POSITION SUMMARY

The withdrawal management nurse plays a crucial role in providing comprehensive nursing care to individuals undergoing withdrawal from drugs or alcohol. They are responsible for assessing patients, helping develop and implement treatment plans, administering medications, and monitoring patient progress throughout the withdrawal process. The withdrawal management nurse collaborates with a multidisciplinary team to ensure the safety and well-being of patients and assists in their transition to further treatment or ongoing care. 

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES

• Conduct assessments of patients’ physical and mental health, including substance abuse history, medical conditions, and vital signs. 
• Help to develop individualized treatment plans based on assessment findings, patient goals, and medical guidelines with multidisciplinary team. 
• Administer mediations while closely monitoring patient responses and adjusting treatment as necessary in collaboration with the licensed medical provider. 
• Observe and document patients’ progress including withdrawal symptoms, mental health status, vital signs, and overall physical condition. 
• Provide education and support to patients regarding the withdrawal process, treatment options, and relapse prevention strategies. 
• Work very closely with nursing assistant staff to ensure procedural compliance. 
• Respond to medical emergencies and provide immediate interventions to stabilize patients. 
• Maintain accurate and up to date medical records, documenting all assessments, interventions, medications administered, and patient progress. 
• Stay current with advancements in substance abuse treatment, withdrawal management protocols, and nursing practices through professional development activities and continuing education. 

ADDITIONAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Attend staff meetings as scheduled.
• Additional trainings to be completed as assigned in a timely manner.
• Special projects and other duties as assigned.
• Participate in ongoing supervision and consultation.
• Provide leadership to the nursing assistant staff in such a way that the work environment supports and encourages the values of the agency: honesty, empathy, respect, inclusion, and unity.
• Maintain quality treatment services that are responsive to client needs and reflect best practices.
• Establish a therapeutic environment in which staff works together so that clients' needs, individual circumstances, and culture determine the optimal clinical approach.
• Adhere to all state and federal privacy regulations, including HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2, and to Fora policies and agreements regarding confidentiality, privacy, and security. Support compliance with all privacy and security requirements pursuant to community partners’ and outside providers’ patient confidentiality agreements, including privacy and security requirements for EMR access.
• Perform related tasks as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

• Must have graduated from an accredited nursing institution
• Must have an active nursing license or be able to obtain one within 8 weeks of hire through the Oregon State Board of Nursing
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite esp. Outlook, Excel and Word
• Detail-oriented and organized
• Solid patient care experience is required. 
• Demonstrated effectiveness in presenting ideas, transmitting information, or convey concepts to individuals or groups of people of varying educational, cultural and experiential levels.
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries with patients, the community, and other staff members.
• Ability to work collaboratively with patients, other treatment program staff, team members, and to treat everyone with respect and dignity at all times.
• Written and organizational skills to complete all required documentation.
• Communicates information effectively in writing and verbally
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Displays initiative and problem-solving skills
• Basic knowledge of substance-use disorders
• Marked ability to demonstrate and utilize self-awareness
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, managing multiple priorities and providing compassionate care. 
• Have an understanding of legal and ethical considerations related to substance abuse treatment and patient care. 

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• For employees with a history of substance use disorder, Fora Health’s policy requires certification of a minimum of two years of sobriety for this position.
• Ability to pass a pre-employment or for cause drug tests.
• Position will require some amount of regular connection to work via cell phone to answer questions and respond to internal and external contacts.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Prolonged use of computer
• Position may require on-call availability as nurses may be scheduled for stand-by shifts. 
• Position generally works in an indoor environment with infrequent travel between sites or to special events.
• Possible exposure to communicable diseases which can encompass a variety of illnesses and infections, including COVID, tuberculosis, Hepatitis A, B, and C, and HIV.
• Possible exposure to upset, angry, severely traumatized, disabled or emotionally disturbed adults, adolescents, and families.
• Exposure to potentially hazardous cleaning chemicals, personal protective equipment provided. 
• Fast paced, high volume work environment.