need opinions on nursing career with limited narcotic access

NurseFirst · Mar 9, 2005

Hey everyone,
I am an RN and I am a recovering narcotic addict. I'm trying to consider what options I have when I go back to work. I was a good nurse but I feel like at least for awhile I need a position in some area of nursing that has limited narcotic access. I've always been a med surg and critical care nurse and i don't feel like I can go back to that so soon into my recovery. I want to be able to provide for my patients without constantly having "getting high" on my mind. I thought about psych nursing. Does anyone have any experience with that? Thanks for any suggestions.
Michaela :stone

Phone triage nurse?

Psych may have it's own set of drugs that could be difficult for you to be around.

Congratulations on your recovering; stay strong; I hear this is a difficult, but doable, path.

NurseFirst

Dixielee, BSN, RN · Mar 9, 2005

What about home health? Not hospice of course, but regular home health. The only meds I had contact with when I worked there were antibiotics. I loved home health, but hated the paper work. Good luck and you are very wise to be aware of the possible temptations and trying to avoid them.

Trauma Columnist · Mar 9, 2005

No suggestions, but congrats!

nm1979 · Mar 11, 2005

What exactly does a phone triage nurse do? I want to thank everyone for their replies.

Michaela

explorer · Mar 11, 2005

What exactly does a phone triage nurse do? I want to thank everyone for their replies.
Michaela

You might consider the Veterans Administration Hospitals if they are anywere

near you. They have a program called safe harbor for anyone having a problem

like you have had. There a places in the clinics were the staff isn't anywere

near medication. Congratulations on what you have accomplished.

:balloons: :Melody:

julie1014 · Mar 11, 2005

Do you like working with children? Pediatrics may be an option. Good luck to you!!! Julie

Jayla · Mar 11, 2005

Public health is a good option.

nm1979 · Mar 12, 2005

Thanks alot to everyone, it seems I have alot more options that I thought I had. Thanks again!!

Michaela

Genista, BSN, RN · Mar 12, 2005

How about case management? You have great experience as a nurse that would lend well to that. Or maybe a PICC nurse (they have nurses who are trained to insert PICC lines at my work). Good luck to you!