? About Addictions Nursing

[Ultra Violet]

I am a new RN working on a med/surge/oncology unit at a community hospital for almost 3 months now. This unit gets a lot of psych as well -- medical detoxes -- before the pt is stable enough to be transferred to one of the psychiatric units. My heart is really in addictions. I was originally going to school to be a counselor and had several friends who were nurses that talked me into the nursing route. Unfortunately, the money is so bad in the counseling field that I would have been making less than I was as an Admin. Asst. I know that sounds awful, but it is the truth! I really want to stick it out one year with what I am doing first. I am learning so much. It is much more difficult than I imagined, but I don't want fear to stop me. Anyway, my question is... I've been looking into working on any certifications in the addictions field. I am in Massachusetts. So far, I've come across the International Nurses Society on Addictions. Unable to obtain much info w/o first joining which I plan to do. Am I on the right track continuing to work where I am and looking into the CARN certification. I have an Associates RN. At this point, I'm not looking at getting my BSN right away d/t $$$, time away from my family, etc. Sorry to be longwinded. This is the first time I've posted for advice.

[Ultra Violet]

Forgot to mention areas that I have interest in are working w/pregnant addicts, adolescents/young adults, addictions in general. I am in recovery myself, and addictions is one of the only areas that I really feel a passion for. I've had at least one instructor say to me that she would hate to see me go into psych. She started to say that "it would be such a waste." I can't even tell you how angry that made me feel.

[aloevera]

Have you though about appylying to a state or private psychiatric hospital or the behavior health unit at a medical hospital??? You don't need any additional degrees or certifications to work in psych....Many places do not require psych experience, they will train...You may ask to work on the addictions or adolescent unit....Addictions is usually Dual Diagnosis so you will get plenty of addiction along with mental health experience there. Believe me, it is not a waste....I just love working in psyche....

[inthesky]

definitely not a waste!!!!!! i find that offensive as well . My only dissatisfaction with working detox..is the it is working detox. I get them medically stable and don't feel like I get to prepare them on the rest of their journey. I would love to work in a longer term rehab facility vs. acute psych.