The Addictions Nurse provides exceptional nursing care within an interdisciplinary team in a residential treatment setting, collaborating on client assessments, adhering to care plans, and administering medications safely. Responsibilities also include engaging in therapeutic practices, ensuring adherence to protocols, and liaising with community medical partners for holistic care.
Requirements summary
Candidates must possess an active LPN, RPN, or RN designation licensed with the BC College of Nurses and Midwives, along with a valid Class 5 Driver's License and current certifications in First Aid/CPR/AED, Naloxone Administration, and WHMIS. Experience in addiction or mental health is an asset, and a Criminal Record Check is required prior to employment.
To provide exceptional nursing care within an interdisciplinary team, delivering the highest level of program care for individuals in residential treatment.
Position Summary,
Duties and Responsibilities
A New Tomorrow supports both adult and youth divisions of practice to deliver exceptional treatment services to individuals recovering from substance misuse with an interdisciplinary team dedicated to transforming lives.
Reporting to the Nursing Manager, the Addictions Nurse is responsible for collaborating on assessments, including intake and daily focused assessments. Addiction Nurses are expected to engage in therapeutic practices within the scope of medical practice and ensure all practice standards are met. The Addictions Nurse is responsible for adhering to Policy and Procedure and Protocols in place while working within Scope of Practice following BCCNM Licensing Guidelines. This position is responsible for the duties listed below:
Client-Centered Care
Collaborate on client assessments during intake, throughout treatment, and upon graduation.
Adhere to care plans while promoting a client-centered, strength-based and trauma informed approach to recovery.
Obtain pertinent medical collateral from previous care providers if available and relevant.
Provide medical care as needed including first aid to both clients as well as colleagues as needed.
Provide collaboration in assessment of client upon intake and leading up to discharge from the program (planned and unplanned) including arranging follow up after care, medications, transferring appropriate correspondence to appropriate recipients involved in circle of care.
Participating in physician-client consultations & following physician orders and directions.
Work in collaboration with onsite Addictions Specialist for Doctor Day, as well as use critically thinking as to appropriateness of reaching out to the On Call Physician for medical matters requiring immediate attention and direction.
Attending “Code Blue” scenarios on site and directing staff on roles throughout Code (in absence of Management) until medical professionals arrive onsite.
Update the care plan's medication list as required and safely administer medications following the 10 rights and 3 checks of medication administration as per protocol.
Liaise with community medical partners to provide holistic, well-rounded care.
Assess clients every shift and as required, considering their physical, mental, and emotional well-being, and document assessments appropriately.
Collaborate with the nursing manager in tasks and report any concerns directly to them.
Understand and be familiar with BCCNM Nursing protocols, policies and procedures.
Maintain & review client records, daily logs, care plans and discharge summaries.
Update Discharge Summary with current medications and diagnoses Axis I- IV.
Maintain supplies & ensure the security of the nursing station at all times
Contribute to facility cleanliness and safety measures & assist where needed on the floor.
Support co-facilitation and encourage client participation in programs.
Monitor and report health and safety concerns to the Operations Manager.
Adhere to ANT Client-Centered, Human Resources & Medication related Policies and Procedures.
Other duties as assigned.
Reporting & Team Building
Drive a culture of trust, open communication, respectful and creative strategies.
Maintain client documentation complying with BCCNM Guidelines as well as site Licensing requirements.
Maintain confidentiality in accordance with the Personal Information Act of BC and BC.
Participate in problem solving and conflict resolution with objectivity promoting the autonomy and growth of the team.
Engage in team building activities fostering positive and effective communication Stay open to reflecting, debriefing, and processing distressing events or vicarious trauma.
Exhibit continuous learning to enhance existing skills and develop competencies.
Attend regular meetings identifying requirements, areas of success, and trends impacting service delivery.
Advocate and represent the youth and adult center clinical strengths and needs at meetings internally and externally.
Minimum Skills and Qualifications
RN, RPN or LPN designation in good standing with valid BC provincial practicing license with the BC College of Nurses and Midwives
Experience working with clients in addiction, mental health, and recovery an asset
Excellent administrative, time management, and organizational skills
Current Class 5 Driver’s License
Current First Aid & CPR with AED certification
Naloxone Administration certification
WHIMS certification
Addictions Care and Treatment Online certification
Self-motivated and capacity to work independently
Competent with Microsoft Office
Criminal Record Check prior to commencement of employment
