LPN working in drug rehab??

nurseunderwater · May 5, 2004

when i worked in a medical detox.....

venipuncture, tb tests, meds, intake and assesments.

observation of pts in 24 hour hold - lots of hand holding and pt teaching...

w/ etoh wd it can get hairy...

anything else was comfort measures....

explorer · May 5, 2004

Hi. I really need to know what the everyday duties are for a LPN working in a drug rehab are?? I know that in hospitals & LTC there are dressings, treatments, personal care, meds, ect...I just don't know what more there would be than meds in a rehab?? Any info would be appreciated. Thank you!

:nurse: I think that the most important thing that you can do is observe behavior.

explorer

*nightshift* · May 5, 2004

As an LPN, I worked in a detox and rehab program for two years. The most important thing is monitoring behavior and the ability to to know when the patients are trying to get the best of you. In other words, excellent knowledge of physiology. Most of the patients we had were usually court ordered and would try "everything in the book" to obtain additional meds and bedrest priviledges!!

mattsmom81 · May 6, 2004

Outpatient or inpatient? I interviewed once for an outpatient center (Methadone) and it was a lot of psych, behavioral stuff...manipulative addicts trying to get more Methadone, still using, playing games...which was a challenge. They were there to get the drug for free essentially and we had to try to rehab them in the process. Tough job, IMO...but some nurses like addictions work. it takes a special type, IMO.

It broke my heart to see the pregnant addicts destroying their unborn child, often over and over again, and not caring cuz they could get public assistance $$$, etc.

shawnalj · May 6, 2004

Thanks for the info. I start working at an inpatient rehab next week. This has given me more insight as to what I'll be doing. Thanks again!