Medication Dispensing Nurse, LPN II

Job Summary:

The Medication Dispensing Nurse, LPN II responsible for performing work related to assessing a patient’s physical and/or mental state, assessing if a patient presents in a state appropriate for substance use disorder (SUD) treatment and/or Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT), as well as dispensing medications, drawing blood from patients, keeping accurate, timely, and clear patient health records, storing controlled substances, and other duties as assigned. As an experienced LPN, this role will provide more comprehensive patient assessments and support the training and mentorship of lower-level Medication Dispensing Nurses. This position will require working hours ranging from 5:00am to 5:30pm Monday to Saturday, based on the needs of the agency and not to exceed 40 hours per week. This position will also be required to deliver medication to off-site locations in the greater Metro Denver area.

The Medication Dispensing Nurse, LPN II will be assigned to ARTS Adult Outpatient Program clinic locations (or Opioid Treatment Programs), located in Aurora, Arvada, and Denver, and may be required to periodically work on the Medication Mobile Unit (MMU), which will operate and provide substance use disorder services in the greater Metro Denver area. This position will report to the Program Director of Medication Assisted Treatment and Nursing Programs.

Key Responsibilities (100%):

Medication Dispensing and LPN – 100%

• Administer medication such as: Methadone, Suboxone, Naltrexone, Antabuse, and extended-release injectable naltrexone to patients.

• Transport narcotic medication in a manner consistent with DEA, State, and Federal, rules and regulations, while abiding by ARTS policies and procedures to include but not limited to using a lock box. Delivery locations will include correctional facilities, rehabilitation centers, inpatient treatment facilities, or any location deemed appropriate by ARTS.

• Monitor each patient’s vital signs and health condition.

• Draw blood for analysis/labs and obtain test results.

• Administer TB tests.

• Assess adverse reactions to medications, and issues relating to drug overdose, HIV, and/or HCV.

• Handle infectious materials, human blood, or other body fluids according to applicable policy and procedures.

• Perform other duties as assigned by Nurse Program Manager.

At the LPN II: In addition to the duties above…

• Assess patients for appropriateness of treatment.

• Assess patients’ needs for physical exams and report observations to medical providers and/or counselors

Work Location:

Onsite – this role is expected to work onsite and is located in Aurora, Denver, Sheridan, Colorado..

Why Join Us:

This position at the University of Colorado/ Addiction Research and Treatment Services (ARTS) provides a unique opportunity for individuals with lived experience and recovery from SUDs to use, in turn, their specialized knowledge and experience to provide care, assistance and support of individuals currently living with SUD. The individual in this position, through their words and actions, will have a direct influence on helping others with SUD to set themselves on a path to recovery and make healthy lifestyle choices. In addition, by joining ARTS, employees will be actively engaged in a supportive, professional, and nurturing environment where individuals with various backgrounds and experiences converge and collaborate to provide an evidence-based, multi-faceted approach to provide the best treatment and care to every patient who comes into care at ARTS clinics.

Why work for the University?

We have AMAZING benefits and offer exceptional amounts of holiday, vacation and sick leave! The University of Colorado offers an excellent benefits package including:

• Medical: Multiple plan options

• Dental: Multiple plan options

• Additional Insurance: Disability, Life, Vision

• Retirement 401(a) Plan: Employer contributes 10% of your gross pay

• Paid Time Off: Accruals over the year

• Vacation Days: 22/year (maximum accrual 352 hours)

• Sick Days: 15/year (unlimited maximum accrual)

• Holiday Days: 15/year

• Tuition Benefit: Employees have access to this benefit on all CU campuses

• ECO Pass: Reduced rate RTD Bus and light rail service

There are many additional perks & programs with the CU Advantage.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED.

• One (1) year of nursing, nursing assistance, dispensing medication, and/or experience related to position. Substitution: Additional appropriate education will substitute for the required experience on a year-for-year basis.

• Must possess and maintain a valid, Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Registered Nurse (RN) license with the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA).

Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

Preferred Qualifications

• 2+ years of nursing, nursing assistance, dispensing medication, and/or experience related to position.

• Prior work experience with medication assisted treatment.

• Prior work experience with patients in substance use disorder treatment.

• Possess and maintain in good standing a valid intravenous (IV) certification.

• Experience observing, monitoring, and intervening in drug/alcohol treatment.

• Experience working with patients who are involved with probation, human services, and/or other referral sources.

• Experience using an electronic patient health record system.

Conditions of Employment:

• Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship. We are unable to provide work visa sponsorship or employment authorization for this position now or in the future.

• Must possess and maintain a valid Colorado Driver's License or be able to obtain one within 30 days of hire.

• Must agree to, and successfully pass, a fingerprint and criminal background check. (Note: Required background checks include a review with the Colorado Bureau of Investigation, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation).

• May be subject to pre-employment, post-accident, post-incident or reasonable suspicion drug and alcohol testing per University Addiction Research and Treatment Services Department Policies.

• This position may require working on Mondays – Saturdays ranging from 5:00am to 5:30pm, not to exceed 40 hours per week.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

• Excellent written communication skills, which includes the ability to check for typographical, grammatical, and spelling errors.

• Ability to effectively manage difficult behaviors.

• Ability to engage patients in treatment for substance use disorder treatment.