NATURE AND SCOPE

Reporting to the Medical Manager or designate and the RN Charge Nurse as required, the Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) plays a key role in providing secure, client-centered care within TRC’s medically supported detox and residential programs.

LPNs care for individuals experiencing substance use and mental health challenges, many of whom present with complex medical and psychological needs. They are accountable for their nursing practice and collaborate closely with the Medical Manager, physician, and interdisciplinary team to support client stabilization and recovery. LPNs advocate for client safety, promote trauma-informed and harm-reduction practices, and contribute to a respectful and recovery-oriented care setting.

Responsibilities include assessing and monitoring client status, documenting observations, administering medications, supporting care plans, and assisting during physician rounds. LPNs also respond to emerging medical concerns and help ensure continuity of care in a fast-paced environment.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

- Conduct initial intake, nursing assessment, and determine triage level based on client presentation and clinical protocols.

- Complete psychiatric evaluations for new clients.
- Assess clients daily for physical, emotional, and social stability.
- Offer guidance throughout treatment to support goal attainment.
- Monitor changes in mood, demeanor, and behavior patterns, and communicate concerns with the interdisciplinary team.
- Develop care plans and communicate updates with the interdisciplinary team.
- Utilize de-escalation techniques to support client safety and stability.
- Provide support to Community Support Workers (CSWs) as appropriate.
- Demonstrate the ability to safely operate health equipment.
- Report and document incidents, adverse events, and near misses according to organizational policies and practice guidelines.
- Provide direct nursing care to clients with a variety of primary care needs and recognize when physician consultation is required.
- Assess, monitor, and recognize client needs related to substance use withdrawal management (“detox”), post-acute withdrawal syndrome,



and associated treatment approaches.
- Complete all required training and education prior to commencement of direct client care.
- Provide quality care to clients within the voluntary inpatient unit.
- Perform de-escalation and mental health crisis management.
- Administer medications, provide wound care, and monitor medication efficacy and symptom improvement.
- Respond to overdose emergencies and other medical emergencies, including CPR/defibrillator use, stroke, seizure, and heart attack response.
- Assist the RN with procedures and processes while remaining within LPN scope of practice.
- Participate in controlled and routine medication administration and reconciliation.
- Report and track medication-related issues.
- Report medication or client care discrepancies to the Medical Manager.
- Collaborate with the Medical Manager to order and maintain ward stock supplies.
- Collaborate with contracted pharmacy services as needed.
- Work collaboratively with HCAs to ensure high-quality client care.
- Provide oversight and report concerns or discrepancies related to HCA practice to the Medical Manager.

QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

- Practical Nurse Diploma from a recognized post-secondary practical nurse program.
- Maintain a permanent, valid practice permit with the College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Alberta in good standing and without restrictions.
- Current Basic Life Support (BLS) or First Aid certification.
- Must be willing to work full scope of practice, including IM, SC, and IV administration.
- Suboxone and Sublocade training to be completed within the first three months of employment.
- Experience with CIWA-Ar, COWS, OAT therapies, detox, withdrawal management, and basic recovery programming preferred.




- Experience working in an addiction treatment centre preferred.
- Strong critical thinking skills.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
- Ability to work 12-hour shifts, including weekends and nights.
- Must provide a valid driver’s license and current driver’s abstract upon hire.
- Must obtain a Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Check upon hire and every two years thereafter.
- All employees are required to complete Naloxone training and other mandatory trainings within the first three months of employment.

BENEFITS – FULL TIME / PART TIME (24 HOURS PER WEEK MINIMUM)

- Paid vacation based on standard working hours - Paid sick leave in accordance with organizational policy - 12 statutory holidays - Dental care - Long Term Disability Insurance - Life Insurance - Employee Assistance Program - RRSP matching - Extended Health Care - Training and continuing education opportunities - Flex Spending Account

SCHEDULE

This position follows a 4-on, 4-off rotating schedule, consisting of 12.25-hour day and night shifts. Shift times and scheduling may be adjusted based on operational needs.

HEALTH AND SAFETY

Thorpe Recovery Centre is committed to ensuring the health, safety, and wellbeing of clients, staff, students, and volunteers. All employees must adhere to the Alberta Occupational Health and Safety Act, all applicable regulations, licensing body requirements, standards, and organizational health and safety policies and procedures. We are committed to building a representative workforce and encourage applications reflecting diversity in sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization or ancestry, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and status as a First Nation, Métis, Inuit, or Indigenous person. All candidates must adhere to the standards and policies outlined in the Residential Addiction Treatment Services – Mental Health Services Protection Regulation and the Mental Health Services Protection Act (MHSPA), current as of December 15, 2022.

📌 Licensed Practical Nurse (Blackfoot)
🏢 Thorpe Recovery Centre
📍 Blackfoot