Cayuga Addiction Recovery Services Charge Nurse Ithaca Outpatient - Cayuga Health : Job Details

Outpatient Charge NursePosition 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 York* Minimum of 2 years clinical nursing experience, preferably in behavioral health, substance use treatment, or ambulatory care settings* Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certificationPreferred:* Prior experience as a charge nurse, team lead, or preceptor* Experience with Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) protocols* Familiarity 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 environment* Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to facilitate teamwork and positive patient interactions* Conflict resolution skills and ability to de-escalate challenging situations* Knowledge of OASAS, DEA, and SAMHSA regulations pertaining to outpatient substance use treatment services* Commitment to trauma-informed, culturally competent, and recovery-oriented careLocation and Travel Requirements:* Onsite* Less than 25% TravelPay Range Disclosure:* $37.63 to $42 per hour