Just curious..

Specialties Public/Community

Published

I'm not sure if this is the right place for this or not, but I was just wondering about this job.

I saw an add for this shelter and it looks like they assist the homeless, veterans and substance abuse... It seems like short term stay with care. It sounds like something I'd like because I got into nursing to help people and it seems like that would be an excellent way to do it.

Just wondering if anyone has done anything similar? Did you like it? Did you have any scary instances with a patient?

I'm a newer LPN with about a year and a half of LTAC/sub acute rehab experience but I worked in a group home for adults with developmental disabilities for 5 years before I became a nurse.

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Specializes in Public Health, Maternal Child Health.

I would just recommend you have a good knowledge of mental illness and substance abuse. It's important to understand how to communicate with your patient if they have schizophrenia or if they are high on meth. I know some people that have done similar things and I had a nursing clinical rotation of 15 weeks twice a week at a half way house for clients with a dual diagnosis (mental illness and concurrent drug abuse). So I feel comfortable around those patients. rarely is your safety at risk, but it's important to know the signs of when a patient is escalating to a potentially violent state and how to speak to them in the best way. It sounds like a wonderful opportunity! I would just make sure you familiarize your self with the potential behaviors of your clients.

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Thank you for your response. Mental health has always been a big interest of mine so I am pretty familiar with it and I have a few personal friends who have battled different substance addictions and a boyfriend who is a recovering addict (clean for seven years strong, go him!) so I'm also pretty familiar with that. I wouldn't call myself an expert by any stretch though. But it's an area where I think I could flourish. Sadly though, I didn't get a call back for an interview there. Maybe another time. Thank you so much for your input though, I appreciate it. :)

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