detox nursing

[FuturePN]

I was a medical assistant for 10+ years primarily in pediatrics. Got my LPN in 2017 and then worked in an urgent care for about a year and a half. Liked seeing lots of different things, didn't like the work/life balance (never got a break (literally ever) 40 hours and somehow i felt like i was doing 12 hour shifts yet also there every day- it was a six week rotating schedule but mostly (2) 12s, (1) 8 and (2) 4s.) I also feel like urgent care has become a dumping ground and we dont have ER resources even though we frequently had ER level situations. Left there in october to work phone triage and i HATE IT. really not liking the lack of hands on patient care, and the dynamic in the office is all drama and strong personalities and the feeling that someone would push you under the bus in literally a hot second. I get along with everyone usually but I have already been reduced to bathroom-crying more than i'd like to admit, and I've already spoken to HR, which is not like me. I need out.

I was offered a job today in detox. good shift good pay. seems like good work. Mostly med room, evaluating people to see if they're on the correct dosages, and writing notes. More emergency situations than I'm used to... at urgent care we had lots of acute situations but the place was always swarming with staff and doctors. This would definitely be more independent. I've never given narcan or done CPR etc, and the impression I get is that this would change if I took this position. If something happens and I call a code people obviously come, but it would basically be coworkers and not someone "in charge" (MD, NP, etc) which is what I'm used to which makes me nervous, but also would be a good way to grow.

So I guess i'm worried about that, I'm worried about safety, and i'm worried about working in such a generally tough population. I'm a soft squishy person, perfectly fitted for pedi and hand holding, but I'm ready to move on and I feel like this could actually be a good fit. Do you think it's worth a shot?? thoughts about detox? (all voluntary, fyi)

[Kayla18, ASN, BSN, RN]

I think this role change could be very eye-opening and challenging. I've always been the person to make myself do something that I am nervous about because I think it expands your experience and knowledge. However, I would never recommend doing anything unsafe or outside of your scope of practice. If you feel nervous, I think that is normal with a new job/role. If it were me, I would evaluate the pros and cons to the new position. Also, ask plenty of questions. I would rather ask questions that seem "unnecessary" than to feel uncomfortable taking a new position. It is always better to be informed and proactive. Don't ever let fear be a deciding factor. Good luck with everything! ?