Medication Dispensing Nurse – LPN

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:

• 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.
• Assess patients’ needs for physical exams, and report observations to physicians and/or counselors.
• Monitor each patient’s vital signs and health condition.
• Blood Drawing for labs and/or obtaining 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 – The position will be assigned to a home clinic and will need to, from time to time, assist in dispensing activities among three ARTS Opioid Treatment Programs, currently located in Aurora, Arvada, and Denver.

Why Join Us:

Adult Outpatient Clinics for CU’s ARTS team are leading the fight against opiod addiction in the state. We have several clinics across the city of Denver and a new Mobile Unit coming online to deliver methadone related treatments to the patients of our city. Joining this team not only sets you up for a long-term career within the university but also makes a lasting impact in our community.

The University of Colorado offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes health insurance, life insurance, retirement plans, tuition benefits, ECO pass, paid time off – vacation, sick, holidays and more. To see what benefits are available, please visit: https://www.cu.edu/employee-services/benefits-wellness .

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, ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities, persons within the LGBTQ+ community and all veterans. 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.

Conditions of Employment:

• Must possess and maintain a valid Colorado Driver's License or be 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).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior work experience with medication assisted treatment.
• Prior work experience with patients in substance use disorder treatment.
• Possess and maintain a valid IV certification.

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 meet deadlines.
• Ability to be open-minded and nonjudgmental.
• Ability to develop healthy relationships with clients.
• Ability to establish boundaries with clients.
• Ability to exercise discretion (e.g. patient confidentiality).

How to Apply:

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

1.     Curriculum vitae / Resume

2.     Three to five professional references, including name, address, phone number (mobile number if appropriate), and email address.

Questions should be directed to: Lydia Garey, [email protected]

Screening of Applications Begins:

Applications will be accepted until finalists are identified, but preference will be given to complete applications received by March 16th , 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.

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.

Total Compensation Calculator: http://www.cu.edu/node/153125

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 [email protected] ​.

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 .