Registered Nurse at Cowlitz Indian Tribe in Vancouver, WA

POSITION TITLE: Registered Nurse
DEPARTMENT: Health and Human Services (HHS) – Opioid Treatment Program
LOCATION: Vancouver, Washington
REPORTS TO: Director of Nursing
STATUS: Hourly; Full-Time

WAGE RANGE: $52.25 - $62.65 per hour

CLOSING DATE: Open Until Filled (First Review 11/24/2026)

***If you are an American Indian/Alaska Native and/or a Veteran and would like this to be considered a preference in hiring, please upload documentation with your resume and cover letter. Acceptable documentation includes a Tribal Enrollment card, a letter from your Tribe stating your enrollment, or BIA 4432 and/or DD214.***

Position Summary:

Ensures that all nursing and allied health staff—RNs, LVNs, and CMAs—are clinically competent and operate effectively within a patient-centered, team-based care model. Supports evidence-based, standardized care delivery and collaborates with the Clinic Director, Director of Nursing, and Medical Director to enhance clinical education and workflows. Provides direct patient care, including triage, education, care coordination, medication administration, and emergency response. Adheres to HIPAA and confidentiality requirements. Honors and represents the mission, vision, and values of the Cowlitz Indian Tribe and of the HHS department.

This list of duties and responsibilities is illustrative only of the tasks performed by this position and is not all-inclusive.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Provides nursing services to patients in a clinical setting, including but not limited to: telephone triage; performing patient education; care coordination; assessing patients’ physical and psychological needs; administering medications; assisting providers with procedures; and responding to medical emergencies.
• Administers and dispenses medications and vaccines in accordance with applicable regulations and policy; completes appropriate documentation and maintains accurate and current records for controlled substances.
• Under guidance from the Director of Nursing, plans, implements, and evaluates nursing care in the clinic setting.
• Assists in the ongoing assessment of clinical education and team approaches to patient care.
• Collaborates and consults with other health professionals.
• Participates in case conferences, sharing knowledge, information, and ideas among team members.
• Records information concisely, accurately, and completely.
• Ensures treatment plans are being followed.
• Administers and interprets the Mantoux test.
• Maintains proficiency in point-of-care testing.
• Monitors patient response to treatment and medication dosage/interactions.
• Maintains accurate and current medical records, including but not limited to: individual charts, daily medication charts, dosage records, progress notes, doctor's orders.
• Submits referrals for specialized care at local health centers (e.g., Planned Parenthood, prenatal clinics, HIV/AIDS testing sites, etc.) and follows up on patients' attendance and treatment.10
• Oversees transfers of patients to and from the program.
• Assists in training staff in medical matters and patient care.
• Attends professional meetings as required.
• Assists the physician during physical examinations.
• Maintains the dispensing room and medical equipment.
• Dispenses medications and accurately maintains records for controlled substances.
• Upholds commitment to respectful patient- and family-centered care.
• Upholds patient confidentiality and safety.
• Serves as an advocate for patients and families.
• Communicates and collaborates effectively with physicians/team members and health-related agencies.
• Works effectively with multidisciplinary team members.
• Promotes mutual respect and trust while working within a team model.
• Communicates effectively with patients and families, incorporating gender, age, culture, race, religion, disabilities, and sexual orientation.
• Follows ethical principles regarding patient confidentiality.
• Maintains effectiveness where circumstances and priorities are changing.
• Welcomes and participates in opportunities to advance the mission of the clinic through service, science, and social responsibility.
• Participates in organizational and departmental meetings, educational opportunities, committees, and workgroups as necessary.
• Participates in quality initiative/performance activities.
• Participates in daily huddle and collaborates with multidisciplinary health care team as needed to adjust plans of care.
• Complies with applicable drug laws as regulated by the applicable jurisdiction.
• Maintains complete and accurate electronic health records and documents all client contacts and services provided in accordance with program policy and professional standards.
• Practices in an independent role while consulting and collaborating with department staff and community partners.
• Maintains and practices confidentiality as required by HIPAA regulations regarding client confidentiality and request/release of information.
• Adapts to changes in safety protocols and procedures.
• Maintains professional and technical knowledge by conducting research, attending seminars, educational workshops, classes, and conferences; reviewing professional publications; establishing networks; participating in professional societies; conferring with representatives of contracting agencies and related organizations.
• Contributes to a team effort and accomplishes related results as required.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of traditional form of government and tribal customs and traditions.
• Knowledge of principles, practices, and procedures in providing a comprehensive substance abuse treatment program in a clinic environment.
• Knowledge of patient evaluation and plan of care procedures.
• Knowledge of patient outreach services and activities.
• Knowledge and familiarity with the mandatory reporting requirements under the Indian Child Protection Act, with regard to suspected incidence of child abuse or child neglect.
• Knowledge of community resources and referral agencies.
• Knowledge of related accreditation and certification requirements.
• Knowledge and understanding of Cowlitz OTP’s internal and external patient needs and be committed to meeting or exceeding those expectations.
• Knowledge of the clinical benefits and limitations of urine screens, toxicology, and other testing procedures.
• Knowledge of medications and their biological effects, and the desired effect on treatment of opioid use disorder.
• Knowledge of current standards, policies, and procedures of regulatory bodies, contractual agreements, and professional standards.
• Skill in recognizing and managing an opioid overdose.
• Skill in treating patients with tact, courtesy, and respect, and as if the patient is the only person in the room.
• Skill in procedural skills pertinent to the practice area.
• Skill in de-escalation and crisis intervention.
• Skill in completing documentation in an electronic health record system accurately and in a timely manner.
• Skill in staying organized and maintaining attention to detail.
• Skill in operating various programs in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) at an intermediate level.
• Skill in data entry with a high level of accuracy.
• Ability to react to frequent changes in duties and volume of work.
• Ability to demonstrate a customer–first attitude and philosophy.
• Ability to make judgments in demanding situations.
• Ability to listen empathetically.
• Ability to logically organize details.
• Ability to manage multiple concurrent activities.
• Ability to see, treat, and be sympathetic towards substance use disorder patients.
• Ability to maintain quality, safety, and/or infection control standards.
• Ability to work both independently and in a team environment.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain professional relationships with individuals of varying social and cultural backgrounds and with co-workers at all levels.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to conduct all professional activity in an ethical manner.
• Ability to analyze and evaluate situations and adopt effective courses of action.
• Ability to follow Cowlitz OTP personnel policies.
• Ability to maintain passion for assisting patients under all circumstances.
• Ability to give and receive constructive feedback, to share opinions, and uphold beliefs.
• Ability to remain calm, focused, professional, and kind in highly stressful situations.
• Ability to be reliable, flexible, and versatile.
• Ability to maintain humility.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Graduate of an accredited RN program; Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing preferred.
• License and Registration as a Registered Nurse (current and unrestricted).
• Five (5) years’ clinical experience with two (2) years’ experience working in a substance use disorder setting.
• Active American Heart Association (AHA) Basic Life Support certification; Advanced Cardiac Life Support preferred.
• A combination of relevant education and related work experience may be considered.
• Must have no pending legal inquiries or license probation.
• Must be able to provide health and TB clearance.
• A valid driver’s license is required when driving vehicles for work-related purposes.
• Must be able to successfully pass a background screening/investigation according to the established requirements below.

Tribal preference in accordance with the Cowlitz Indian Tribe Code and CIT Employee Policies and Procedures Handbook shall apply to all positions. All positions are required to adhere to CIT’s established safety policies regarding vaccine requirements and personal protective equipment (PPE).

Background Investigation Requirements:

• Pre-employment drug screen.
• Reference checks, education and employment verification.
• Federal, state, and/or tribal criminal history and sanction checks including fingerprint verification.
• Has not been found guilty of, charged with, received a deferred sentence, received a conditional discharge of, or entered a plea of not contest to, or entered a plea of guilty to any one felony or misdemeanor crimes of violence, sexual assault, molestation, exploitation, or sexual contact; prostitution; or crimes committed against person(s) or children.

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly is required to stand; walk; sit; stop, kneel, bend, or crouch; use hands to manipulate, touch, or grasp objects and materials and type on a keyboard; reach with hands and arms; and perform repetitive tasks. Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing abilities to discern verbal instructions and communicate effectively in person and via telephone. The employee occasionally is required to lift up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment:

Work is performed in an office and clinical setting. Employee may be exposed to unpleasant odors, bodily fluids, and infectious disease, and frequent exposure to dust, fumes, airborne particles, and/or allergens. Situations occur where PPE (personal protective equipment) is needed. Work may involve working with hostile, violent, or offensive individuals. Overnight travel, weekend, and/or evening work is occasionally required. Tight time constraints and multiple demands are common.

Salary Range

$52.25 - $62.65 Hourly