Head Nurse

Purpose:

To provide the medical team with oversight, direction, training, and support. Thusly, establishing and maintaining a nurturing environment that promotes sobriety and integrated health outcomes.

Summary:

The Registered Nurse in conjunction with the Medical Director and Site Administrator ensures that all clients of the Harbor Light receive high quality medical care while at the Harbor Light. Additionally, the Registered Nurse will oversee the day-to-day medical operations of the Detoxification Unit, Treatment, Safe Harbor, and Medical Respite programs, while still serving in the medical healthcare provider role.

REPORTS TO:  Medical Director / Site Administrator

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

• Acts as a liaison to the Medical Director.
• Exercises professional judgment regarding consultation with Medical Director
• Ensures departmental licensing, accreditation, and regulatory compliance
• Establishes and maintains a nurturing and supportive environment
• Provides general health education to clients
• Oversees the medical screening process for all programs
• Provides medical in-service trainings
• Conducts chart, admission/discharge, and fidelity audits
• Leads department strategic planning initiative
• Oversees detoxification admissions/discharges to detoxification and residential programs, including completion of all required medical documents
• Regularly review all detoxification protocol applications
• Supervise assigned staff
• Creates a monthly medical staff schedule
• Assist Medical Director, Physician’s Assistant, and/or designate in the provision of medical services
• Routinely works a nursing shift, providing direct medical care

• Provide coverage for call-offs and no-shows

• Attends site Quality Assurance meetings
• Schedule monthly team meeting with the Physician’s Assistant and/or Medical Director
• Conduct staff training for new medical employees and notify current employees of any changes in day-to-day procedures
• Prepare order and inventory of medical supplies with assistance of medical staff
• Take appropriate action as directed by Medical Director to ensure clients medical stability and in cases emergency facilitate assistance per Harbor Light protocol
• Regulatory audits medical charts
• Ensure all records, charts, logs, and all other pertinent data for the medical unit are maintained on a daily basis
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

• United States work authorization
• TB test and police clearance
• Valid Michigan Chauffeur License and approved by The Salvation Army MVR
• Must possess a working knowledge of HIPAA
• Possess a working knowledge of OSHA standards and Universal precautions
• Bachelor of Nursing or equivalent

Certificates and Licenses:

• Must possess a valid State of Michigan Registered Nurse license
• RN-BSN preferred

Education/Experience:

• 2 years of medical experience as a licensed Registered Nurse or Practical Nurse
• Experience with substance abuse or mental health populations preferred

Computer Skills:

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Applications and e-mail
• Experience using Electronic Medical Records systems strongly preferred

Reasoning Ability:

• Understand and work within The Salvation Army and Harbor Light Mission Statements
• Possess an excellent working knowledge of The Harbor Light Policies and Procedures
• Possess an understanding of the various programs that operate within the facility

Physical Demands:

• Ability to lift 25 pounds.
• Frequent walking, bending, standing, and sitting for long periods of time
• Ability to hear and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences
• Capability to visually evaluate and observe people and inspect packages and events

Work Environment:

• Exposure to bloodborne pathogens and biohazards