Detox Nurse (RN)

Wabanaki Public Health & Wellness (WPHW) is growing, and we are excited to be adding new people to our team!  If you value inclusivity, balance, and cultural centeredness and have a true passion for serving others, you may be a great fit for our team!  WPHW is a non-profit organization that serves four federally recognized tribes located in five communities:  the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, the Aroostook Band of Mi'kmaq, the Passamaquoddy Tribe at Indian Township, the Passamaquoddy Tribe at Pleasant Point, and the Penobscot Nation.  Wabanaki traditions, language, and culture guide our approach and describe the ways we live in harmony with each other and the land we collectively share.  Services are available to community members living on and off-reservation across the state of Maine.

Position Summary:

This position supports the Wabanaki Center for Healing and Recovery’s Cedar Road program.  As a Detox Nurse this individual must provide compassionate and culturally sensitive care to clients experiencing symptoms related to substance use, including withdrawal symptoms, cravings, and other issues that may arise.  This individual will also provide support and counseling to help clients through their recovery process to include the administration of medications to manage withdrawal symptoms, make sure a client feels comfortable, supported and well taken care of throughout the detox process.  This position works collaboratively and efficiently with a multidisciplinary team and the client through direct care, transitional support, coordination of services, and referrals.  This is full time position to include evenings and weekends. Some travel is required.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Complete nursing intake and assessment during admission. This includes meeting with client and/or family as needed.
• Process, manage, and implement orders from Licensed Independent Practitioners.
• Monitor client’s vital signs as ordered or per protocol.
• Dispense medications as ordered and per policy and procedures. Monitor and document all medication activity. Keep medication administration record (MAR) up to date, assuring accurate Medication Reconciliation and prescriptions for clients at discharge.
• Maintain medication chart in order and locked.
• Observe, note and report reactions to psychotropic drugs and other medications.
• Ensure compliance with Do Not Use Abbreviation and Sound Alike/Look Alike medication lists.
• Document all client interactions, interventions, and on-going counseling services in the electronic medical record.
• Order random urinalysis as per physician’s or licensed independent practitioners’ instructions.
• Update medical and clinical team regularly regarding all clients seen and coordinates client care.
• Complete incident report for any unusual or adverse event including medication errors and medication reactions.
• Complete suicide risk assessment on all new admission and as needed during treatment.
• Complete a physical assessment of all clients upon admission or as needed to assess skin integrity, markings, or signs and symptoms of disease or issues.
• Screen for psychoactive substance toxicity, intoxication, and withdrawal symptoms.
• Screen for danger to self or others.
• Advocate for and build meaningful relationships with clients and loved ones through safety intervention, emotional support and education.
• With the individual served, formulate mutually agreed-upon, measurable treatment goals and objectives.
• Demonstrate adherence to accepted ethical and behavioral standards of conduct.
• Provide direction to the technicians on assigned shift.
• Provide emotional support through listening, counseling and answering questions.
• Consult with in-house staff and other outside professionals to assure comprehensive, quality care for clients.
• Provide referrals for identified needs of the client to other WPHW services and/or to other Tribal or non-Tribal agencies as preferred by client.
• Maintain professional boundaries with clients and interact with them in an appropriate manner.
• Participate in team meetings.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience Required:

• Must hold an unrestricted Registered Nurse (RN) license in the State of Maine.
• One (1) year of detox, emergency or med-surge nursing experience preferred.

Skills and Qualifications Required:

• Working knowledge of the signs and symptoms of substance intoxication and withdrawal including pharmacological factors.
• Experience working in Tribal Communities preferred.
• Must be able to physically respond to individuals’ needs in the event of a crisis situation.
• Willingness to travel with some overnights for trainings, meetings, gatherings, and events.
• Valid State of Maine Driver’s License, insurable under the WPHW’s automobile insurance plan and reliable transportation.

• Demonstrated ability to work as part of a team, independently and embrace a culturally diverse setting.
• Ability to communicate ideas, instructions, and other information in a clear and precise manner using both written and oral forms of communication.
• Knowledge of the Code of Ethics for nurses.
• Knowledge of the federal drug and alcohol confidentiality law (42 C.F.R. Part 2) and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act.
• Knowledge of the American Society of Addiction Medicine placement criteria and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual as it relates to substance-related disorders or able to acquire the knowledge.
• Ability to work a varied schedule to include evenings, weekends and/or holidays.
• Proficiency with computers and MS Office and Teams.
• Must be flexible with excellent attention to detail and an ability to manage multiple tasks.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise initiative, independent judgment and be a self-starter who works with integrity while also being a strong team player.
• Professional and courteous with positive attitude.
• Must have current BLS and First Aid training, or complete training within first 60 days of hire.
• Must successfully pass background checks.

Wabanaki Public Health & Wellness is an equal opportunity employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.