Licensed Practical Nurse - Night Shift - Health Care

Emend Healthcare provides comprehensive addiction and mental health treatment at multiple locations across the country. Each center is designed to deliver a full continuum of care, from medically supervised detox to residential and outpatient programs, ensuring clients can access the support they need wherever they are. With a focus on personalized treatment and compassionate care, Emend's facilities offer safe, welcoming environments where individuals can begin their journey to lasting recovery.
At Emend Health Company Connecticut, LLC, ("Emend CT"), we are dedicated to supporting individuals on their journey to lasting wellness. Our team combines expertise, compassion, and personalized care to help clients navigate mental health challenges and substance use recovery. We focus on creating a safe, nurturing environment where every person can build the skills, resilience, and confidence needed to thrive. Through evidence-based treatment, innovative programs, and a commitment to holistic well-being, we empower clients to achieve meaningful, lasting change.
As a Registered Nurse ("RN") at Emend CT you will be responsible for the nursing assessment, medication monitoring and guidance of non-medical team members as to the medical component of client treatment episodes. The RN is responsible for both the administrative and medical portion of the client intake process and is the primary in oversight of properly receiving and centrally storing medications and preparing client medications for discharge. The RN is the direct line of communication to Providers. The RN also has primary responsibility of communicating to non-medical team members regarding changes to medical orders and instructions. While the Nurse at Emend CT has unique medical responsibilities, the RN is also responsible for learning and being able to achieve all job duties of the Behavioral Technician, without exception.
Requirements

Complete comprehensive nursing assessments and oversee LPN contributed data collection by reviewing and validating assessments to ensure clinical accuracy and support patient stability within ASAM level 3.7 and 3.5 levels of care.
Identify, assess, and clinically interpret changes in medical or psychiatric status, initiating appropriate interventions and escalation when indicated
Provide clinical oversight of patient care, ensuring safe management of substance use disorders and co-occurring conditions
Lead response to acute presentations, including withdrawal symptoms, psychiatric instability, and medical concerns
Administer medications in accordance with physician orders, ensuring adherence to the "5 rights" of medication administration
Evaluate medication effectiveness, side effects, and patient response; communicate clinical recommendations to the Medical Provider
Provide patient education regarding medications, supporting compliance, safety, and engagement in treatment
Complete timely, accurate, and clinically sound documentation in EMR (Sunwave), reflecting assessments, interventions, and patient outcomes
Ensure documentation supports medical necessity, program fidelity, and payer requirements, reducing risk of denials and inappropriate discharges
Maintain compliance with Connecticut DPH regulations, The Joint Commission standards, and Emend-CT policies
Actively engage patients within the therapeutic milieu, reinforcing recovery principles, coping strategies, and treatment goals
Support and guide staff in implementing clinical interventions prior to discharge, with emphasis on reducing AMA/ATA discharges
Promote a safe, structured, and trauma-informed environment that supports patient retention and positive outcomes
Collaborate with therapists, behavioral health staff, admissions, and leadership to ensure coordinated, patient-centered care
Participate in and contribute to shift report, clinical rounds, and multidisciplinary treatment team meetings
Provide clinical guidance and support to LPNs and behavioral health staff, ensuring appropriate care delivery and escalation practices
Coordinate with Utilization Management to support level-of-care determinations and discharge planning
Recognize and respond to behavioral escalation, cravings, and psychiatric distress using evidence-based nursing and de-escalation interventions
Initiate and oversee real-time escalation processes, ensuring timely clinical decision-making
Develop and implement safety plans, including appropriate observation levels and risk mitigation strategies
Ensure adherence to Emend-CT clinical programming, structure, and daily schedule
Reinforce expectations for patient participation, accountability, and engagement in treatment
Participate in Quality Assurance Performance Improvement (QAPI) initiatives, audits, and continuous quality improvement efforts
Perform other duties as assigned by Nursing Leadership and Emend-CT Administration
Current Registered Nurse (RN) license in the state of Connecticut (in good standing)
Current CPR and First Aid Certification
Current Naloxone Certification (or ability to obtain upon hire)
Current TB clearance in accordance with state regulations
Minimum one (1) year of nursing experience required (behavioral health or SUD setting strongly preferred)
Experience in residential treatment and/or detox (ASAM 3.7/3.5) preferred
Demonstrated experience working with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders
Experience with medication administration, withdrawal monitoring, and clinical decision-making
Experience with electronic medical records (EMR), preferably Sunwave
Strong understanding of substance use disorders, withdrawal management, and recovery principles
Ability to perform clinical assessments, triage, and escalation decisions independently
Working knowledge of HIPAA, patient rights, and confidentiality standards
Demonstrates strong clinical judgment, attention to detail, and commitment to program fidelity
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Strong time management and prioritization skills in a 24-hour care environment
Ability to work independently while leading and supporting a multidisciplinary team
Demonstrated critical thinking, problem-solving, and leadership ability
Adaptable and flexible in a dynamic clinical environment
High level of integrity, professionalism, and patience
Proficient in Microsoft Office and EMR systems
Strong, accurate, and timely clinical documentation skills
Physical Requirements
Ability to move throughout the facility to observe and support patients and staff
Adequate vision, hearing, manual dexterity, and coordination to safely perform nursing duties

Salary Description

Hourly w night/weekend shift differentials ($1-$3)