Registered Nurse Physicians Immediate Care

Position Overview:
The Charge Nurse is a working medical leader responsible for providing direct patient care while supporting nursing operations during assigned shifts in a residential behavioral health setting. This role serves as a liaison between nursing leadership and frontline staff to ensure safe, effective, and compliant patient care.
The Charge Nurse spends the majority of time performing hands-on nursing duties, while also assisting with staff coordination, clinical guidance, and regulatory compliance. This position supports adherence to Joint Commission standards, state regulations, and organizational policies.
Essential Duties:
Leadership & Shift Coordination (Non-Exempt Role)

Assist with shift coordination and assignment delegation
Provide real-time coaching and feedback
Escalate performance concerns to management
Ensure that nursing staff adheres to policies, procedures, and standards of practice
Assist with shift coverage and assignments of duties
Address staffing issues and escalate concerns as necessary to supervisor
Audit nursing documentation for quality and compliance, support staff in correcting documentation deficiencies
Ensure all nursing documentation is completed accurately and within timeframes in the EMR, including MARs, assessments, and incident reports
Ensures all incidents are reported immediately per policy, including completion of incident reports before end of shift when applicable
Client Care:
Provide direct and indirect nursing care to clients in a residential behavioral health setting
Perform hands-on duties alongside nursing staff
Collaborate with leadership to ensure appropriate treatment protocols
Utilize trauma-informed care and de-escalation techniques (CPI)
Participate in admissions/intake assessments as needed
Administer medications as prescribed. Verify that all MAR documentation is completed and discrepancies are reported to leadership immediately
Collaboration & Communication:
Communicate effectively with physicians, counselors, and other healthcare professionals to develop and update treatment plans
Lead or participate in team meetings to discuss patient care, progress, and challenges
Ensure that all patient documentation is accurate and up-to-date, including nursing assessments, progress notes, and treatment plans
Safety & Compliance:
Ensure that safety protocols and infection control measures are strictly followed
Monitor and report any adverse events, complications, or changes in patient condition
Ensure that all legal, ethical, and regulatory standards of nursing care are met, including but not limited to Joint Commission standards, Environment of Care, Medication Management, and National Patient Safety Goals
Maintains survey readiness at all times
Assist with incident reporting, root cause analysis, and corrective actions as assigned by leadership
Maintain confidentiality and comply with HIPAA regulations in all aspects of patient care
Respond to emergencies and adverse reactions, providing timely interventions and ensuring client safety
Training & Education:
Support and guide all newly hired nurses through their training period
Promote ongoing professional development and education for nursing staff
Detox Protocol (if applicable to assigned facility)
Assess and monitor patients undergoing detoxification from alcohol, drugs, or other substances
Perform physical assessments and monitor vital signs, withdrawal symptoms, and overall health status
Administer medications as prescribed to manage withdrawal symptoms and ensure patient comfort and safety
Provide support and education to patients regarding their detoxification process and treatment options
Stay updated on the latest evidence-based practices for detoxification and substance abuse treatment
When assigned to detox services, responsibilities include monitoring withdrawal using approved assessment tools (e.g., CIWA, COWS), administering protocol-driven medications, and escalating to provider as clinically indicated
Other Duties:
~ There may be times that other duties are assigned, these duties will be within the scope of practice for a licensed RN.

Requirements
Minimum Qualifications:
Registered Nurse (RN) with a valid license.
At least 3-5 years of experience in nursing role, preferably in addiction medicine, detoxification, or behavioral health settings
Basic Life Support (BLS) required
Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) required training during first month of employment required
Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) preferred
Certification in psychiatric or addiction nursing preferred
Key Competencies:
Strong clinical assessment and critical thinking skills
Ability to manage crisis situations and emergencies
Knowledge of behavioral health and substance use disorders
Effective communication and interpersonal skills
Organizational and time management skills
Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment

Work Environment:
This position is an in-person/office work environment. There will be daily face-to-face interaction with staff and clients. The workday will vary, but it will often include sitting at a desk, working on a computer, meeting with clients, and completing paperwork. This position requires you to work in a temperature-controlled environment. Standing for periods of time may be required. Occasional need for lifting 50lbs or more. Potential exposure to violent situations. Potential exposure to airborne/blood-borne pathogens or other potentially infectious materials.