first job at a methadone clinic

Nurses General Nursing

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Hi everyone I just passed the nclex PN about a week ago and recently got hired at a methadone clinic, while I am excited to start my career in nursing I have a few concerns. One of my concerns is not utilizing all my nursing skills that I have learned in school such as wound care, Injections and even routine vital signs, this is making me very uneasy because when I actually want to do floor nursing I think I'm going to feel lost. Anybody else went this route and have any advice they can offer? Thank you.

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Who cares if you "lose those skills." You don't need those skills for your easy job. And why would you give up such an easy job to do floor nursing? I call these #firstworldproblems

If you eventually move over to floor nursing, you'll have orientation and some time to brush up. No reason not to take a cushy job right now. Enjoy the easy job. Enjoy the money flowing in. Enjoy going home at the end of the day and not collapsing upon entering your place.

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I agree. I used to work in weight loss and had a wealthy client who used to complain there was too much food on 1st class flights...and the lobster rolls at the country club were too fattening. You don't have a problem. You won't lose your skills.

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

Right now I have a cushy work-from-home job that involves no hands-on skills. I couldn't care less if I never gave another injection or started another IV line again.

Skills are overrated. I'd rather have the low-stress job that is devoid of any procedural skills or disrespectful family members. You have a good job and I'd hold on to it for dear life. Good luck to you.

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After reading these comments, I kind of want to look for a job at a methadone clinic.

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Specializes in public health, women's health, reproductive health.

I couldn't agree more with the comments above.

Different nursing jobs require different skills. You will learn and get good at the ones you need for this job and when and if you move on, you will learn what you need for a future job. Congrats on passing the NCLEX and on your new job.

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Specializes in Emergency.

Congrats on your new job! While it may be different from floor nursing, there will still be challenges. You will still need to be able to assess your clients, routine vitals, ekg (for obvious reasons), venepuncture etc etc. Some of your clients will be challenging! Go into it with an open mind - even the most mundane job can be made made better if you're working with a good crew. Challenge yourself! And enjoy being a nurse!

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Thank you everyone for the advice :)

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Specializes in school nurse.

There is a different kind of stress in a methadone clinic. You have to have a strong sense of self- there will be some clients who will play big time psychodrama games with you. Some clinics monitor primary care issues of the clientele, and there can be many. Try to learn as much about that as possible for your nursing "edification".

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
Some clinics monitor primary care issues of the clientele, and there can be many. Try to learn as much about that as possible for your nursing "edification".
I concur. There may be comorbidities such as hepatitis C positivity, HIV disease, cardiac issues (infective endocarditis, weakened heart valves), decreased liver/renal function, lung abscesses, bone and joint pain, skin problems, and other chronic health issues. It will surely be a learning experience.
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Most places (when I worked psych) will check you off on skills every year. Demonstrate, testing, etc...

As for forgetting; it's like swimming...you never forget. Just because you aren't utilizing your skill set doesn't mean you can't keep up with the latest of what's going on in your "chosen field" of bedside nursing (nursing is sooooo much more). Research, YouTube is great if you get the right people, etc...

If you think you're just going to be handing out pills, you're wrong. You need to use the nursing process with every patient you come into contact with. If you see yourself as just a pill pusher, you could miss someone with some very serious medical or mental issues besides addiction. They need help; not a disappointed "why am I doing this" attitude. You will be surprised at how much you can do with your scope of practice as an RN.

Now I know everyone on this site knows how to look up their individual state's RN scope of practice mandates. :bookworm:

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Sour Lemon said:

After reading these comments, I kind of want to look for a job at a methadone clinic.

LMAO!?

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