Substance Abuse Registered Nurse

Job Description

Job Description

ABOUT US

Loretto Hospital is a safety-net hospital that serves more than 33,000 patients each year from Chicago’s Austin and surrounding communities. Established in 1923 as a not-for-profit community-focused healthcare provider, Loretto offers its community a unique patient-centered healthcare delivery system that promotes general wellness and education. The hospital staff are committed to providing the best possible medical care in a holistic, safe and comfortable resident environment. By empowering patients with knowledge and resources, Loretto Hospital strives to cultivate a culture of proactive medical management within the community, with the goal of increasing the quality of life for patients and community residents.

SUMMARY

The RN/LPN provides direct nursing care and clinical support within Loretto Hospital’s Substance Use Disorder (SUD) program, which includes ASAM Level 3.5 (Clinically Managed High-Intensity Residential Services) and ASAM Level 3.7 (Medically Monitored Intensive Inpatient Services). This role supports individuals with substance use disorders through assessment, medication administration, withdrawal monitoring, and coordination of care. The nurse must demonstrate an understanding of the distinctions between hospital-based inpatient care and IDHS/SUPR-governed residential SUD treatment settings, ensuring care delivery aligns with regulatory, clinical, and recovery-oriented standards. RNs are primarily responsible for comprehensive clinical assessments and care planning; LPNs (pending HR and union approval) may provide care within scope under RN supervision.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Patient Care:

• Provide direct nursing care to patients in SUD residential (3.5) and medically monitored (3.7) levels of care.
• Perform patient assessments, including withdrawal symptom monitoring using evidence-based tools (e.g., CIWA, COWS) per protocol.
• Administer medications safely and accurately in accordance with provider orders and organizational policies.
• Monitor patients for signs of withdrawal, medical instability, or psychiatric symptoms and respond appropriately.
• Educate patients on medications, withdrawal management, harm reduction, relapse prevention, and recovery support.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams (physicians, counselors, case managers, peer support) to coordinate care plans.
• Conducts round on assigned patients every two hours
• Support a trauma-informed, patient-centered, and recovery-oriented environment

Hospital Compliance:

• Maintain accurate and timely documentation in the electronic medical record (EMR).
• Respond to medical emergencies and behavioral crises in accordance with hospital policy
• Demonstrates technical skill and accuracy when administering medications, treatments, and procedures in accordance with the physician’s orders.

Continuing Education:

• Obtains necessary CEUs every 2 years for licensure and to remain up to date on the current evidence for substance-use disorders.
• Participate in shift reports, case conferences, and quality improvement activities.

Other Duties as Assigned

COMPLIANCE RESPONSIBILITIES

• Understands and adheres to Loretto Hospital’s compliance standards as they appear in the Compliance Policy, Code of Conduct and Conflict of Interest Policy.
• Keeps abreast of all pertinent federal, state and Hospital regulations, laws, and policies as they presently exist and as they change or are modified.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Required:  

• Graduated from an accredited school of nursing
• Current RN License for the State of Illinois; If an LPN, current LPN License for the State of Illinois
• Minimum of 1–2 years of nursing experience
• Current BLS certification
• CPI required within 30 days of hire date

Preferred:

• BSN Preferred
• ACLS preferred in 3.7 setting
• Experience in behavioral health, detoxification, addiction treatment, or SUD services strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with ASAM criteria, withdrawal protocols, and recovery-oriented care preferred.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, stand and walk as well as occasionally stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. Using proper body mechanics, the employee may be expected to lift, pull, push or move patients and/or equipment. Fine motor skills are required when using hands and fingers to handle, feel or reach. Normal or corrected vision, hearing and ability to speak are necessary. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, sharp eye focus and ability to distinguish colors. There will be periods of stressful intense concentration with more than average pressure used in a variety of problem-solving situations.

WHY LORETTO

Competitive Compensation : Along with a competitive salary, Loretto Hospital offers a comprehensive, competitive benefits package including health, dental, vision, retirement savings plans, and paid time off.

Career Development: Loretto Hospital is a vibrant community of professionals dedicated to administering excellent patient care. Whether you are pursuing a career in allied health, support services, clinical or nursing support, or professional administration, Loretto Hospital is a tremendous place to grow as a health care professional.

Work Environment : As a not-for-profit, community-focused hospital, Loretto Hospital is truly a place where patients come first. We are seeking team members who not only support our mission, but who are customer service-driven and who desire to enhance the patient experience.