Addiction and Recovery Registered Nurse II - Continuous

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Job Description - Addiction and Recovery Registered Nurse II - Continuous Posting (260000EE)

This is an open and continuous posting for full-time positions on all shifts. These are 40 hours per week with alternating weekends off. Selected candidates must attend orientation during the first shift, first three weeks (Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm).

• Provide day-to-day direct care to individuals with drug and alcohol substance issues, including assessing clients’ condition, administering medications, monitoring detoxification, and delivering health education in regard to health and wellness.
• Collaborate with professional staff to support treatment goals and recovery-oriented care.
• Identify and address client needs by conducting nursing assessments, developing interventions, and delivering care per professional standards and program policies.
• Assess, evaluate, and respond to changes in client conditions; document and report changes to appropriate personnel to ensure prompt response.
• Provide medical monitoring of detoxification and follow physician-ordered protocols; monitor emergency medical care and daily medical treatments for medically compromised clients.
• Demonstrate knowledge of restraint and seclusion techniques, including prevention, de-escalation, and debriefing.
• Participate in admissions, discharges, transfers, and unit orientation as needed and per program protocols.
• Communicate with physicians, transcribe orders, maintain controlled medication counts, and document to maintain accurate client records.
• Ensure accurate recording of controlled substance and syringe counts; assist in inventory, ordering medications, and equipment in collaboration with the pharmacy.
• Serve as the medication nurse as assigned.

• Knowledge of the Section 35 process and procedures.
• Awareness of HIPAA Regulations and Federal Regulations 42 CFR Part 2 and Part 8.
• Experience formulating and revising individual treatment plans in collaboration with multidisciplinary teams.
• Demonstrated knowledge of chemically addicted, dual diagnosed (substance abuse/mental health) or psychiatrically ill clients with co-morbidity, and detoxification protocols.
• Understanding of harm reduction and medication processes (and other assisted therapies).
• Experience with care and treatment of substance use disorders.

The DMH, in collaboration with the Department of Public Health, operates a statewide Recovery from Addictions Program (RAP) for individuals civilly committed by the courts for substance use treatment for up to 90 days (Section 35 commitment). The program provides acute detoxification, early clinical stabilization, and helps clients develop community-based linkages to outpatient supports and treatment providers. RAP offers administrative, medical, clinical, and non-clinical services to support recovery.

The Department of Mental Health is the State Mental Health Authority, ensuring access to services and supports to meet mental health needs of individuals of all ages. The department promotes recovery, standards-based care, self-determination, human rights protection, and mental health training and research, in partnership with other state agencies, families, providers, and communities.

A criminal background check is required for the recommended candidate. For more information, visit the Mass.gov CORI page and click on Information for Job Applicants. Education, licensure, and certifications will be verified per Human Resources Division guidelines. Education and license information provided by the candidate may be published under the Massachusetts Public Records Law. For questions, contact the Office of Human Resources at (option #4).

Applicants must have at least one year of full-time (or equivalent part-time) RN experience in a recognized hospital, clinic, or medical facility, or an equivalent combination of required experience and substitutions.

• I. A graduate degree with a major in Nursing may be substituted for the required experience. Education toward…