Substance Use Nurse

The clinic nurse in a CSTAR (Comprehensive Substance Treatment and Rehabilitation) program provides direct, compassionate care to individuals with alcohol or substance use disorders, working under the supervision of a program director. The role blends general nursing duties with specialized care for recovery-focused populations.

Core Responsibilities

• Direct Patient Care: Monitor physical health, administer medications, and provide basic medical care in accordance with CSTAR protocols and state nursing standards.
• Health Monitoring: Assess and document patient wellness, track recovery progress, and report concerns to supervising nurses or treatment staff.
• Medication Administration: Administer prescribed medications, including those for withdrawal management, following safe handling and documentation procedures.
• Patient Education: Teach patients and caregivers about disease management, recovery strategies, nutrition, and harm reduction techniques.
• Specimen Collection: Perform tasks such as blood draws or urine collection for lab testing as part of treatment monitoring.
• Safety & Environment: Maintain a safe, clean, and therapeutic environment for patients during treatment.
• Record Keeping: Maintain accurate, up-to-date health records and submit progress reports as required
• Collaboration: Work closely with counselors, social workers, and other healthcare providers to support holistic recovery.

Qualifications

• Education & Licensure: Graduate from an accredited practical nursing program and hold a current Nursing license in the state of Missouri. LPN and RN.
• Certifications: CPR/BLS certification.
• Skills: Proficiency in medical terminology, use of basic medical equipment, and strong communication skills.
• Experience: Prior healthcare experience, ideally in substance use disorder or psychiatric settings, is preferred.