newer nurse needing advice on switching job

Ruby Vee, BSN · Nov 5, 2018

Hi everyone. So quick background to my current situation. I have been working at the number one trauma hospital in my area on a med surg/tele floor. I have gotten amazing experience and have learned a lot in the short time I've been there (7mo) but have gotten the opportunity at my dream job working as an addictions nurse in a new detox center in my area for teens. It is a well established and reputable program and I'm beyond excited to start this new avenue in my nursing career. So problem...I am still a very new nurse..I only have the 7 mo of experience in the hospital I am currently at. I was lucky enough to get good experience working with patients who were actively detoxing and going through withdrawal since our floor gets everything! However, I do not feel prepared enough to go into this situation with the little amount of experience I have. I am a person who wants to be prepared (or as prepared as I can be...we all know nursing is a learn as you go no matter how prepared you are kinda field). I want to research and learn as much as I can about my role as an addictions nurse. I am worried because I do not feel I am going to get adequate training or orientation taking this position because the detox center is new to the campus and I think they are still feeling out and finding out how to go about everything. So I guess my question is what books or resources can I get my hands on that will help me in my situation. I have purchased The ASAM Essentials of Addiction Medicine and also Addiction for Nursing by Hussein Rassool...Any thoughts on these as resources to get myself started and a better grip on addictions nursing as a whole? Any advice would be greatly appreciated guys! I want to be on my A game and be the best at this position I can be for these kids:) Also please..I am looking for positive advice and comments..I've seen some people post on others looking for advice and I'm not really looking for criticism saying "why are you leaving the hospital after only 7 months you should stay and get your experience" Everyone's journey is different and I feel this is where mine has led me for a reason and purpose

You put this out on a forum, you get the advice you get.

Here is some positive advice: You're seven months into your first year of nursing. Amazingly, you do seem to have some sort of idea of what all you don't know. The addictions program is new and they haven't fully developed their orientation yet. So if you do change jobs, you may not -- probably won't -- get all you need in orientation to be effective at this job. My positive advice is to stay where you are, learn as much as you can and then apply to the "dream job" when you have at least one year of nursing experience under your belt, and they've had a chance to more fully develop their orientation program.

Jedrnurse, BSN, RN · Nov 5, 2018

A lot of outpatient methadone clinics use part-time/per diem staffing for their dosing clinics. Why not get your feet wet doing that while staying a bit longer at the hospital?

Honestly, Addiction Services tends to have a high staff turnover, so if you don't take a position now it doesn't mean you won't have future opportunities.

cleback · Nov 5, 2018

Your questions and concerns sound very appropriate to address to your manager at the time of hire (when you would negotiate things such as orientation) or your nurse educator that covers addictions.

If you can't or don't have a supportive manager or educator, I would also echo the advice of staying put until you do.

Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN · Nov 5, 2018

If you dream job falls in your lap, the go for it as it may be quite a while before lightning strikes twice. Also, you do not need a year of med/surg in order to be successful in nursing. It does help, but it doesn't guarantee success. It also doesn't guarantee that you'll be able to switch specialties down the road, as facilities often require recent experience, as within the last 3 years.

What you could consider doing is ask to go per-diem at your current place. That will still let you keep getting med/surg experience and give you a possible fall-back should the new position not work out.

Also please..I am looking for positive advice and comments..I've seen some people post on others looking for advice and I'm not really looking for criticism saying "why are you leaving the hospital after only 7 months you should stay and get your experience" Everyone's journey is different and I feel this is where mine has led me for a reason and purpose

I say this gently--and also as someone who started in addictions--but if your possibly getting less-than-positive feedback on a forum bothers you, then you're going to have a LOT of skin-toughening to do before you start this new job. Addicts don't have a filter, can be brutally honest about others (not always about themselves and their own actions though) and often lack empathy. They don't give a flying...well, you know...if what they say isn't what you want to hear or even offends you, and don't think most will care when you tell them. So you better start toughening up now as you're in for one hell of a ride.

When it comes to advice, consider it all, but take what you want and leave the rest.

Best of luck whatever you decide!

czerwodl121 · Nov 6, 2018

So I guess my question is what books or resources can I get my hands on that will help me in my situation. I have purchased The ASAM Essentials of Addiction Medicine and also Addiction for Nursing by Hussein Rassool...Any thoughts on these as resources to get myself started and a better grip on addictions nursing as a whole? Any advice would be greatly appreciated guys!

I appreciate your comment and advice..however the reason I stated please only positive comments (I understand I will get what I get) is I was hoping someone would answer my original question about valuable resources to use to better myself and not jump straight to me leaving the hospital..I just wanted my original question answered is all..I guess I should of just kept it short and sweet;)

Editorial Team / Moderator · Nov 6, 2018

I just wanted my original question answered is all..I guess I should of just kept it short and sweet;)

Yep. :) And try the Addictions Nursing forum, perhaps? https://allnurses.com/addictions-nursing/

Edited to add: I see you are there already! lol