substance abuse nursing

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Do you do any type of counseling as a substance abuse nurse (with a BSN as an RN)?

Specializes in psych, addictions, hospice, education.

I used to, back when I was a BSN RN. I worked on a CD unit and did group therapy with patients. I also ran AA meetings sometimes. There's certification as a CD specialist available....

Specializes in telemetry, med-surg, home health, psych.

the nurses in my hospital do not do any counseling..

We have therapists for this........we may lead a med-ed group but that's about it....

What is a CD unit? How do you get certified?

Specializes in psych, addictions, hospice, education.

CD = chemical dependency You get certified after working the specialty awhile, and taking a major, very-difficult test given by some agency that offers such tests.

are you talking about the CARN? Certified Addiction Registered Nurse?

Specializes in psych, addictions, hospice, education.

I'm not certified in chemical dependency nursing but yes, CARN is one of them

I am trying to enter psychiatric nursing, having 10 years of experience working in the community as BSN and having difficulty because i dont have 'psychiatirc Rn experience'..would working at a methadone clinic provide me with some psychiatric experience.?.or be considered psychiatric experience since addictions are often accompanied by psychiatric problems..otherwise known as co-occuring disorders or dual disorders. I am considering a part-time job at a facility dispensing methadone...can anyone offer some insight...as always you guys are most forthcoming with information..thanks:wink2:

Specializes in psych, addictions, hospice, education.

I think at a methadone clinic, you'd be monitoring symptoms and dispensing methadone. Most methadone clinics aren't inpatient--patients just show up every few days to get their methadone. At least that's how it works at the 2 methadone clinics near me. I assume the patients get therapy elsewhere--I hope so. Anyway, I don't think you'd be getting psych nurse experience there.

I think at a methadone clinic, you'd be monitoring symptoms and dispensing methadone. Most methadone clinics aren't inpatient--patients just show up every few days to get their methadone. At least that's how it works at the 2 methadone clinics near me. I assume the patients get therapy elsewhere--I hope so. Anyway, I don't think you'd be getting psych nurse experience there.

I agree -- that's how it works at the clinics I've known of.

I've also had an interest in substance abuse nursing so this position would offer me insight into this area of nursing..thanks for the responses..within 5 yrs i want to get an APN so I'm looking for my niche..:redbeathe

Specializes in behavioral health.

Nursing at a methadone clinic is basically dispensing the methadone. They are not inpatient clinics. I know my daughter was a patient at methadone clinic once. Inpatient rehabs is where you would get experience in psych nursing.

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