Charge Nurse in La Plata, MD

Position: Charge Nurse Location: La Plata, Maryland Job Status: Hourly - Full Time or Part Time At Alpas Wellness Centers, our mission is to provide a safe, inclusive, and forward-thinking environment where people heal their minds and bodies, rediscover their purpose, and forge a path of recovery toward a brighter future. Guided by our values—Authenticity, Innovation, Patient and Staff Experience, Compassion, Safety, and Autonomy—we integrate traditional, holistic, and alternative therapies to create individualized treatment plans that truly meet each person where they are. Alpas Wellness - La Plata is a fully licensed and accredited residential treatment center located in La Plata, Maryland, dedicated to transforming behavioral healthcare through a personalized, whole-person approach. We serve individuals and families navigating substance use disorder and mental health concerns with innovative, compassionate, and evidence-based care. Our thoughtfully designed facility offers a tranquil environment complete with private and shared residential suites, nurses’ stations, community spaces, and biophilic design elements that support healing and comfort. We are driven by a vision to revolutionize behavioral healthcare. If you're passionate about delivering meaningful care and want to be part of a purpose-driven team shaping the future of wellness, we’d love to connect. For more information, please visit: www.alpaswellnesscenters.org Job Summary: The Charge Nurse serves as the clinical leader during assigned shifts. This role ensures safe patient care, real-time escalation, workflow coordination, and adherence to nursing standards during each shift. The Charge Nurse does not conduct performance evaluations but provides frontline leadership and accountability. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Shift Leadership • Assign nursing duties at the beginning of each shift. • Ensure adequate patient coverage. • Monitor unit workflow and patient acuity. Clinical Oversight • Oversee medication administration during shift. • Verify narcotic counts. • Serve as escalation point for clinical concerns. High-Level of Care (HLOC) Transfers • Coordinate emergent transfers. • Ensure appropriate documentation and communication. Documentation Monitoring • Monitor timely completion of nursing documentation during shift. • Address documentation deficiencies in real time. Crisis Management • Lead de-escalation during urgent patient events. • Escalate to Nursing Manager or DON when appropriate. Nursing Duties: • Completes initial assessment and develops the plan of care • Assess the physiological and behavioral health status of the patient • Assist the Licensed Practical Nurse with the nursing process for individual patients and/or groups of patients to meet their physiological, psychological, safety, and general health needs • Follows established policies and procedures for verification of narcotic counts • Verifies the MAR for correct medication and administration times • Accurately assesses and documents CIWA and/ or COWS assessments, vital signs, and signs of pain • Assists the client in understanding the nature of the disease of addiction and the need for treatment • Assists in maintaining a safe and secure environment for staff and patients • Completes necessary documentation as required by organization Policies and Procedures • Maintains patient confidentiality • Maintains accurate records and documentation of patient treatments, immunizations, and laboratory results according to standard medical recordkeeping using the designated EMR • Monitors behavioral changes which may be related to medication administration • Administers/dispenses medication and injections according to accepted nursing practice and organizational policy • Performs initial inductions and provide medical services as needed • Performs blood collections by venipuncture and capillary techniques • Collect specimens for drug screens, health panels, alcohol tests, etc. • Prepare all collected specimens for testing and analysis • Accurately maintains, monitors, and reconciles medication inventory • Follow adherence to all necessary regulatory and company compliance requirements (HIPAA) • Educate patients related to treatment, health, and safety policies • May be subject to the handling of and exposure to hazardous chemicals • May be subject to exposure to infectious waste, diseases, conditions, etc, including TB, HIV, AIDS, and Hepatitis B viruses • Maintain patient confidentiality, staff confidentiality; treat staff and patients with kindness, dignity and respect • Comply with Patient’s Rights rules • Attend required meetings, including on-site staff meetings and multidisciplinary team meetings • Sign and processes physician orders and enter notes in the Electronic Medical Record (EMR) and input flags • Other duties as assigned Required Knowledge, Skills, and Experience: • Must have RN or LPN License • 1-3 years of experience in a substance abuse and/or mental health environment preferred • Ability to comprehend and demonstrate medical and nursing knowledge competencies. • Computer literacy of elemental computer operations. Internet, email, word processing, graphics and spreadsheets and databases. • Computer proficiency in Google Suites, and electronic health records. • Knowledgeable and / or interpret CARF accreditation standards. • Interpret current rules, regulations, and policies to make decisions based upon them. • Principles and practices of drug abuse screening, education, treatment, intervention and referral and aftercare programs services. Schedule: • 7am to 7:30pm • 7pm to 7:30am Compensation: • $6 per hour stipend above current pay rate Benefits: • Paid Time Off or Sick Leave • Holiday rate • 401k • Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance • Training and Education Allowance Alpas Wellness is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.