What is the Role of an Rn or LPN substance abuse treatment center???

[kfrench]

I am currently a nursing student interested in working in a substance abuse treatment center. I have a research paper to write about nursing in this field.I am looking for someone who works in a treatment center that could give me some imput about their job and what it entails. THANK YOU VERY MUCH!

[jpRN84, BSN, RN]

I am a RN and work in an ambulatory non-hospital detox and rehab. As the RN, you are responsible for overseeing the work of the LPNs and nursing tech's. Also, if you are an RN, and especially the only RN you will be in charge as well. We detox people off of opiates, benzodiazepines, and alcohol. You do assessments, vital signs, call doctors, and pass meds at times as well. You utilize both medical and psych nursing skills. There have been previous posts on here by others and myself, just do a search for chemical dependency, detox, or substance abuse to pull up the old posts. Good luck on your paper and in school. :-)

[aloevera]

On my dual diagnosis unit we RN's do initial assessment and admissions, get the physician orders and orient to unit....we talk to each pt. q. shift and chart on them...we attend their treatment plan meetings and handle discharges...we take care of any problems that may arise....the LPN's on the unit dispense their medications and we both take care of any PRN's needed...

Basically, that is it......