looking for narcotic free nursing job

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Looking for a nursing job that doesn't require passing narcotics. I have been in recovery for over 5 years now. It was a miracle to get clean and even start working again in the ICU (I never thought I'd be able to handle it, but after a few years of being clean, I went back to ICU and did well for a long time) Unfortunately, I've been under a lot of stress lately, and those old thoughts of using have come back- I've been going to meetings, talking to my sponsor, etc. but the thoughts keep coming and my recovery needs to come first. I think it's time to consider working in a "safe" environment where I'm not tempted to use. I'm considering a job at an outpatient dialysis center- does anyone know if dialysis nurses administer narcotics?

Thank you!!!

Specializes in Pediatrics, developmental disabilities.

Poison control hotline, telephone triage

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School nursing, case management, maybe outpatient clinic. When I worked in an urgent care center as a CNA the center had recently stopped stocking narcotics and we referred most of our patients needing pain medication to a pain management center. So that might be an option too. Congratulations on your recovery and best of luck.

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Definately NOT school nursing! I hand out Schedule II meds daily! And one anti-psychotic. Local Health Unit may be a good fit? Reguardless, congratulations on your recovery and continued sobriety! You are smart not to put yourself in a tempting situation.

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public health

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Specializes in Dialysis.

Come to the Dark Side-Outpatient Dialysis! I've worked with several nurses in recovery, busy, but no narcs!

You may even learn to like it- going on 23 years here, and I still love my job.

Just not for the Big Two-they will try to work you to death.

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Specializes in Cardio-Pulmonary; Med-Surg; Private Duty.

Depending on the individual case, private duty might work, too. Some kids are on benzos or barbituates, but many are just on cardiac/pulmonary meds.

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Specializes in PDN; Burn; Phone triage.

I do PAT. No meds at all! And we are hospital based so I didn't have to take a paycut to work clinic hours. :)

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I work in the OR. I don't handle any pills ever. In our facility, anesthesia handles narcotics in the OR. We can handle them - we can pull them and co-sign wastes... But our environment pretty high stress...and the OR is a lot to learn...

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Specializes in Pediatric Critical Care.

I just wanted to say that its really respectable that you are self aware enough to put your recovery first. Good for you and I wish you the best of luck in finding the right job for your situation.

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Specializes in Psych, Addictions, SOL (Student of Life).

Kudos to you for having the insight that you are headed for trouble. I believe you are making a good decision to take a step back and reaffirm the principals of your recovery. Rework your steps and see where you are on making amends. I have heard that dialysis can be a great place for nurses who can't pass narcotics for any reasons. Perhaps it is time to share your recovery in the form of sponsorship with another person is struggling. Peach and Namaste

Hppy

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Not dermatology... Not a narc free zone.

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