RN Registered Nurse, Denver CARES

We are recruiting for a mission-driven RN Registered Nurse, Denver CARES to join our team! We're with you for life’s journey. At Denver Health, purpose isn’t just something we believe in—it’s something we live every day, for life’s journey. Our Values Respect | Belonging | Accountability | Transparency Department Denver CARES - Detox Job Summary The Registered Nurse, Denver CARES (RN) is a primary team member of Denver CARES and has accountability for the clinical care and treatment of the patient. The Denver CARES RN provides integrated behavioral and medical health care to an acute, patient population withdrawing from substances and seeking therapeutic, residential treatment. The Denver CARES RN nursing position includes but is not limited to integrated screening and assessments, autonomous clinical decision making, medication administration, therapeutic communication, environment of care monitoring, managing crisis escalation, patient care planning, and clinical documentation. The Denver CARES RN position requires therapeutic communication skills, verbal de-escalation skills, and must be knowledgeable of the Behavioral Health Administration's statutes for Withdrawal Management and Services. The Denver CARES RN works in a 24/7 free-standing facility, in which independent decision making and the collaborative teamwork are required. Under general supervision, the professional nurse adheres to the American Nurses Association (ANA) standards of professional nursing and performance, and the ANA Code of Ethics to provide care to all healthcare consumers. Applies critical thinking, evidence-based practices, and competence to collaborate with the health care team to promote excellence in healthcare consumer safety and quality outcomes. Utilizes the Theory of Human Caring and Caritas in daily practice. "Jean Watson, PhD, RN, AHN-BC, FAAN, Founder / Director, Watson Caring Science Institute." Essential Functions: Clinical Care - Conducts patient intakes and integrated medical and behavioral healthcare screenings; performs physical assessment and establishes the medical and substance use patient history. Monitor, record and report symptoms and changes in patient’s condition and vital signs. Collaborates with a diverse team of healthcare providers, including mental health and addiction providers. Consult and coordinate with health care team members to assess, plan, implement and evaluate patient care. Prepare patients for and assist with examinations and treatments. Monitors patient health through clinical assessment, active listening, and therapeutic communication. (30%) Medication Administration - Provides safe medication administration, documentation, and reassessment. Trained in in SEWS, COWS, and OMAT. (20%) Emergency Management - Ability to recognize common illnesses, risks and complications and involves understanding how to intervene in a medical emergency. Maintain a broad and comprehensive nursing scope of practice that includes preventive care, emergent care/crisis response, triage skills, general acute care skills, and behavioral health skills. (10%) Care Coordination - Connecting patients with referrals and resources with the ongoing care of a patient attempting to recover from addiction. Develop and modify patient care plans as indicated by patient’s responses and conditions. Modify patient treatment plans as indicated by patient’s responses and conditions. Assess the needs of individuals, families and/or communities to identify potential health or safety problems. (20%) Documentation - Maintain accurate, detailed reports and records. (10%) General Nursing - Promote positive patient experience. Perform Lead/Relief Charge Nurse duties. Direct and supervise less skilled nursing/health care personnel. (10%) Education: Associate's Degree Completion of an accredited nursing education program that satisfies the licensing requirements of the Colorado State Board of Nursing for Registered Nurses Required Work Experience: 1-3 years One year experience in a direct patient care setting Required and 1-3 years Mental Health/Substance Use Disorder experience preferred Licenses: RN-Registered Nurse - DORA - Department of Regulatory Agencies Required BLS-Basic Life Support (BLS/CPR) - AHA - American Heart Association Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Adherence to Standards of Professional Nursing Practice/ Process / Performance and accrediting body standards Ensures all duties, responsibilities and competencies are conducted in a manner that is effective and appropriate to patients/clients to who care/service is being provided. Demonstrates knowledge and applicability of the principles of growth and development over the life span, as well as demonstrating the ability to assess data reflecting the patient’s status and interpreting appropriate cultural information of the patient(s) to whom care/ services is being delivered/provided. Employee has completed and met their clinical competency standards. Ability to use medical equipment and instruments to administer patient care. Skilled in maintaining effective working relationship with patients, employees, and the public. Ability to react calmly and effectively in emergency situations. Ability to interpret adapt and apply guidelines and procedures. Ability to communicate clearly. Shift Work Type Regular (0.6 FTE) Salary $36.32 - $54.48 / hr Benefits At Denver Health, we take care of the people who take care of our community. Our benefits are built to support your life, your family, and your future — with generous paid time off, fully paid parental leave, exceptional retirement contributions, comprehensive health coverage, and nationally recognized well-being programs. We invest in your growth through tuition assistance, career advancement pathways, and professional development — while also offering meaningful financial advantages through loan forgiveness eligibility and employer contributions. When you join Denver Health, you’re joining a mission-driven organization that invests in you. Here is a small list of our benefit programs: Paid time off starting at 28 days per year, inclusive of vacation, personal/sick, and 7 Holidays 100% paid parental leave up to 6 weeks Immediate eligibility for retirement plans with employer contribution up to 9.5% Generous medical, dental, vision plans in addition to employer paid disability and life insurance. Comprehensive well-being programs including on-site employee fitness center located on Denver Health main campus and nationally recognized RESTORE Center Free RTD EcoPass (public transportation) Childcare discount programs & exclusive perks on large brands, travel, and more Tuition reimbursement & assistance Education, coaching, and professional development opportunities through the Workforce Development Center (WFDC) that support internal career growth and advancement pathways Professional clinical advancement program & shared governance Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligible employer+ free student loan coaching and assistance navigating the PSLF program National Health Service Corps (NHCS) and Colorado Health Service Corps (CHSC) eligible employer About Denver Health Denver Health is an integrated, high-quality academic healthcare system considered a model for the nation that includes a Level I Trauma Center, a 555-bed acute care medical center, Denver’s 911 emergency medical response system, 10 family health centers, 19 school-based health centers, Rocky Mountain Poison & Drug Safety, the Public Health Institute at Denver Health, Denver Health Medical Plan and Denver Health Foundation. As Colorado’s primary, and essential, safety-net healthcare system, Denver Health is a mission-driven organization that has provided millions in uncompensated care for the uninsured each year. Located near downtown Denver, Denver Health is just minutes away from many of the cultural and recreational activities Denver has to offer. Denver Health is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). We value the unique ideas, talents and contributions reflective of the needs of our community. All job applicants for safety-sensitive positions must pass a pre-employment drug test, once a conditional offer of employment has been made. Applicants will be considered until the position is filled. We Love Our Purpose Our purpose shapes our culture and guides how we show up—for our patients, our communities, and one another. Every role at Denver Health contributes to improving lives, advancing health equity, and strengthening the communities we serve. Together, we strive to transform the health of our patients and to be the most trusted healthcare provider in Colorado. Our values—respect, belonging, transparency, and accountability—are the foundation of our culture and are reflected across every position, clinical and nonclinical alike. No matter where you work at Denver Health, your role has a meaningful impact on patient health—often in ways you may not even realize. We invest in our people through resources designed to support both immediate success and long-term growth. Mentorship programs, tuition assistance, and our Workforce Development Center help employees transition seamlessly into their roles while preparing for future advancement. We also lead the market with a competitive benefits package, including retirement contributions with a match of up to 9.5%. Recognizing the emotional and physical demands of many jobs in healthcare, we created the RESTORE Center—a leading-edge space that provides intentional peer-support, and an innovative environment designed to reduce burnout and support employee well-being. At Denver Health, purpose isn’t just something we believe in—it’s something we live every day, for life’s journey. Learn more about Denver Health.