Medication Dispensing Nurse

Job Summary:

The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is seeking a full-time, University Staff (un-classified) Medication Dispensing Nurse (Health Care Technician III) for an open position within the Addiction Research and Treatment Services (ARTS) Adult Outpatient Program, with clinic locations in Denver, Aurora, and Arvada. The ARTS Adult Outpatient Program is within the School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry. ARTS Adult Outpatient clinics provide Medication Assisted Treatment, drug and alcohol assessment, psychosocial and pharmacological treatment for adults. Programs in various clinic locations include traditional outpatient, intensive outpatient and may contain specialty services for clients referred by the criminal justice system, county departments of human services, and services for pregnant women, individuals who are HIV positive or gender responsive services. The University is committed to recruiting and supporting a diverse student body, faculty, and administrative staff, and strives to promote a culture of inclusiveness, respect, communication and understanding. The University and ARTS are dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for faculty, staff, students, and visitors. To assist in achieving that goal, we conduct background investigations for all prospective employees.

The Medication Dispensing Nurse is responsible for performing work related to dispensing medications, drawing blood from patients, keeping clear records, storing controlled substances and other duties as assigned. This position will require you to work 40 hours per week as follows: 5:00am - 1:30pm Monday through Friday, and 5:00am to 10:00am on Saturday. This position may provide dispensing activities on Saturdays.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assess patients for appropriateness of treatment.
• Assess patients' needs for physical exams, and report observations to medical providers and/or counselors.
• Administer medication such as: Methadone, Suboxone, Naltrexone, Antabuse, and extended-release injectable naltrexone to patients.
• Transport narcotic medication in a manner consistent with DEA, State, and Federal, rules and regulations, while abiding by ARTS policies and procedures to include but not limited to using a lock box. Delivery locations will include correctional facilities, rehabilitation centers, inpatient treatment facilities, or any location deemed appropriate by ARTS.
• Monitor each patient's vital signs and health condition.
• Draw blood for analysis/labs; obtain test results.
• Administer TB tests.
• Assess adverse reaction to medications, and issues relating to drug overdose, HIV, and/or HCV.
• Handle infectious materials, human blood, or other body fluids according to applicable policy and procedures.

Work Location:

Onsite - this role is expected to work onsite at ARTS clinic locations located in Denver, Arvada, and Aurora, as well as potential periodic duty on the ARTS Medication Mobile Unit.

Why Join Us:

This position at the University of Colorado/ Addiction Research and Treatment Services (ARTS) provides a unique opportunity for individuals with lived experience and recovery from SUDs to use, in turn, their specialized knowledge and experience to provide care, assistance and support of individuals currently living with SUD. The individual in this position, through their words and actions, will have a direct influence on helping others with SUD to set themselves on a path to recovery and make health lifestyle choices. In addition, by joining ARTS, employees will be actively engaged in a supportive, professional, and nurturing environment where individuals with various backgrounds and experiences converge and collaborate to provide an evidence-based, multi-faceted approach to provide the best treatment and care to every patient who comes into care at ARTS clinics.

Why work for the University?

We have AMAZING benefits and offer exceptional amounts of holiday, vacation, and sick leave! The University of Colorado offers an excellent benefits package including:

• Medical: Multiple plan options
• Dental: Multiple plan options
• Additional Insurance: Disability, Life, Vision
• Retirement 401(a) Plan: Employer contributes 10% of your gross pay
• Paid Time Off: Accruals over the year
• Vacation Days: 22/year (maximum accrual 352 hours)
• Sick Days: 15/year (unlimited maximum accrual)
• Holiday Days: 10/year
• Tuition Benefit: Employees have access to this benefit on all CU campuses
• ECO Pass: Reduced rate RTD Bus and light rail service

There are many additional perks & programs with the CU Advantage.

Diversity and Equity:

The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is committed to recruiting and supporting a diverse student body, faculty and administrative staff. The university strives to promote a culture of inclusiveness, respect, communication and understanding. We encourage applications from women, ethnically minoritized individuals, persons with disabilities, persons within the LGBTQ+ community and all veterans. In addition, the Anschutz Campus has also been recognized as an Age-Friendly University. The University of Colorado is committed to diversity and equality in education and employment.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED.
• Two (2) years of nursing, nursing assistance, dispensing medication, and/or experience related to position.
  
  
  
  • Additional appropriate education will substitute for the required experience on a year-for-year basis.
  
  
  
  
• Must possess and maintain a valid, Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Registered Nurse (RN) license with the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA).

Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior work experience with medication assisted treatment.
• Prior work experience with patients in substance use disorder treatment.
• Possess and maintain in good standing a valid intravenous (IV) certification.
• Experience observing, monitoring, and intervening in drug/alcohol treatment.
• Experience working with patients who are involved with probation, human services, and/or other referral sources.
• Experience using an electronic patient health record system.

Conditions of Employment:

• Must possess and maintain a valid Colorado Driver's License or able to obtain one within 30 days of hire.
• Must agree to, and successfully pass, a fingerprint and criminal background check. (Note: Required background checks include a review with the Colorado Bureau of Investigation, and the Central Registry of Child Protection - Trails).
• Subject to pre-employment, post-accident, post-incident or reasonable suspicion drug and alcohol testing per UCD Addiction Research and Treatment Services Department Policies.
• Must possess a valid registration in good standing with the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA).

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent written communication skills, which includes the ability to check for typographical, grammatical, and spelling errors.
• Ability to effectively manage difficult behaviors.
• Ability to engage patients in treatment for substance use disorder treatment.
• Ability to comply with established rules, policies and procedures, and direction from supervisors.
• Ability to be open-minded and nonjudgmental.
• Ability to develop healthy relationships with clients.
• Ability to establish boundaries with clients.
• Ability to exercise discretion and maintain patient confidentiality.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with patients as well as with employees at all levels throughout the institution.
• Outstanding customer service skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity and inclusion.
• Critical thinking skills with the ability to make appropriate decisions in a high-pressure environment.
• Working knowledge of Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) and Health Information Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

How to Apply:

For full consideration, please submit the following document(s):

1. A cover letter describing relevant job experiences to the position.

2. Curriculum vitae / Resume

3. Three to five professional references, including name, address, phone number (mobile number if appropriate), and email address for each individual.

Questions should be directed to: Lydia Garey (She/Her/Hers), Program Director of Medication Assisted Treatment and Nurse Programs, ARTS Adult Outpatient Program, lydia.garey@cuanschutz.edu

Screening of Applications Begins:

Applications will be accepted until finalists are identified, but preference will be given to complete applications received by October 15^th, 2024. Those who do not apply by this date may or may not be considered.

Anticipated Pay Range:

The starting salary range (or hiring range) for this position has been established as: $52,808 - $61,680.

External candidates may be eligible for a one-time, non-base building sign-on bonus up to $2,000. Details of this recruitment incentive program will be provided during the interview process.

The above salary range (or hiring range) represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. This position may be eligible for overtime compensation, depending on the level.

Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Colorado provides generous leave, health plans and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.

ADA Statement:

The University will provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at hr.adacoordinator@cuanschutz.edu.

Background Check Statement:

The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our faculty, staff, students, and visitors. To assist in achieving that goal, we conduct background investigations for all prospective employees.

Vaccination Statement:

CU Anschutz strongly encourages vaccination against the COVID-19 virus and other vaccine preventable diseases. If you work, visit, or volunteer in healthcare facilities or clinics operated by our affiliated hospital or clinical partners or by CU Anschutz, you will be required to comply with the vaccination and medical surveillance policies of the facilities or clinics where you work, visit, or volunteer, respectively. In addition, if you work in certain research areas or perform certain safety sensitive job duties, you must enroll in the occupational health medical surveillance program.