The Advanced Practice Nurse (APN) provides medical assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of individuals experiencing substance-related withdrawal in a Withdrawal Management (Detox) setting. The APN functions under a collaborative agreement with a physician and is responsible for ensuring safe, evidence-based withdrawal management, medication management, and coordination of care in compliance with New Jersey Department of Health (DOH) and DMHAS regulations.
Essential Functions
Clinical Care & Withdrawal Management
- Perform comprehensive medical assessments upon admission and throughout withdrawal management.
- Diagnose and treat substance withdrawal syndromes, including but not limited to alcohol, opioids, benzodiazepines, and stimulants.
- Develop, implement, and adjust individualized withdrawal management plans, including medication protocols.
- Prescribe, administer, and monitor withdrawal-related medications (e.g., benzodiazepines, clonidine, buprenorphine, naltrexone, supportive medications) in accordance with scope of practice and collaborative agreement.
- Utilize standardized withdrawal tools (e.g., CIWA-Ar, COWS) and document clinical decision-making.
- Monitor for and respond to medical or psychiatric emergencies, including escalation to physician or transfer to higher level of care when indicated.
Medication Management
- Conduct medication reconciliation on admission and discharge.
- Ensure safe prescribing practices, medication monitoring, and adherence to program protocols.
- Educate patients on medications, side effects, and treatment expectations.
Collaboration & Care Coordination
- Collaborate with the Medical Director, nursing staff, counselors, and interdisciplinary team to ensure continuity of care.
- Participate in treatment team meetings, case reviews, and discharge planning.
- Coordinate referrals to ongoing SUD treatment, MAT programs, primary care, or higher levels of care.
Documentation & Compliance
Maintain timely, accurate, and complete clinical documentation in the electronic health record.
- Ensure documentation meets NJ DOH, DMHAS, Medicaid, and accreditation standards.
- Participate in audits, inspections, and quality-improvement initiatives.
- Adhere to all facility policies, infection-control standards, and patient-safety protocols.
Education & Leadership
- Provide clinical guidance and education to nursing and clinical staff regarding withdrawal management.
- Support staff competency related to detox protocols, emergency procedures, and medication administration.
- Participate in policy development and protocol updates as needed.
Other Duties
Please be aware that this job description is not intended to provide a complete list of the activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee in this position. Responsibilities, activities, and duties can change at any time, with or without prior notification.
Minimum Education/Certifications
- Licensed Advanced Practice Nurse (APN) in the State of New Jersey (NJ Board of Nursing).
- Registered Nurse (RN) license in New Jersey.
- National APN certification (e.g., ANCC, AANP) consistent with population focus.
- Active CDS and DEA registration (or eligibility to obtain).
- Collaborative Practice Agreement with a NJ-licensed physician.
- Master’s or Doctoral degree in Nursing (MSN or DNP) from an accredited program.
Minimum Work Experience
Minimum 2 years of clinical experience in substance use disorder treatment, detoxification, inpatient psychiatry, emergency medicine, or related setting (preferred).
Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:
Full-Time APN
- 35 hours per week
- Typical shifts: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM or 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Flexible based on census and medical needs
Part-Time APN
- 16–32 hours per week
- Set clinical days or rotating schedule
Per Diem / On-Call
- As needed for admissions, coverage, or regulatory compliance
- May include evenings, weekends, or holidays.