Opportunity Arisen

Specialties Addictions

Published

Hello Everyone!

I am a new grad who has been working on a med/surg telemetry unit for about 6 months now. I moved from my home town and am greatly wanting to return to the area, especially since I am now expecting a niece!

With limited RN experience, I do not have many options, but have always been interested in outpatient settings and holistic care. I applied to a detox center, very nice setting, outpatient privately owned. However, I'm not sure if this type of nursing is right for me or for my career. I worry that patients will be very manipulative especially to a young, nice, female nurse. Also, is it very difficult to get into other areas of nursing after working in detox? I am still trying to find my nitch in nursing, and would love any thoughts or insights into this type of profession.

Thank you!

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Yes, this population is very manipulative. That's how they get drugs! I work in inpatient detox. I would say that the skills I see most lacking in new nurses for this type of work are behavioral/mental health type skills. Think back to your psych clinical rotation. Boundaries are IMPORTANT. Good luck.

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Specializes in Psychiatric.

I'd also suggest watching how the other staff deal with manipulative patients. Ask your colleagues for advice on how you too can be empathic yet firm with this population.

Just remember, you are not their friend, their enabler or their drug dealer. They may try to make you feel emotions for them (exasperation, guilt, sadness) and of course you will feel emotions but always debrief with your supervisor and use their experience and advice. Good luck!

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Specializes in Psychiatric Nursing.

The unit will have rules and parameters for giving prns. Be kind and observe boundaries.

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