Detox nursing is sucking the life out of me

Specialties Addictions

Published

Hey all, I was wondering if anyone with detox nursing experience would care to share their experience? I have been a detox RN for almost a year and I feel like it has made me jaded and is making me question why I even became a nurse. Some days are better than others, like any position, but rough shifts have me leaving feeling like I don't even want to do this anymore. Has anyone else had experience in this area, like this? Manipulative pt's aside... I don't have anymore in me to deal with being spoken down to, lied to and yelled at. I'm sure this happens in any unit but does detox carry a bit more of this sort of thing?

- frustrated

Specializes in Psych.

I'm in the psych unit where we specialize in substance abuse patients. UGH! I know what you mean. Unfortunately, it's just what we have to deal with. I just give them their meds and that's it. I try not to overthink it. Most of these patients even return. Maybe it's not for you. It's a really tough job I think. I hate being spoken down to and lied to etc. but unfortunately it comes with the territory.

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I worked in a rehab 20 years ago, and a few months ago started working in a detox and residential rehab program.  Our staff and management are so supportive.  Our medical director is an APRN and very involved.  It probably helps that we only take private insurance and self pay patient's, none that are "sent to us,"  but I am also happy to say we follow a structure and agree we are all on the same page.  Patients are told what we will do (and not do) on admission.  If it isn't time for meds, I say NO.  If a patient were to be verbally abusive, they would be asked to leave.  

It's only been a few months, but I love where I am working and what I am doing.  I've been a nurse since 1999.  We have a lot of long term skilled nurses, but not all from long term psych or addictions nursing.  I care but I can also remained detached.  

Maybe that isn't the job for you.  I don't know if it's the actual detox or the way it's ran.   If you are miserable, there are other things to do.  I am glad I have changed specialties and tried things until I found somewhere I feel like I fit in.   I could make more money, but I don't care anymore.  

good luck whatever you do.  I'll keep focusing on the ones I can help, and hope the others remember something I said someday and get help and get clean.  It can be a heartbreaking disease.  I expect the lies and manipulation. Our system is set up to not feed into it or let it continue.  I am happy that abuse from patients will not be tolerated!!  Leadership is everything, and having a ARNP who was also a ---burnt out from working in a hospital, ER and hospitalist---- helps.   

 

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I have been a psych and detox nurse for 7 years. I don't feel that way. I have had patients abuse the system, lie, manipulate, walk out the door after getting fed/sleep/subutex. That doesnt bother me. This is the behavior of addicts, I figure its very hard for them, and they're here. It's a start. Just like psych, you have to realize that they are not well, and don't take it personally.

On the other hand, you really should get some clinical experience as a nurse before you let yourself get lazy with behavioral health. ? Nows the time, the hospitals really really need nurses. Put in some applications.

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Specializes in Addictions.

The diseases of addiction (SUD) and alcoholism (AUD) are not easy afflictions to deal with when working with patients for sure. But it's our job as care givers, and as professionals to recognize that behaviors such as manipulation, dishonesty, entitlement etc are all symptoms of the disease and need to be treated as such. Your patients are not well and need firm limits, along with compassion and empathy. 
I read one comment here that described personality d/o's as "nasty personality disorders that are so engrained in addicts"...maybe they need to rethink where they would be of the best service. Might not be a psych or addictions setting. People suffering from a Substance Use Disorder don't necessarily have a diagnosis of a personality disorder.

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you should quit your job and do something else

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