Medication Dispensing Nurse, LPN III

CU Denver; Aurora (CO); On-site; USD 54,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical: Multiple plan options

Dental: Multiple plan options

Retirement 401(a) Plan

Job summary

University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora, CO seeks a Medication Dispensing Nurse, LPN III to lead the program, perform comprehensive patient assessments, dispense MAT medications, and supervise lower-level nurses.

Responsibilities include ensuring accurate records, transporting meds, and coordinating with NPs and counselors. Onsite work with varied shifts; Colorado licensure required.

Qualifications

• Current LPN or RN license with the state DORA.
• Two years nursing/dispensing medication experience preferred.
• Experience with substance use disorder treatment a plus.

Responsibilities

• Administer medications such as methadone, Suboxone, and naltrexone.
• Assess patients and monitor vital signs during treatment.
• Supervise and train other LPNs and support staff.
• Transport medications to off-site locations per policy.
• Document incidents and maintain clear health records.

Skills

Nursing competence

Medication dispensing

Vital signs monitoring

Patient assessment

Team leadership

Education

LPN or RN license required

High school diploma or GED

Job description

University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus

Department: School of Medicine - Department of Psychiatry

Job Title: Medication Dispensing Nurse, LPN III

Position #: 00703708 - Requisition #: 41333

Job Summary

The Medication Dispensing Nurse, LPN III is responsible for acting as a work lead for the program and will be responsible for performing work related to assessing a patient's physical and/or mental state, assessing if a patient presents in a state appropriate for substance use disorder (SUD) treatment and/or Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT), as well as dispensing medications, drawing blood from patients, keeping accurate, timely, and clear patient health records, storing controlled substances, and other duties as assigned. As an experienced and independent LPN, this role will provide more comprehensive patient assessment, observation and treatment and informally supervise the work of lower-level Medication Dispensing Nurses. This includes assigning and overseeing the work of other LPNs, training on policies, procedures and workflows, supporting employee performance and development, and making recommendations to leadership.

This position will require working hours ranging from 5:00am to 5:30pm Monday to Saturday, based on the needs of the agency and not to exceed 40 hours per week. This position will also be required to deliver medication to off-site locations in the greater Metro Denver area.

The Medication Dispensing Nurse, LPN III (Lead) will be assigned to ARTS Adult Outpatient Program clinic locations (or Opioid Treatment Programs), located in Aurora, Arvada, Denver, and Sheridan, and may be required to periodically work on the Medication Mobile Unit (MMU), which will operate and provide substance use disorder services in the greater Metro Denver area. This position will report to the Nursing Program Manager.

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.
• Monitor each patient's vital signs and health condition.
• Draw blood for analysis/labs and obtain test results.
• Assess adverse reactions 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.
• Perform other duties as assigned by Nurse Program Manager.
• Assess patients for appropriateness of treatment.
• Assess patients' needs for physical exams and report observations to medical providers and/or counselors.
• Administer TB tests.
• Collaborate with SUD Counselors to oversee patient treatment plans.
• Guide team by advising others on how to complete processes and procedures.
• Train new team members.
• Assign tasks, monitor daily workflows, and document incidents.
• Oversee proper handling of infectious materials, human blood, or other body fluids according to applicable policy and procedures.

Work Location

Onsite - this role is expected to work onsite and is located in Aurora, Denver, Sheridan, Colorado.

Why Join Us

This position at the University of Colorado/ Addiction Research and Treatment Services (ARTS) provides a unique opportunity for individuals with lived experience and recovery from SUDs to use, in turn, their specialized knowledge and experience to provide care, assistance and support of individuals currently living with SUD. The individual in this position, through their words and actions, will have a direct influence on helping others with SUD to set themselves on a path to recovery and make healthy lifestyle choices. In addition, by joining ARTS, employees will be actively engaged in a supportive, professional, and nurturing environment where individuals with various backgrounds and experiences converge and collaborate to provide an evidence-based, multi-faceted approach to provide the best treatment and care to every patient who comes into care at ARTS clinics.

Why work for the University?

We have AMAZING benefits and offerexceptional amounts of holiday, vacation, and sick leave! The University of Colorado offers an excellent benefits package including:

• Medical: Multiple plan options
• Dental: Multiple plan options
• Additional Insurance: Disability, Life, Vision
• Retirement 401(a) Plan: Employer contributes 10% of your gross pay
• Paid Time Off: Accruals over the year
• Vacation Days: 22/year (maximum accrual 352 hours)
• Sick Days: 15/year (unlimited maximum accrual)
• Holiday Days: 15/year
• Tuition Benefit: Employees have access to this benefit on all CU campuses
• ECO Pass: Reduced rate RTD Bus and light rail service

There are many additional perks & programs with the CU Advantage.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• Two (2) years of nursing, nursing assistance, dispensing medication, and/or experience related to position.
  • Substitution: 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• 3+ years of nursing, nursing assistance, dispensing medication, and/or experience related to position.
• Prior work experience with medication assisted treatment.
• Prior work experience with patients in substance use disorder treatment.
• Possess and maintain in good standing a valid intravenous (IV) certification.
• Experience observing, monitoring, and intervening in drug/alcohol treatment.
• Experience working with patients who are involved with probation, human services, and/or other referral sources.
• Experience using an electronic patient health record system.

Conditions of Employment

• Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship. We are unable to provide work visa sponsorship or employment authorization for this position now or in the future.
• 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 Federal Bureau of Investigation).
• May be subject to pre-employment, post-accident, post-incident or reasonable suspicion drug and alcohol testing per University Addiction Research and Treatment Services Department Policies.
• This position may require working on Mondays - Saturdays ranging from 5:00am to 5:30pm, not to exceed 40 hours per week.

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.
• 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).
• Working knowledge of Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) and Health Information Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with patients as well as with employees at all levels throughout the institution.
• Outstanding customer service skills.
• Ability to develop rapport with patients in a caring and nurturing manner.
• Ability to problem solve, make appropriate decisions, work under pressure, and meet deadlines.

Screening of Applications Begins

Applications will be accepted until finalists are identified, but preference will be given to complete applications received by December 30th, 2026. 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 $53,864 - $65,176.

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

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

ADA Statement

The University will provide reasonable accommodations 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 [e-mail].

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.