Substance Use Disorder (SUD) RN - C & A

Substance Use Disorder Registered Nurse (Rn)

Unity Health is currently recruiting for an experienced RN to provide comprehensive nursing care to adolescents receiving residential treatment for substance use disorders and co-occurring behavioral health disorders. These services are provided in a structured, trauma-informed, recovery-oriented environment.

This hospital position offers a competitive and comprehensive compensation package.

Overview:

• Assesses, plans, implements, coordinates, and evaluates nursing care while promoting patient safety, emotional stabilization, recovery, and healthy adolescents' development.
• Responsible for ongoing assessment of each patient's physical, behavioral, emotional, and psychiatric status, including recognition of withdrawal symptoms, suicide and self-harm risk, aggression, elopement risk, medication response, and changes in medical or psychiatric condition.
• Collaborates with psychiatrists, advanced practice providers, therapists, social workers, behavioral health technicians, educators, and other members of the interdisciplinary treatment team to ensure individualized, patient-centered care.
• Contributes to the therapeutic milieu by utilizing therapeutic communication, trauma-informed interventions, verbal de-escalation techniques, patient and family education, and evidence-based nursing practice to support recovery and treatment goals.
• Demonstrates professionalism, sound clinical judgment, and adherence to hospital policies, regulatory standards, and patient rights while promoting a safe and supportive treatment environment.

Responsibilities:

• Provides age-appropriate nursing care to adolescents with substance use disorders and co-occurring psychiatric conditions.
• Provides and delivers age-appropriate nursing care according to the standards of care and practice defined within the Department of Nursing Policies and Procedures for substance use disorders and co-occurring psychiatric conditions.
• Performs comprehensive nursing assessments upon admission and throughout treatment, recognizing changes in physical, emotional, and behavioral status.
• Recognizes and responds appropriately to medical and psychiatric emergencies according to hospital policy.
• Administers medications safely, monitors for therapeutic response and adverse effects, and provides medication education to patients and families.
• Utilizes therapeutic communication, trauma-informed care principles, and verbal de-escalation techniques to promote safety and therapeutic engagement.
• Maintains a safe, structured therapeutic milieu that supports recovery, healthy coping skills, and positive behavioral change.
• Participates and collaborates with psychiatrists, advanced practice providers, therapists, social workers, behavioral health technicians, educators, and families in:
• Developing and implementing individualized treatment plans.
• Interdisciplinary treatment team meetings and contributes to discharge planning and continuity of care.
• Provides patient and family education related to recovery, relapse prevention, medications, coping strategies, and healthy lifestyle choices.
• Completes timely, objective, and accurate documentation in the electronic medical record in accordance with hospital and regulatory standards.
• Maintains professional competency through continuing education, required certifications, and participation in quality improvement initiatives.

Requirements/Qualifications

Education/Licensure:

• Graduate of an accredited school of professional nursing.
• Current licensure in the State of Arkansas as a Registered Nurse.
• Proficient oral and written communication skills.