Registered Nurse/ Licensed Practical Nurse

Registered Nurse (RN) / Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

Hours: 7 AM to 7 PM and 7 PM to 7 AM

Reports To: Director of Nursing (DON)

The Registered Nurse (RN) / Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) provides essential support to individuals with mental health and co-occurring substance use disorders in an inpatient setting. The role blends clinical care, patient education, and active engagement in the milieu to support safety, stability, and recovery.

Key Responsibilities:

• Perform comprehensive nursing assessments (medical, behavioral, and substance use history), including withdrawal risk (e.g., CIWA, COWS) and suicide/self‑harm risk (e.g., C‑SSRS).
• Initiate and monitor withdrawal and stabilization protocols; administer PRN/scheduled medications per standing orders and provider directives.
• Monitor patient responses to medications and treatment interventions and promptly report significant changes or concerns to the appropriate staff.
• Collaborate with the interdisciplinary treatment team, including Behavioral Health Technicians (BHTs), clinicians, medical providers, and case management staff to support coordinated patient care.
• Engage with patients to support individualized treatment plans, encourage participation in recovery programming, and provide support during behavioral health or substance use–related crises.
• Administer/dispense medications accurately and efficiently in accordance with provider orders, facility protocols, and applicable regulations.
• Complete medication reconciliation; maintain strict chain‑of‑custody for controlled substances; conduct counts and resolve discrepancies.
• Follow up with provider notes, to accurately obtain medication orders.
• Lead or cofacilitate psychoeducation groups, and regularly provide education on medication management, and other related topics, including relapse prevention, health promotions, etc.
• Document assessments, care plans, medication administration (MAR), withdrawal scales, progress notes, and incidents accurately and on time in the EHR.
• Follow procedures for sharps, bloodborne pathogens, and post‑exposure protocols.
• Follow procedures for infection control, including Administer injections when ordered (Tuberculin), Check PPD results and facilitate further action when necessary.
• Obtain vitals, baseline labs, ECGs as indicated (e.g., QTc monitoring for antipsychotics/ methadone), urine toxicology, and pregnancy tests when appropriate.
• Adhere to infection prevention/standard precautions; complete fall risk, elopement risk, and safety assessments; maintain a clean and safe care environment.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory standards including state nursing regulations, HIPAA, and facility policies.
• Maintain a safe, therapeutic, and respectful treatment environment for patients and staff.

Qualifications & Skills:

• Current, unrestricted RN or LPN license in the state of IL ;
• Updated and Current BLS

• CPI/Nonviolent Crisis Intervention (or equivalent) within required timeframe (preferred/required per site).
• Experience: 1+ year in behavioral health, substance use, detox, residential, or inpatient setting preferred; new grads considered with strong interest/aptitude.

• Ability to remain calm and composed in high-pressure or crisis situations.
• Strong critical thinking, problem-solving, and conflict-resolution skills.
• Proven ability to manage stress and maintain professional boundaries in challenging environments.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Windows, email, Microsoft Word, timekeeping software, and general computer navigation.
• Strong written communication skills with an emphasis on professional correspondence, reports, and documentation.
• Ability to analyze, interpret, and act on information from emails, letters, policies, and procedures.