I would like to be an addiction nurse

Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN · Mar 7, 2014

I have never encountered violence in addictions nursing. In psych nursing, sometimes I've seen violence, but it doesn't occur as often as the media and naysayers would like to have you believe.

An open, non-judgmental mind is very important for working addictions. Addicts (this includes alcohol abusers) are stigmatized by society as it is. Plus that fact that there are many who continue to believe that addiction is merely a matter of willpower: they do not know--or are not willing to acknowledge--that addiction is actually a progressive and ultimately fatal disease. These patients need a nurse who is going to care for them during the withdrawal and recovery process without passing judgment on them or their actions. At the least, you need to be able to keep compartmentalized any biases that you may have, so they don't negatively influence your nursing care.

Also understand that addictions nursing is as much physiological as well as psychological. It's not just all "in their head."

Whispera, MSN, RN · Mar 7, 2014

You're more likely to get punched by an elderly delirius patient than by an addict in treatment.

lincoln77, RN · Mar 9, 2014

Whispera made me laugh, and gotta agree. I work in a psych hospital, mostly on the addiction floor, which is considered "dual diagnosis", meaning they have an addiction and a mental disorder. Rarely do people get that worked up/aggressive here, but it does happen on occasion (that they get worked up...never seen assault/battery)...but I've only worked here 8 months. Seems to happen mostly on the floor where we put the psychotic patients that someone might get punched; or demented patients get aggressive also.

UnaNayeli · Mar 9, 2014

Thanks for the laugh, Whispera -- true though your comment may be. I specifically remember an elderly gentleman fond of sinking safety pins into unsuspecting staff.

Katie: I hope you will be proactive in your interest. Think outside AA and ALANON, though both are wonderful programs. Are you familiar with The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration - Homepage ? Do you know when recovery month is? Have you explored what recovery means to the addict? Have you heard of Women for Sobriety? SMART Recovery? I admire anyone who chooses addiction medicine.

Best of luck on your journey!

Hpy_Vly_RNBSN · Mar 9, 2014

My younger sister died of a heroin overdose a month after I graduated nursing school. She passed on her 24th birthday. I really feel that if she were able to have had more help and support she might have had a better outcome. I really commend you for wanting to focus your skills on the addict population. Lord knows people like you are needed. Thank you.

NC29mom, ASN, LPN, RN · Mar 16, 2014

I have never encountered violence in addictions nursing. In psych nursing, sometimes I've seen violence, but it doesn't occur as often as the media and naysayers would like to have you believe.
An open, non-judgmental mind is very important for working addictions. Addicts (this includes alcohol abusers) are stigmatized by society as it is. Plus that fact that there are many who continue to believe that addiction is merely a matter of willpower: they do not know--or are not willing to acknowledge--that addiction is actually a progressive and ultimately fatal disease. These patients need a nurse who is going to care for them during the withdrawal and recovery process without passing judgment on them or their actions. At the least, you need to be able to keep compartmentalized any biases that you may have, so they don't negatively influence your nursing care.
Also understand that addictions nursing is as much physiological as well as psychological. It's not just all "in their head."

Thank you......your statements are EXACTLY the way it should be.

tom7044 · Mar 17, 2014

I have been working with addicted clients for more than ten years. During that time I have observed one incidence when a client became violent. This was because of the client's co-occurring mental health disorder, not from the addiction issue. My recommendation is that you have a some medical nursing background. You need to be comfortable giving the medications associated with the treatment of acute withdrawal from drugs/alcohol. Many of these are from "Protocols" or "standardized procedures". Some medications routinely given are not compatible with medications used for withdrawal, i.e. Suboxone. Also good physical assessment skills are very useful. Much of what you will be doing is based on nursing assessments. You will not always have a provider on site so when you call for orders you must give a good and accurate assessment. Also some basic psych nursing skills are necessary as in learning to set limits and being consistent. Many patients have mental health diagnoses such as Borderline Personality Disorder or Antisocial Personality Disorder. It is helpful to be able to recognize the cardinal signs and symptoms of these disorders. Be prepared to deal with clients that are often demanding, hostile, and rebellious and have a low tolerance for pain (emotional and physical) and frustration. You must be compassionate, caring and be have empathy for your clients. Be firm, helpful and understanding. These things do not come to you overnight. It takes months and even years to master these principles but always be willing to grow and learn new things. Addiction Nursing takes a life-long willingness to learn. Become a Certified Addictions Registered Nurse (CARN) when the time is right. I began my career as a Critical Care Nurse but somehow I found my "niche" and love every minute of working in this specialty. Best wishes!!

katiec · Mar 19, 2014

Thank you all for your advice, support, and personal experiences. You have made my decision come with ease. Just a little snippet of my experience with addicts. My older sister was a meth addict. She did meth for more than half her life. When she finally quit using, her addiction turned to prescription medications. This addiction, unfortunately, took her life at the young age of 28. With this experience, I have a compassion for those who have addiction issues. I appreciate all of you who spend your days caring for others. You are all appreciated very much.

Katie