Registered Nurse (RN) – Substance Use Disorder (SUD)

DirectShifts; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

DirectShifts in Chicago, IL seeks an experienced SUD RN to provide direct nursing care in ASAM Level 3.5/3.7 programs. You will assess patients, administer medications, monitor withdrawals, coordinate care, educate patients, and maintain a safe, trauma-informed, recovery-oriented environment.

Candidates with SUD/detox, psychiatric nursing, behavioral health, or inpatient experience are encouraged to apply. This full-time role offers 12-hour shifts, with alternating weekends, and day or overnight

Qualifications

• Active RN license in Illinois.
• Experience in SUD/detox, psychiatric nursing, behavioral health, or inpatient settings.
• BLS certification; ACLS preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct nursing care to patients in SUD treatment.
• Perform comprehensive patient assessments and monitor changes.
• Monitor withdrawal symptoms using CIWA and COWS.
• Safely administer medications per orders and hospital policies.
• Monitor for withdrawal, instability, and psychiatric/behavioral concerns.
• Conduct rounds on assigned patients every two hours.
• Respond to medical emergencies and behavioral crises.
• Educate patients on medications, withdrawal management, harm reduction, relapse prevention, and recovery.
• Collaborate with physicians, counselors, case managers, peer support staff and other care team members.
• Develop and maintain accurate, timely EMR documentation.
• Participate in shift reports, case conferences, quality improvement, and continuing education.
• Maintain compliance with hospital policies, regulatory requirements, and nursing standards.
• Provide compassionate, patient-centered care supporting recovery and safety.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Patient assessment

Medication administration

Withdrawal monitoring

Care coordination

EMR documentation

Team collaboration

Patient education

Emergency response

Trauma-informed care

Education

Registered Nurse (RN) license

Illinois nursing license

Tools

EMR system

Job description

Position Overview

The SUD RN will provide direct nursing care and clinical support to patients receiving substance use disorder treatment within ASAM Level 3.5 and Level 3.7 programs. The role focuses on patient assessment, medication administration, withdrawal monitoring, care coordination, patient education, and maintaining a safe, trauma-informed, recovery-oriented environment.

Candidates with experience in substance use disorder, detox, psychiatric nursing, behavioral health, or related inpatient settings are encouraged to apply.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide direct nursing care to patients receiving SUD treatment.
• Perform comprehensive patient assessments and monitor changes in condition.
• Monitor withdrawal symptoms using evidence-based assessment tools such as CIWA and COWS, according to established protocols.
• Safely administer medications and treatments in accordance with provider orders and hospital policies.
• Monitor patients for signs of withdrawal, medical instability, and psychiatric or behavioral concerns.
• Conduct rounds on assigned patients every two hours.
• Respond appropriately to medical emergencies and behavioral crises.
• Educate patients regarding medications, withdrawal management, harm reduction, relapse prevention, and recovery.
• Collaborate with physicians, counselors, case managers, peer support staff, and other members of the multidisciplinary care team.
• Develop and maintain accurate, timely documentation in the electronic medical record (EMR).
• Participate in shift reports, case conferences, quality improvement activities, and continuing education.
• Maintain compliance with hospital policies, regulatory requirements, and professional nursing standards.
• Provide compassionate, patient-centered care that supports recovery and promotes patient safety.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Schedule & Compensation

• Full-Time Position
• 3 shifts per week / 12-hour shifts
• Alternating weekends required
• Day and overnight shifts available

DirectShifts is an Equal Opportunity Employer

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employmentwithout regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status,or any other characteristic protected by law.

Your Right to Work

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibilityto work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form uponhire.