Nurse RN Residential at Ava Health in Grand Junction, CO

Nurse RN Residential

Location: Grand Junction, Colorado

Job Title: Registered Nurse (RN) - Residential

Job Summary:
The Registered Nurse (RN) - Residential plays a vital role in Ava Health’s commitment to providing high-quality, person centered individualized-centered care for individuals recovering from substance use and mental health challenges. As a key clinical team member in our inpatient setting, the RN is responsible for medication stabilization, health monitoring, crisis intervention, and client education. This role is pivotal in ensuring a safe and supportive healing environment, working closely with clients, families, and interdisciplinary teams to promote sustainable recovery. Nurses at Ava Health are not only caregivers but educators and advocates, supporting individuals in making informed health choices that lead to long-term well-being.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Administer medications, including Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), detox protocols, and psychotropic medications per physician orders.
• Conduct comprehensive health assessments upon admission and monitor ongoing physical and mental health conditions.
• Provide crisis intervention and de-escalation support as needed.
• Educate clients on health-related topics, including medication adherence, lifestyle changes, and wellness strategies.
• Collaborate with the interdisciplinary team to develop and adjust individualized treatment plans.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory standards, infection control measures, and safety protocols.
• Advocate for clients’ healthcare needs, coordinating care with external providers as necessary.

Qualifications:

Education & Licensure:

• Current Registered Nurse (RN) license in the state of Colorado.
• BLS/CPR certification required.
• Additional certification in addictions nursing (preferred but not required).
  
  

Experience:

• Preferably 2+ years of nursing experience in behavioral health, substance use treatment, or a residential healthcare setting.
• Experience with crisis management, detox protocols, and MAT preferred.
  
  

Skills & Competencies:

• Commitment to Ava Health’s core values of Agency, Service, and Purpose.
• Strong clinical judgment and ability to respond effectively in high-acuity situations.
• Excellent communication and client engagement skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team-focused, mission-driven environment.
• High proficiency in using an electronic medical record

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):

• Adherence to medication administration protocols (95%+ compliance rate).
• Reduction in medication-related incidents and adverse reactions.
• Client education effectiveness (measured through post-education assessments and adherence rates).
• Timely response to crisis situations and appropriate documentation (within policy timeframe).
  
  

Physical Demands & Work Environment:

• Frequent standing, walking, and lifting up to 25 lbs.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-acuity environment.
• Exposure to biohazards, requiring compliance with safety protocols.
  
  

Additional Requirements:

• Commitment to ongoing professional development and maintaining licensure and certifications.
• If in recovery, a minimum of 2 years of sobriety is required.