Dispensing Nurse (RN/LPN)

Position can be filled at the RN OR LPN level

Make a Difference. Build Trust. Support Recovery.

At Quinault Wellness Center (QWC), nursing is more than a job—it is an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and families working toward wellness and recovery.

We are seeking a Dispensing Nurse (RN/LPN) to join our dedicated Substance Use Disorder treatment team. This position plays a critical role in the safe, compassionate, and compliant operation of our medication dispensing program while providing direct nursing care and support to patients receiving Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT).

As a Dispensing Nurse, you will be at the heart of our daily operations—safely preparing and dispensing medications, monitoring patients, conducting nursing assessments, maintaining medication accountability, and providing education and support throughout the recovery process. You will work closely with medical providers, counselors, and the broader treatment team to ensure patients receive coordinated, respectful, and individualized care.

This is an opportunity to use your nursing skills in a specialized environment where every interaction matters. Whether you are helping a patient safely receive their medication, recognizing a change in condition, providing education, or simply creating a welcoming and respectful experience, your work directly contributes to patient safety, stability, and recovery.

What You'll Do

Safely administer Methadone, Buprenorphine/Naloxone, Buprenorphine, and other medications as ordered by authorized medical providers and within the scope of your nursing license. Maintain strict medication security, inventory, accountability, preparation, and dispensing records in accordance with DEA, pharmacy, state, federal, and organizational requirements. Conduct and accurately document daily dispensing and dosing procedures.

Monitor patients receiving Medication-Assisted Treatment and recognize changes in physical, emotional, or behavioral status that may require intervention or communication with the treatment team. Perform nursing assessments and provide education regarding medications, treatment, wellness, and recovery. Perform breath alcohol testing, urinalysis, blood draws, and other clinical procedures as needed.

Accurately document patient encounters, medication administration, dispensing activities, assessments, and incidents in the Electronic Health Record. Maintain required patient, medication, statistical, and regulatory records. Collaborate with providers, counselors, and other members of the treatment team to address patient needs.

Coordinate medication dosing procedures with the local jail when required. Maintain strict confidentiality and protect patient information in accordance with HIPAA, 42 CFR Part 2, Washington State requirements, and QWC policies. Help maintain a safe, professional, respectful, and welcoming environment for every patient.

Participate in training, mentoring, orientation, and cross-training opportunities. Share your knowledge and nursing expertise with coworkers and assist with other qualified assignments when needed to support organizational operations.

The ideal candidate is a dependable and compassionate nurse who can balance clinical judgment with accuracy, accountability, and excellent patient service. You should be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment where priorities can change quickly and where professionalism, confidentiality, empathy, and attention to detail are essential.

At QWC, we recognize that recovery is not one-size-fits-all. We value nurses who understand the impact of trauma, family, community, history, and culture on wellness and who approach every patient with dignity, respect, and compassion.

Required Qualifications

Three (3) or more years of experience as a Registered Nurse (RN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). Current Washington State RN or LPN license in good standing. Current BLS certification.

Knowledge of current practices related to primary care, mental health, substance use disorder treatment, and addiction medicine. Understanding of medication dispensing, medication safety, and the importance of accurate medication accountability. Knowledge of and ability to comply with applicable Washington State RCWs/WACs, federal regulations, HIPAA, PHI requirements, and 42 CFR Part 2. Ability to maintain high standards of professional ethics, confidentiality, and personal boundaries.

Strong clinical judgment and the ability to recognize and appropriately respond to changes in a patient's condition. Ability to accurately operate and document within an Electronic Health Record (EHR) and use a personal computer, standard office software, and related clinical/office equipment. Ability to accurately maintain medication, patient, statistical, and regulatory records.

Excellent communication, interpersonal, and customer service skills. Ability to demonstrate empathy, professionalism, and respect when working with individuals experiencing substance use disorders and other behavioral or health-related challenges. Ability to work effectively in a cross-cultural environment and understand the influence of trauma, historical experiences, family, community, and culture on wellness and recovery.

Ability to prioritize and manage multiple responsibilities in a fast-paced environment with frequent interruptions. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with patients, coworkers, providers, outside agencies, and community partners. Demonstrated reliability, dependability, and consistent attendance.

Must successfully complete required criminal background investigation and reference inquiry. Must meet applicable vaccine mandate attestation requirements, including providing documentation of vaccination or documentation supporting an approved medical or religious exemption.

Preferred Qualifications

Previous experience in substance use disorder treatment, Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), opioid treatment programs (OTP), addiction medicine, or primary care. Previous experience with medication dispensing and controlled-substance accountability. Experience working with electronic medication administration, dispensing, or patient record systems. Experience working with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds and/or individuals experiencing substance use disorders.