Dispensing Nurse (520)

Job Description

Job Description

Apply Here: & TrackId=ZipRecruiter

Kings View is a nonprofit leader in providing behavioral health services to the underserved community, is currently seeking a driven Dispensing Nurse to join our mission to provide compassionate services to those with limited resources. Our ideal candidate will have a passion to promote social justice and societal awareness, respect for human dignity, and lead with integrity while listening and responding to the community in need.

Dispensing Nurse (520)
Tulare, CA   

The Dispensing Nurse is responsible for observing and identifying a broad range of physical and chemically dependent issues, intervening to facilitate clients' highest level of functioning. This role involves close collaboration with various disciplines as part of a comprehensive treatment team and demonstrates competence in working with diverse professional resources.

How will I contribute

• Observe and distinguish a wide range of physical and chemical dependency issues, intervening to support clients’ optimal functioning.
• Collaborate closely with other disciplines as needed within a combined treatment program.
• Serve as a referral source and consult with individuals and agencies regarding services for clients with chemical dependency.
• Dispense NTP medications to clients using the automated AVATAR dispensing system daily.
• Order NTP medications from pharmaceutical suppliers as needed.
• Take vitals for admitting clients, administer TB tests, collect blood draws for laboratory analysis, and gather client urine specimens.
• Assist the Medical Director with the peer review process.
• Order all necessary supplies for methadone dispensing.
• Respond to questions or inquiries from staff regarding clients, dosing, and medical assistance.
• Process courtesy dose requests from clients’ home clinics.
• Administer and interpret annual TB tests for clients and staff.
• Note and execute written, verbal, and telehealth physician orders in client charts and communicate with pharmacies.
• Maintain all relevant information in the AVATAR dispensing system.
• Print daily dosing reports from the AVATAR system at the end of each shift.
• Review and assist the Medical Director with client files, including orders, documentation, and filing.
• Be readily available during reviews by California DHCS, DEA, Tulare County, and CARF.
• Conduct daily dosing calculations for NTP medications dispensed at the end of the dosing shift.
• Maintain a sanitary, clean, and organized dosing station and automated dispensing unit.
• Attend and participate in weekly staff meetings.
• Provide nursing coverage as needed.
• Submit all vacation requests at least two weeks in advance.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the overall functioning and success of the program.
• May encounter risk of working with persons with SMI (serious mental illness) that may include, but not limited to persons in mental health crisis, persons that may be intoxicated or impaired by drugs or alcohol, persons who may be DTO (danger to others), DTS (Danger to Self), or GD (Gravely Disabled). If such situations arise, staff will be required to call local emergency personnel to help deescalate the crisis, use crisis intervention techniques, and consult with supervisor as soon as practically possible.

What I bring

• High School Diploma (or Equivalent)
• Valid nursing license in the state of practice.
• Some nursing experience, such as clinical rotations or internships. Familiarity with basic nursing procedures, medication administration, and patient care. Exposure to working with diverse populations or in a multidisciplinary team.
• Familiarity with state and federal regulations governing medication administration and the treatment of substance use disorders is essential. Knowledge of health assessments, vital sign monitoring, and the procedures for TB testing and blood draws.
• Must possess strong clinical assessment skills to evaluate client health effectively. The ability to communicate clearly and compassionately with clients and colleagues is essential for fostering a supportive treatment environment. Ability to demonstrate critical thinking and problem-solving skills to address complex patient needs and make informed decisions. Proficiency in managing time and prioritizing tasks in a fast-paced setting is also important, as is the capacity to maintain meticulous records and adhere to compliance standards. The ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team is crucial for providing comprehensive care.
• Empathetic and compassionate, demonstrating a genuine commitment to supporting clients in their recovery journey. Strong interpersonal skills are essential for building rapport with clients and collaborating effectively with colleagues. Detail-oriented and organized, with the ability to manage multiple tasks while maintaining accuracy. Adaptability and resilience are important traits, as the role may involve navigating challenging situations in a dynamic healthcare environment. A high degree of professionalism and ethical integrity is crucial in handling sensitive client information and adhering to regulatory standards.
• Previous nursing experience in a healthcare setting focused on substance use disorders or mental health is highly desired. A working knowledge of medications, particularly opioids, and their administration in a SUD clinical setting is preferred. Familiarity with current laws regarding confidentiality, drug storage, dispensing, and administration is also preferred, along with an understanding of opioid dependence signs and symptoms. Experience with medication dispensing, especially using automated systems like AVATAR, is highly desirable. Knowledge of chemical dependency treatment protocols and the pharmacology of NTP medications, along with proficiency in electronic health record systems, is preferred for accurately managing client data and medication dispensing. Certifications in addiction nursing are a plus.

Who We Are

Since 1951, Kings View leads the community in providing behavioral health services to the underserved population. We have a strong tradition of commitment, and we focus on serving rural communities where health resources are often limited. Our people treat the community with care and compassion. We stand by our cornerstone and philosophy of valuing each person’s worth, dignity and wholeness in body, mind, and spirit. Our principal core values echo throughout the organization and into our patient-focused programs. At Kings View we are dedicated to continuing our demonstration in the unparalleled commitment to wellness and recovery within each community we serve. Join us and apply today.