Substance Abuse/Detox Nursing Forum ???

Nurses General Nursing

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Hi everyone, I have an idea for a new forum (and yes I am a little bias on this). Brian how about a forum for the nurses who are dealing with alcohol and drug using/abusing, withdrawing and recovering patients. Drug and alcohol abuse is a national health concern, this type of nursing is one of the fastest growing specalities and just until recently was not taught in nursing school. These nurses have the problems of a medical patient but then add chemical problems and a dash of emotional/mental issues and you have a pretty tough client (I didn't even mention the abuse and manipulation that happens). Any nurses who have to deal with these kind of patients please tell me what you think. Thanks:)

BTW, in nursing school (not that long ago for me) nothing about this stuff was addressed, to include the entire subject of nurses diverting for their own use. On my first job I did not even know (the first day) that you had to acount for and sign controlled substances. Now you might understand why so often I do bash my nursing program. It missed the boat in a lot of areas! And stupid me paid for that! (I'm not totally naive, I know that 100% of subject matter can not be covered, but I'm sorry, I just think they left out too much!)

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To those interested in learning more about addictions nursing check out International Nurses Society on Addictions there is an educational conference once a year. Lots of networking and education. http:/www.intnsa.org

You can obtain information on membership and certification. If you already work in substance abuse areas then it's an excellent organization to affiliate yourself.

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