Charge Nurse- Cayuga Addiction Recovery Services Ithaca Outpatient- Full Time- Days
Position Summary :
The Charge Nurse is a key clinical leader in the outpatient substance use treatment program, responsible for coordinating day-to-day patient flow, supervising nursing and support staff during clinical operations, and ensuring the safe and effective delivery of care-including Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT). The Charge Nurse serves as the on-site resource for clinical problem-solving, staff support, and patient advocacy, helping to maintain a recovery-oriented, trauma-informed environment for individuals receiving treatment for substance use disorders.
Key Responsibilities :
Clinic Flow and Operations
- Oversee daily clinic operations to ensure efficient patient flow through triage, provider visits, counseling, MAT dosing, and discharge processes.
- Act as the point person for immediate problem-solving related to staffing, scheduling, room utilization, patient concerns, and operational barriers.
- Coordinate staffing assignments based on patient acuity, clinic volume, and available resources.
- Communicate with providers, behavioral health staff, and administrative support to facilitate coordinated, team-based care delivery.
Clinical Leadership and Staff Support
Provide direct supervision and support to RNs, and LPNs, during clinic hours.Serve as a clinical resource, assisting staff with complex patient situations, urgent issues, or questions about protocols.Ensure staff adherence to nursing scope of practice, infection control policies, and patient safety standards.Lead daily team huddles and debriefings as needed to review patient concerns, safety incidents, or workflow adjustments.Participate in the onboarding of all new clinical staff ensuring all new staff have validated competencies.Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) Coordination
Support the delivery of MAT services (e.g., buprenorphine, methadone, naltrexone) by verifying medication orders, monitoring administration, and ensuring proper documentation.Monitor for safe medication storage, handling, and diversion prevention according to DEA and OASAS regulations.Assist with managing patient emergencies, such as overdose response, withdrawal symptoms, or medical crises related to MAT.Patient Advocacy and Communication
Address patient concerns or complaints in real time with empathy, professionalism, and a trauma-informed approach.Advocate for patient needs with the interdisciplinary team to promote engagement and retention in treatment.Promote harm reduction, recovery support principles, and cultural sensitivity in all patient interactions.Compliance and Documentation
Ensure accurate and timely documentation in the electronic health record (EHR) for all clinical services provided during the shift.Monitor clinic compliance with regulatory standards (OASAS, SAMHSA, DEA) and escalate concerns to the Nurse Manager.Assist with preparing for regulatory audits by maintaining high standards of clinical and medication documentation.Quality and Safety
Support quality improvement initiatives by identifying barriers to care, patient safety issues, or opportunities for workflow enhancement.Report incidents, near misses, or patient grievances promptly and assist with immediate mitigation and documentation.Ensure safe clinical practices related to infection control, sharps management, medication administration, and patient monitoring.Qualifications : Required :
Current Registered Nurse (RN) license in good standing with the State of New YorkMinimum of 2 years clinical nursing experience, preferably in behavioral health, substance use treatment, or ambulatory care settingsCurrent Basic Life Support (BLS) certificationPreferred :
Prior experience as a charge nurse, team lead, or preceptorExperience with Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) protocolsFamiliarity with electronic health record systems (Epic preferred)Certification in Addiction Nursing (CARN) or Mental Health Nursing a plusSkills and Competencies :
Strong clinical judgment and ability to prioritize in a fast-paced, dynamic environmentExcellent communication and interpersonal skills to facilitate teamwork and positive patient interactionsConflict resolution skills and ability to de-escalate challenging situationsKnowledge of OASAS, DEA, and SAMHSA regulations pertaining to outpatient substance use treatment servicesCommitment to trauma-informed, culturally competent, and recovery-oriented careLocation and Travel Requirements :
OnsiteLess than 25% TravelPay Range Disclosure :
$37.63 to $42 per hourJob Posted by ApplicantPro
