havenrn

I just wanted to suggest changing the name of this specialty. "Addiction" is a dated term. Currently the term Substance Use Disorder or SUD treatment nurse would be appropriate. The history of the word addiction denotes a mental/moral failure and not a disease. More and more research is bringing a better understanding of the brain and substance dependency. Changing the title of the specialty would discourage further use of the word "addiction" and the misconceptions of substance use disorder in the nursing community. Just a suggestion...

I've worked in a MAT clinic for awhile. Dosing the right client with the right dose is very important. Always do a mini assessment when dosing clients. Look for any impairment. Eyes don't lie. It's fun job! I love it.

I've worked at a MAT (medical assisted treatment) clinic for five years. I took the job because it worked with my home life so well. I work 4-hour shifts. I have a great group of nurses I work with. We work in a small room dispensing methadone, and suboxone, and occasionally vivitrol. We rotate doing admission assessments using the COWS (clinic opiate withdrawal scale). We also may take an ECG (1st generation machine), blood draws, Hep C screening. I really have loved it. MAT works. The science supports it. Honestly, the main problem is I have lost all my skills. I'd like to try something new but I don't know if I can go back to 12-hour shifts. Plus the nurses I work with are great we really help and support each other. The MAIN issue and it's a big one, the pay is so bad. I work for a non-profit. The pay is way below other nursing jobs. The administration claims it's an easy nursing job and we are a non-profit so the pay is appropriate. So there is my experience.

I have worked in home care since I graduated from nursing school. Now after seven years I'm confused too. I have LOVED home care and have been happy. But honestly I have not been given opportunities for my skills to grow. I have been too busy doing admission assessments for PT or wound care. I have never had to place an IV, have a pt with a ventilator etc. When I do get to do more skillful care It's only for a week or so until the pt progresses and is dc'd. I now am looking for other opportunities as a nurse part time (I have small children at home so I've worked part time the last four years). I feel like I don't have any skills to sale myself with, except I am a hard worker and I care for my patients to my best ability. Sooo If I were to do it again I think I'd try working for an agency that did a variety of home care services, or did the hospital thing for a year. However home care just fit for me. I have loved my patients and do not feel burn out at all. But now I lack confidence as a nurse, not a great place to be. Just do what you feel is best for YOU.

Thank you! I work for two different agencies and neither offer that kind of service. It's mostly PT, wounds, DM, CHF etc. However I think I will look into other agencies that do offer that kind of care. It's a struggle because I am truly happy with my job and feel I have my "niche" but I want and NEED more skills.

I've only done home care. I've just been so happy I've never wanted to go to a hospital. I love my patience and would miss caring for them.

I work two home care jobs. One I get paid $38/hour, and the other I get paid $32/visit. I think I'm over paid. But that's ok with me.

Home care. It's been so great as a mom. Start around 8am, done by 5pm, but if you are with a good agency you could arrange to be done by 2 or 3 pm. You are paid per visit (I am). Pay is good. Weekends off. It's not hard to arrange pt visits to go to a school program or kids dr. apt. Really has been ideal for me.

Seriously DON? I'm sorry for your situation. If your only working prn I would probably quit. That's not a good place to work. Maybe it's the easy way out but really who needs the drama? Not worth it for prn. They should really make it a priority to find more male aides to care for him.

I went right into home care nursing right out of nursing school. I have loved it for six years, however I have NO skills. Well I have done hundreds of admission assessments and field visits but I have never started an IV, worked with a ventilator, etc. I'm embarrassed to even admit it, the opportunity never came. I have learned numerous other skills (communication, documentation, working with families etc) Although I'm happy I feel I need to get some skills! I am scared to death and wonder if anyone will hire me with no skills. Does anyone have a similar situation? Advice? What area would be a good transition? I'd rather not be thrown in the trenches just yet. Is there any area where I can gain skills and have maybe a slower paced environment to ease into and learn?