Medication Dispensing Nurse

University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus

School of Medicine | Department of Psychiatry | Addiction Research & Treatment Services (ARTS) | AOP

Job Title: Medication Dispensing Nurse

Position #00218558 – Requisition: #37747

Job Summary:

This position accurately collects and handles appropriate patient biological samples for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease in support of AOP’s clinical and medical operations. The position is also responsible for collecting urinalysis specimens from patients (observation of same-sex urine specimen provision), as well as conducting breathalyzer testing of patients and recording the results. This position requires working at all three of the ARTS locations, on a rotating schedule throughout the week.

Standard working hours are Monday through Friday, 5:00am to 1:30pm or 5:00am -5:30pm. This position may work periodically on some Saturdays from 5:00am to 10:00am, based on the need of the agency, not to exceed 40 hours per week.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assess patients for appropriateness of treatment.

• Assess patients’ needs for physical exams and report observations to physicians and/or counselors.

• 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, obtain test results, and administer TB tests.

• 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.

• Other duties as assigned by Program Director of MAT and Nurse Programs.

Work Location:

Onsite – this role is expected to work onsite at ARTS clinic locations located in Denver, Arvada, and Aurora, as well as potential periodic duty on the ARTS Medication Mobile Unit.

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 offer exceptional 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.

  • 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:

• 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.

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 and meet deadlines.

• 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 a rapport with patients in a caring and nurturing manner.

• Ability to problem-solve and make appropriate decisions, work under pressure, and meet deadlines.

Conditions of Employment:

• 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.

How to Apply:

For full consideration, please submit the following document(s):

1.    A letter of interest describing relevant job experiences as they relate to listed job qualifications and interest in the position.

2.    Curriculum vitae / Resume

3.    Three to five professional references, including name, address, phone number (mobile number if appropriate), and email address.

1.    

Questions should be directed to: Heidi McKinnon - heidi.mckinnon@cuanschutz.edu

Screening of Applications Begins:

Applications will be accepted until finalists are identified, but preference will be given to complete applications received by May 31st, 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 $52,808 – $61,680.

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 non-discrimination 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 hr.adacoordinator@cuanschutz.edu​.

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.