Program Nurse (Registered Nurse/Licensed Practical Nurse)
Department: Medical
Medical Services / Opioid Treatment Program
Reports To: Program Manager and Medical Director
Location: Kenai, Alaska
Position Summary
The Program Nurse provides professional nursing services within an Opioid Treatment Program (OTP) serving individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD). The Program Nurse is responsible for supporting medication-assisted treatment services, including the safe administration and monitoring of medications, patient assessment, education, care coordination, and collaboration with medical and behavioral health providers.
The Program Nurse ensures compliance with federal OTP regulations, state licensing requirements, DEA requirements, organizational policies, and accreditation standards while promoting patient-centered, evidence-based care.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Nursing Care and Patient Assessment
- Conduct nursing assessments, health screenings, and ongoing monitoring of patients enrolled in the OTP.
- Complete nursing intake assessments, including medical history, medication history, vital signs, and health risk screenings.
- Assess patients for signs and symptoms related to opioid withdrawal, intoxication, medication side effects, and other medical concerns.
- Communicate significant findings to the Medical Director, prescribing provider, or appropriate clinical staff.
- Provide nursing support for patients with complex medical and behavioral health needs.
- Recognize and respond appropriately to medical emergencies.
Medication Management and Administration
- Administer opioid treatment medications (including methadone and/or buprenorphine) according to federal OTP regulations, state requirements, provider orders, and organizational policies.
- Verify patient identity prior to medication administration.
- Observe and document medication dosing accurately in the electronic medication record system.
- Monitor patients for adverse reactions, medication effectiveness, and safety concerns.
- Maintain strict medication accountability and security procedures.
- Report medication errors, discrepancies, diversion concerns, or unusual occurrences immediately according to policy.
- Participate in medication audits and quality improvement activities.
Patient Education and Support
Educate patients regarding
- Medication safety
- Treatment expectations
- Overdose prevention
- Naloxone use
- Harm reduction practices
- Health and wellness topics
- Provide education regarding infectious disease prevention, including HIV, hepatitis C, and other health risks.
- Promote patient engagement, retention in treatment, and recovery goals.
- Provide respectful, trauma-informed, culturally responsive care.
Care Coordination and Collaboration
- Collaborate with physicians, advanced practice providers, counselors, case managers, and administrative staff to support comprehensive patient care.
- Participate in interdisciplinary treatment planning and case reviews.
- Coordinate medical referrals and follow-up care as needed.
- Communicate changes in patient condition to appropriate members of the treatment team.
- Assist with coordination of services for pregnant patients, individuals with chronic medical conditions, and patients requiring additional support.
Regulatory Compliance and Documentation
- Maintain accurate, timely, and complete clinical documentation.
- Follow all applicable:
- SAMHSA OTP regulations
- DEA requirements
- State licensing requirements
- HIPAA regulations
- CARF accreditation standards
- Organizational policies and procedures
- Maintain confidentiality of patient records and protected health information.
- Participate in regulatory surveys, audits, and quality improvement activities as assigned.
- Complete required training and maintain professional licensure.
Quality Improvement and Program Support
- Participate in performance improvement activities.
- Identify opportunities to improve patient safety, workflow efficiency, and quality of care.
- Assist with infection control practices and safety initiatives.
- Participate in emergency preparedness and disaster response activities.
- Support program goals related to patient access, retention, and successful treatment outcomes.
Required QualificationsEducation:
- Graduate of an accredited nursing program.
Licensure:
- Current unrestricted Registered Nurse (RN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) license in the state of Alaska.
Experience:
- Experience working with individuals with substance use disorders.
- Experience in medication administration.
- Experience in behavioral health, addiction treatment, primary care, or community health settings.
Knowledge and Skills:
- Knowledge of opioid use disorder treatment principles.
- Understanding of medication-assisted treatment (MAT/MOUD).
- Ability to maintain professional boundaries with patients.
- Strong communication and organizational skills.
- Ability to work effectively with a multidisciplinary team.
- Ability to manage confidential information appropriately.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working in an Opioid Treatment Program.
- Experience with electronic medical records.
- Knowledge of federal OTP regulations.
- Experience with quality improvement and accreditation standards.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to stand, walk, sit, bend, and perform routine nursing duties.
- Ability to safely handle medication and medical equipment.
- Ability to respond quickly during medical emergencies.
- Ability to maintain attention to detail in a fast-paced clinical environment.
Core Competencies
Patient-Centered Care
- Provides respectful, compassionate, and nonjudgmental care.
Safety and Compliance
- Follows medication safety procedures and regulatory requirements.
Teamwork
- Collaborates effectively with clinical and administrative team members.
Communication
- Communicates clearly with patients and healthcare professionals.
Professional Accountability
- Maintains licensure, ethical standards, and clinical competence.
Additional OTP Responsibilities (as Assigned)
- Participate in admission screenings and physical assessment processes.
- Assist with take-home medication eligibility reviews.
- Participate in toxicology result follow-up processes.
- Provide overdose prevention education and naloxone distribution support.
- Assist with medication dispensing operations.
- Support mobile medication unit or medication-assisted treatment expansion activities.
- Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and program development activities.
Acknowledgment:
This job description describes the general nature and level of work performed by individuals assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required.
Pay: From $50.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
License/Certification:
- RN or LPN license in the state of Alaska (Required)
Work Location: In person
