any tips? applying for a position on an addictions unit

maureeno · Jan 7, 2005

after many years working inpatient involuntary psych

I applied for and obtained a new job last year

[next week is my one year anniversary!]

I made a mental inventory of my abilities, strengths

and goals, finding to my delight some areas of

former weakness were now areas of strength

when I interviewed I knew I was the best candidate

and was able to say so convincingly

good luck!

*be sure you have reviewed your state's committment laws

*focus on your skills, especially with detox

*think about and be able to talk about how being a lead nurse would be different than working as an inspector

*understand and communicate why and how much you want the job and why they need you

*wear clothing you feel comfortable in

*be cheerful

peaceful · Jan 7, 2005

Excellent job interview advice. What type of job do you have now?

after many years working inpatient involuntary psych
I applied for and obtained a new job last year
[next week is my one year anniversary!]
I made a mental inventory of my abilities, strengths
and goals, finding to my delight some areas of
former weakness were now areas of strength
when I interviewed I knew I was the best candidate
and was able to say so convincingly
good luck!
*be sure you have reviewed your state's committment laws
*focus on your skills, especially with detox
*think about and be able to talk about how being a lead nurse would be different than working as an inspector
*understand and communicate why and how much you want the job and why they need you
*wear clothing you feel comfortable in
*be cheerful

maureeno · Jan 9, 2005

I work in a small mental health center

the program started in 1975 with a 15 bed house

and has grown to 80 clients

most clients started by coming out of the state hospital

progressing from the boarding house to apartments

or houses mainly owned or rented by ourselves

all clients come back to the house, monthly, weekly or several times daily, for medications.

we have groups and activities and provide work opportunities: people work here as paid janitors

or for our lawn crew which has outside contracts

[all these jobs start at minimum wage]

or as volunteers at food banks or wherever;

some clients work regular jobs as well in grocery stores

a bakery, a messenger service....

we also have an organic garden

the philosophy is positive and hopeful

focused on abilites more than symptoms

the web of time and relationship makes strong support

for several years I had hoped to work here;

specifically, had hoped a nursing position

would be established.

my wish came true and now I serve

as the first nurse to work here ever

sayitgirl · Aug 9, 2005

i have an interview in a long term alcohol and drug treatment unit next friday. they are also starting a detoxification unit and have also had a limited number of court committed clients. i have been working part time for the past 10 years on just a detoxification unit. my full time position has been working as an inspector in assisted living facilities. i feel like the alcohol and drug trastment facility should want me to work as a lead nurse with the experience i have, but i have not applied for a job in over ten years. any suggestions would be appreciated.

You have to want to do this type of nursing. Addicts and alcoholics are a different type of client. It can be very rewarding work. You have to want to do it out of caring, not as a career step. No tips just go in and interview and be honest. I worked with the population and it was one of the most rewarding jobs I have ever had, I left to finish up getting my RN. I did not return because it was time for me to move in another direction;the pay was not the greatest but the rewards are now priceless.