GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Under the supervision of the Director of Nursing in collaboration with the Medical Director, the position is responsible for the safe and efficient dispensing and administering methadone to opiate dependent clients of ITS; documentation of medical and clinical records and observations; record keeping regarding methadone inventory and control. Works in close coordination with other treatment team members to implement appropriate treatment regimens for clients.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: LPN or RN education from an accredited university or nursing school and licensed through the Arizona Board of Nursing. Should have a desire to work with substance abusing and/or dependent clients.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: This position may require duties including lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds, pushing and pulling more than 100 pounds, and requires frequent standing, walking, balancing, stooping, bending, kneeling, and reaching. Good visual and auditory acuity as well as good manual dexterity and the ability to be readily understood are essential. Must be able to work in a stressful environment and be able to respond to emergencies. May be exposed to biohazards and chemicals per Safety policies including hazardous waste and infection control.

REPORTING SUPERVISOR: Director of Nursing in collaboration with the Medical Director and Director of Operations.

JOB RELATED FUNCTIONS:

1. Dispenses medication in compliance with clinic, regulatory, and accrediting body specifications to meet federal, state, and local standards.

2. Administers methadone as ordered by the prescribing medical professional per proper procedure to ensure client safety.

3. Educates clients regarding methadone side effects, interactions, contraindications, and safety precautions when transporting and storing medication in the home.

4. Documents medication errors and respond to adverse medical reactions per company policy.

5. Monitors clients for diversion of doses during administration of medication and reports diversion to Director of Nursing.

6. Obtains urine samples, monitors and records laboratory results within 72 hours of receipt of results.

7. Conducts opening and closing of the clinic utilizing proper safety measures.

8. Is responsible for methadone inventory and ordering of medication.

9. Monitors the inventory of other medical supplies and places orders for needed items

10. Produces and files daily and monthly reports regarding patient absenteeism, patient due in list, medication records, drug and inventory, prescriptions cash reports at end of each shift.

11. Maintains required logs including pump calibration, adverse reaction, refrigeration temperature.

12. Participates as a part of the treatment team including implementation of patient treatment plans.

13. Appropriately charts medical notes including: withdrawal symptoms, rationale for initial dose and dose adjustments.

14. Required to attend all staff meetings to review clinical issues and individual cases of pertinence, participate in relevant utilization review.

15. Maintains current knowledge of community resources to assist clients in the areas of housing, food, employment, vocational training, medical treatment, and financial assistance.

16. Participates in Peer Review process by auditing charts for completeness

17. Serves as the Infection Control Coordinator conducting IC inspections and serves as a representative at Excel Group Infection Control meetings.

18. Coordinate with clinical manager to carry our monthly Health, Safety and Facility Inspections.

19. Delivery Methadone to outside entities for clients that are inpatient.

20. Performs other related duties to support the scope of services

EQUIPMENT: Utilizes and operates equipment and mechanical devices which provide for a functional, effective, and safe environment

• Equipment operation includes informational devices such as, but not limited to:
• Phone System, Fax Machine, Copier, Computer Hardware, Computer Software
• Operates medical equipment:
• Computerized Dosing Pump
• Manual Dosing Equipment
• Demonstrates use of fire extinguisher
• Follows guidelines for the use of Persona