New to the ED

Specialties Emergency

Published

I recently switched to the ED, and frequently see ODs. Any idea where to get info on street/illegal drugs and their effects?

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Hey! Have you looked at any databases at your hospital?

How you liking ED? I really would like to work there one day.

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Hey! Have you looked at any databases at your hospital?

How you liking ED? I really would like to work there one day.

I haven't found much on drugs other than the norm. Had a pt come in with an OD on something I'd never heard of- seems to be so many acronyms and slang.

I like it- very different form of nursing. Hard switch to go from full-body system nursing and looking at the whole picture tho. I feel a little like I am losing some of my more technical skills tho. I came from a cardiac critical care. But I guess I'm learning new skills!

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

Moved to the Emergency nursing forum

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Specializes in Emergency.

I work in EMS, and I swear there's something new out there each month that we get the pleasure (not) to see the effects of firsthand, lol!

However, there's a handy pdf for some of the more common drugs: http://www.drugabuse.gov/sites/default/files/cadchart.pdf

Don't even attempt to memorize all of the slang out there for them; far too many names that change frequently. As proof, check this list out: Slang Names For Street Drugs

The best thing I've found to work for me when asking the patient or family about the drug use is what the drug was supposed to do if the name is unknown. The patient is usually a little more open to letting you know what they used if they thought they got a bad batch, and that it's the "impurities" that's causing them enough misery to call 911 and go to the ED. Around here, they don't like talking to people who give a police-like impression (asking for the name of the drug right off the bat). This is particularly true with the "legal marijuana" or bath salts, IMHO. If you're talking with the friends/family who called 911 instead because the patient is running down three police officers with taser probes still whipping around in the air, they will usually provide you with the actual package if you're professional with them.

Benzos are your friend. Well, at least they're my friend, my patient's friend, and I hope the ED's friend. :)

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I worked with a physician that goes to Urban Dictionary to find what the slang term means. I continue to use this but beware, there is a lot of inappropriate stuff in this reference. But again, it is a "slang" dictionary.

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Erowid

This is a site really meant for people who do drugs, but I think it's a terrific resource for education about drugs. Personally, I think people who do drugs are a far more reliable source on the effects of drugs than most other sources available to us.

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Specializes in Infusion Nursing, Home Health Infusion.

I really enjoyed this course..check it out...... it is good :yes:

Substance Abuse – Western Schools ANCC Accredited CE

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What made you move from cardiac?

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I've been in the ED for 23 years, the last 15 as a nurse, and I have to say it is almost impossible to keep up with the different drugs out there. Designer drugs are popping up every day to replace the ones deemed illegal the day before. Of course you have the standbys of cocaine, heroin, X, etc. I think the most important thing is to be able to manage someone on opiates, amphetamines, and hallucinogens. Of course there are drugs with combined and/or totally different effects which is prob the purpose of your question. One if my favorite sites is Emergency Nursing World because its funny and it has a million links. Otherwise check DEA website which I believe someone has already mentioned. Sorry for the longwindedness, this was my first post here. Welcome to the dark side.

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Erowid

This is a site really meant for people who do drugs, but I think it's a terrific resource for education about drugs. Personally, I think people who do drugs are a far more reliable source on the effects of drugs than most other sources available to us.

Yes How could I forget Erowid, prob best info hands down.

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Go to your local police dept and ask for any available information they may have on street drugs. If they don't have a source then you're screwed. Also narcan is your friend.....I've seen people on the brink of death then be given narcan and they've sat bolt upright the throwing punches and going nuts coz their buzz was killed

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