new rn interested in addiction

CASTLEGATES · Oct 28, 2009

Statistics aren't in the favor of those with personal experience working in the field. Why? Because work does not constitute a meeting and personal recovery must come first. If you do have a program, it must come first and you can NEVER forget that. No one gets paid for personal recovery regardless of what your program, work life or experience is.

Having said that, you will have unique tools no one else has, and be able to relate on a level that will speak directly to them in a powerful manner.

In effect, you've been thrown down into the hole and you have the unique opportunity of knowing the way out-personally. It is a fine line between empathizing and codependence so YOUR program must come first.

Once you get a couple years under your belt, it will become easier. Detox is chaotic, insane and unpredictable. Everything will be blown out of proportion; these people are street smart and very intelligent (and manipulative) so you can't let ankle biter problems get under your skin. You MUST stick with staff and meet regularly and identify manipulative behavior. Staff splitting will be common so you need to trust what others have said, rules laid down and policy. When in doubt, have an impromptu meeting and discuss what's going on.

I've seen doctors on the floor literally pounding fists and kicking, crying like a baby (some were chief of medicine types) so you need to be aware these patient's only source of sanity (what they thought) is being stripped away from them so they need tools to cope. You and your staff will be the go-to people to learn these new coping skills. Repetition is the key; lead by example, be calm, never ever react and communicate with your addictionologist or addictions NP regularly (most are awesome). Letting things go will be a highly desired skill for both you and your patients.

On the other side, you'll likely see patients in the community; some in dire straits and others who have turned their lives around and are enjoying some of the blessings of recovery. Remember confidentiality (for staff and patients in recovery) and that these are people just like you and I. It's not us and them; it's we (even if you've never been diagnosed, nearly every human could benefit from a program related to unmanageably).

Be prepared for the deaths, suicide attempts and violence. Remember if one dies, it is only because their "bottom" was lower than the line of survival. Everyone's bottom is different (no pun)!

I commend you for your decision to work in detox. I, too am eager to accept a position in detox (call should be coming soon, I pray) so I need to heed my own advice. We gotta stick together like combat cohorts.

Give suggestions accurately and often; be their rock amidst an avalanche. This is the lowest they'll have felt in their entire lives and their lives are melting in front of them so try to understand the extreme, horrible stress they're experiencing. They may be losing a job, dealing with a new physical diagnosis (in addition to the substance abuse diagnosis), losing a spouse, kids, house, family.

They're coming to you stripped down and devastated and you can be a part of the miracle that helps them recover and start to get some time under their belts.

Once you get comfy, go for the CARN...why not? It's a rare certification (I'm looking for newer stats) but only a couple years ago there were less than 200 in the US.

I plan to get books and start study groups at my new job. I'd like to see everyone get certified.

It's an awesome field (in my personal opinion) and demand for CARN's will be higher as new funds, coverage and awareness becomes more prevalent. The field has changed drastically (not long ago there was no such thing as CARN, CARN-AP or Addictionologist).

Regarding your interview; unless it's something that will appear on your application, you can mention your "personal experience" by hinting or disclosing outright. You'll see at least one manager with personal experience in most facilities. Nearly everyone has had family, friends or coworkers devastated by this disease.

Use the lingo and they'll "get it". It can be an advantage or a detriment if you're not serene and balanced (remember this is chaos you're entering so they need stability not another flash point). If you want to disclose more, tell them you've been thrown into the hole, know the way out but your program must come first then focus on your benefits to the company.

What do I think? AWESOME and commendable!

ctyson81 · Feb 4, 2010

I work at a detox/rehab facility and I am basically a glorified security gaurd, our place is called by some the homeless hotel since its too cold for bums to sleep outside they get a 5 dollar bottle of vodka and check into detox...a majority of our "clients" are forced into our locked facility by the police. It is mainly drunk college kids picked up for being "annoying" so the cop says they are unable to care for themselves, or homeless causing a problem somewhere. About 5% of our people actually use it for the intended purpose. We also house a rehab part but the nurse is always on the detox side deescalating violent drunks. It is good exerience as far as mental health goes, but not at all what I was expecting starting there.

KADRN · Feb 5, 2010

I suppose every facility is different. Since this posting I got hired at the facility and it is nothing like yours. While we do have the patients that come in intoxicated or high this is not the norm, our patients choose to be at our facility seeking treatment. It is a 6 week program and I really believe it is making a difference in our patients lives. Good luck to you in your career.

christos732 · Mar 4, 2010

Hi, Came across you post a little late I guess but I wanted to weigh in. I recently started working in a detox/rehab facility 6 months ago. I have personal experience but had no addiction nursing experience. Our facility is county and state funded, and I would definitely call it 'no frills'. We currently have no CARN's here. More than half of our nurses are fresh out of school or don't have any hospital experience. I really love it here and want to get my CARN. I am not one of these but my point is there is very little actual learning opportunities. Does anyone have any good resources for addiction nursing?