate in supervision, program meetings and in-service trainings.
Comply with the agency’s clinical accountability policies and procedures; maintain current and complete clinical records; participate in quality assurance activities.
Participate in verbal de-escalation and physical interventions in emergent situations and be willing and able to assist other staff as needed to maintain a safe and secure environment.
Build trusting relationships with clients who may be wary and difficult to engage by employing a warm and accepting approach that includes trauma informed care, harm reduction and motivational interviewing. Demonstrate a commitment to this approach through language and behavior.
Teach clients about safer substance use, overdose prevention and overdose reversal.
Other duties as assigned.