Withdrawal Management Nursing Director

Description:  The Withdrawal Management Nursing Director is responsible for the precise management and delivery of medications to patients in withdrawal, ensuring doses are accurately measured and administered at the correct intervals. Other duties include tailoring treatment at the direction of the program physician effectively as a client’s condition evolves, monitoring clients for signs of distress and discomfort, in addition to using a combination of medication management, therapeutic communication, and evidence-based practices to ease the physical and psychological effects of substance withdrawal. This role works in conjunction with the Chief Clinical Officer to provide training and clinical/medical supervision of nursing staff as needed.  

What we’re looking for: 

• Valid Registered Nurse (RN) License with ability to practice in Alabama. 
• Master’s degree in nursing, with a focus on psychiatric nursing or addiction nursing. 
• Minimum of 3-5 years’ mental health nursing and/or management to include working closely with individuals undergoing detoxification, managing withdrawal symptoms, and providing emotional support. 
• Certified Addictions Registered Nurse (CARN) certification preferred.  
• Knowledge of the scope and standards of the Alabama Nursing License.  
• Knowledge of Medication Administration Processes, and ability to interpret and make appropriate decisions.  
• Ability to communicate both verbally and written with clients/residents, families, interdisciplinary team and other personnel.   
• Ability to make decisions and appropriately delegate to team members and colleagues.  

What you’ll be doing:  

• Provide supervision, instruction, and disciplinary actions to all staff on an equitable basis that is consistent with WellStone policies. 
• Administer medications to patients to manage withdrawal symptoms and monitor responses to ensure efficacy and safety. 
• Perform initial patient assessments to determine the level of care required and develop individualized detoxification plans. 
• Provide emotional support and counseling to patients during the detoxification process, addressing fears, concerns, and encouraging progress. 
• Monitor vital signs regularly, such as blood pressure, heart rate, and temperature, to detect any adverse reactions or complications arising from the detox process. 
• Educate patients and their families about the detox process, potential withdrawal symptoms, and the importance of follow-up care and rehabilitation. 
• Coordinate with physicians, psychiatrists, and other healthcare professionals to adjust treatment as necessary based on patient progress and feedback. 
• Document all patient interactions, treatment adjustments, and patient progress notes in electronic health records accurately and comprehensively. 
• Manage the safe disposal of hazardous materials and ensure the cleanliness and sanitation of the detox facility to prevent infections and maintain a safe environment for patients and staff. 
• Educate client and family on medication, possible interactions and side effects in addition to the importance of taking the medication.  
• Maintain and monitor medication stock.  
• Complete client documentation per Center and State policies/procedures and standards in a timely manner. 
• Ensure Incident Reports are completed timely and accurately and submitted within the required timeframes. 
• Evaluate and assess medical emergencies.   
• Collaborate with Center staff regarding client well-being, and work with outside agencies as requested by Coordinator or MD, i.e. emergency room, respite, external M.D.s, New Horizons, Huntsville Hospital, etc.   
• Partner with the pharmacy regarding client medication regimen.   
• Review Medication Administration Records as needed. 
• Collaborate with staff routinely regarding client care/needs.  
• Coordinate and collaborate with managers in regard to nursing assistance and/or coverage.  
• In conjunction with the Clinical Director, provide clinical/medical supervision of nursing staff as needed.   
• Verify that all documentation is consistent with both Center and State policies, procedures, and standards. 
• Responsible for interview of nurse candidates for job openings to assist in maintaining coverage to include selecting staff for a PRN pool. 
• Ensure adequate staffing of facility and that staff schedules are adhered to so that the leave policy is not abused.  
• Document any guidance, issues/concerns, and disciplinary actions to employees. 
• Provide performance improvement staff de-briefings based on incidents that may occur at the facility. 
• Other duties as assigned - Scheduled and assigned duties are subject to change based on the needs of the program and clients we serve. 

What we offer:

• Competitive medical, dental, and vision premiums
• State Retirement participation through RSA plus an optional 457b plan with a company match
• Nine (9) paid holidays throughout the year
• Ability to continually accrue up to 15 days of PTO a year (unused rolls over)
• Licensure reimbursement
• Tuition discounts through learning partnerships with Athens State University and Capella University

We are compassionate towards those impacted by behavioral health disorders.

We are dedicated to one another through collaboration and teamwork.

We are optimistic problem-solvers who do what it takes to get the job done.