Nursing - Intake Nurse

Vertava Health is a leading national behavioral healthcare system for mental health and substance use disorders, providing a full continuum of services based on the individuals' varying needs at different times in their health and recovery journey. We apply evidence-based treatment modalities at every level of care and embed digital health tools to enhance and amplify clinical outcomes. With a growing list of Joint Commission accredited inpatient and outpatient locations across the country, a virtual care platform and a national network of healthcare providers, Vertava Health pioneers care that empowers people so that they can live out their best future.

Intake Registered Nurse (RN)

Reports to: Director of Nursing

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

ABOUT VERTAVA HEALTH: Vertava Health is a leading national behavioral healthcare system for mental health and substance use disorders, providing a full continuum of services based on the individuals' varying needs at different times in their health and recovery journey. We apply evidence-based treatment modalities at every level of care and embed digital health tools to enhance and amplify clinical outcomes. With a growing list of Joint Commission accredited inpatient and outpatient locations across the country, a virtual care platform and a national network of healthcare providers, Vertava Health pioneers care that empowers people so that they can live out their best future.

In order to make this possible, we need an exceptional Intake Registered Nurse who can meet the requirements below. Think you have what it takes to help us change lives all over the country?

Job Summary:
As an Intake Registered Nurse at Vertava Health, you will provide compassionate, evidenced-based care to adult patients with substance use disorders. You will welcome new patients when they arrive and help them to feel safe and supported. At the same time, you will utilize expert assessment skills to evaluate their appropriateness for admission and identify any immediate medical concerns. You will conduct and document a thorough, comprehensive Nursing Assessment, that includes a detailed history of substance use and abuse, as well as current and resolved medical and psychiatric issues. You will work closely with a team of medical providers to determine the appropriate level of care and protocols.

Between admissions, you will join an expert team of nurses to help patients safely navigate withdrawal and build a strong foundation for long-term recovery from addiction. You will be part of a supportive, team-based approach that models collaborative, solution-based problem solving, and authentic communication.

Your shift will center around the times of day that most admissions arrive: 3pm - 11pm or 3pm- 3am. Willingness to flex hours to accommodate anticipated needs is highly valued.

Priority responsibilities include:
Assessments

• Perform comprehensive nursing assessments on new admissions
• Use CIWA and COWS tools to gauge withdrawal symptoms
• Assess acute and chronic co-occurring physical and mental health issues
• Identify safety risks, including overdose potential, suicidality, falls risk, etc.

Medication Management

• Conduct a medication reconciliation with all new admits
• Safely administer medications per orders and protocols
• Enter verbal and telephone orders accurately into eMAR.
• Utilize knowledge and judgement to check orders, hold medications, and determine PRN needs
• Monitor and document response to medications
• Practice vigilance in all interaction with medication to prevent diversion

Patient Care

• Provide direct nursing care to address a variety of health issues in accordance with established nursing practice and specific orders.
• Respond immediately to medical emergencies (Code Blue) and assume leadership until a medical provider or EMS takes over

Documentation

• Meticulously document assessments and observations, medication administration, interventions and response, and progress towards goals
• Maintain legal logs of stock medication, controlled substances, reportable incidents, etc.
• Accurately capture reports from outside facilities, such as nurse-to-nurse reports from hospital discharge

Collaboration and Communication

• Oversee LPNs and Medical Health Technicians according to scope of practice
• Work with multidisciplinary team on all phases of treatment planning
• Partner closely with MDs, PAs, NPs, and pharmacists
• Communicate with other departments and units to ensure continuity of care
• Serve as a liaison to patient families as appropriate
• Seek guidance from leadership and receive regular supervision

Management (office and team)

• Oversee safe operation of nursing station(s) and equipment
• Maintain inventory of medical equipment and supplies, stock meds, and patient-specific medication
• Monitor schedule to ensure staffing plan will meet established ratios and anticipated needs
• Direct and oversee med techs and LPNs as needed for safety, efficiency, and equitability

Education (learning and teaching)

• Learn about the disease model of addiction and evidence based treatments
• Remain current with all required trainings, certifications, and licensing
• Learn and follow company-established policies and procedures, and maintain adherence to established nursing skills and practice according to licensure
• Provide patient education related to addiction and treatment including: disease process, withdrawal, medications, and non-pharmacological interventions
• Explore options to facilitate health education groups for patients
• Provide appropriate education on specific relevant topics to staff, patients, families, community members, etc.

Other duties as assigned

Requirements:

• Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in nursing
• Current licensure in state of employment
• Experience or interest in addictions nursing and/or behavioral health helpful
• Flexibility and aptitude for problem-solving
• Excellent collaborative and interpersonal skills
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills
• Positive energy : )

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to use hands and fingers, talk or hear
• Ability to sit, stand, walk and reach continually. Ability to climb or balance, stoop, kneel, or crouch frequently
• Ability to frequently lift and carry up to 20 pounds and occasionally lift and carry up to 50 pounds
• Close vision required to see computer monitor and read documents
• Work environment is indoors and climate controlled. Occasionally exposed to outdoor weather conditions

Vertava Health is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status.

Team Member Acknowledgement:
The above job description is intended to describe the content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements. Vertava Health reserves the right to change, add, or delete at any time from this job description to meet the needs of the organization.

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Salary : $66,400 - $84,100