Working in methadone clinic

SweettartRN · Apr 19, 2010

I don't work at a methadone clinic per say, but I work in rehab with drug addicts.

I have a girlfriend who works at a methadone clinic, and she loves it.

If you can tolerate head games, and be able to stand your ground, then go for it. It seems to be fairly easy work, and my girlfriend loves what she does.

I do too, but it's slightly different type of work- still dealing with drug addicts though.

Pegasus65 · Apr 19, 2010

Hey Sweetart,

Thanks for the reply! I can understand addicts are extremely manipulative etc. I have seen this many times. I will be honest "I" am going to have a drug problem lolol since I am going to need anxiety medication if I don't get out of this LTC environment! I just hope I can find a niche as a LPN because I am really beginning to regret my decision to even become one. :confused:

I am strongly thinking of pursuing this job at the methadone clinic. I am sure it doesn't pay nearly as well as LTC, but frankly I am to the point that the money isn't worth the stress I am experiencing. They have called me the last two Mondays because I hadn't charted something exactly like they needed it. They expect me to drop whatever I am doing and drive there, which I did last week. This is a 40 minute ride for me each way. Today however, I told them they could fax me whatever form I needed to fill out (I had no idea I was supposed to even fill this out....frankly my orientation hasn't been so great) and I would fax it back. I won't even say, "what next" because I am scared to lolol.

Have a great evening!

SweettartRN · Apr 19, 2010

Hey Sweetart,
Thanks for the reply! I can understand addicts are extremely manipulative etc. I have seen this many times. I will be honest "I" am going to have a drug problem lolol since I am going to need anxiety medication if I don't get out of this LTC environment! I just hope I can find a niche as a LPN because I am really beginning to regret my decision to even become one.
I am strongly thinking of pursuing this job at the methadone clinic. I am sure it doesn't pay nearly as well as LTC, but frankly I am to the point that the money isn't worth the stress I am experiencing. They have called me the last two Mondays because I hadn't charted something exactly like they needed it. They expect me to drop whatever I am doing and drive there, which I did last week. This is a 40 minute ride for me each way. Today however, I told them they could fax me whatever form I needed to fill out (I had no idea I was supposed to even fill this out....frankly my orientation hasn't been so great) and I would fax it back. I won't even say, "what next" because I am scared to lolol.
Have a great evening!

Pegasus, I say go for it! You have nothing to lose. My girlfriend's clinic is done strictly with a computer that doses the clients. It's a friendly place, and it doesn't seem at all like a "drug house" or any of those types of seedy places that you might see.

The psych part of stuff is interesting for both of us. We often compare notes- privately and without indulging personal information and we actually see a lot of the same things. Chronic lying, the manipulations, etc.

My father is a pathological liar. I lived with it for nearly 30 years now; I feel like I got all the training I needed growing up with him. Love him dearly, but it has certainly been a lesson. My BS meter is sky high and I rarely fall for anything. :) In some ways I appreciate it, because I have found the type of work that I want to do now thanks to him, so in a way it's a blessing.

It can be tiring though. I had one of my "bad days" today, but overall, I love working with drug addicts.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Apr 19, 2010

Although I have never worked in a methadone clinic, I think I would love several aspects about working in one. Most of all, I would love not having to deal with the same whiny patients for 8 to 12 hours. Methadone clinics offer something that appeals to me, which is called patient turnover. The clients take their doses of oral methadone, and then they leave the clinic.

Pegasus65 · Apr 19, 2010

Well actually addiction has always fascinated me, as has the human mind and psyche. I also do indeed love the elderly (have an 85-year-old mom that lives with me now) but can't handle the constant BS I am experiencing with LTC.

Commuter I also agree with you about the patient turnover and the constant whining. I have one resident who constantly whines and complains about everything. She wants to be moved to her room. Then she isn't there 5 minutes before she is screaming "nurse, nurse, nurse". OMG forgive me for saying this but I honestly feel like putting duct tape over her mouth (or getting a very large hammer) by the end of the shift. :lol2:

The methadone clinic told me to send them a resume. So believe I will polish it up and pop it over tomorrow.

Have a great evening!

Lovely_RN, MSN · Apr 21, 2010

I hope you get the job!

I worked in LTC when I was an LPN and I hated it. I work in a methadone clinic now and it's great. As an RN I manage a caseload so i'm responsible for more than dispensing but it's not hard work at all. My hospital doesn't hire LPNs anymore but we have a few who have been grandfathered in and they basically do the same thing I do but we call it by a different name. :cool:

My job duties are:

Dispensing methadone (of course)

Quarterly assessments (paperwork but it's computerized)

Lots of patient teaching (mostly about nutrition, hep c, hiv etc)

Acting as a liaison between MD, PA, CASACs and other clinic staff

Taking a lot of phone calls (patients tend to bounce in and out of jails and hospitals)

Yes, there are some things about the job that I could do without but every job has something to complain about.

For me, this is great and I doubt that I will ever do floor nursing or work in another ltc.

Pegasus65 · Apr 21, 2010

Hey Bronx,

Thanks so much for the info! I have already made up my mind that I am not doing LTC anymore. I hate the job and life is too short to be miserable. It truly is NOT the elderly... it is the workload. I am not a lazy person and really enjoy being busy, but sheesh when you are interrupted SEVEN times while trying to give ONE person their meds...that is just plain dangerous... well you done it so you know the deal. I am hoping I can possibly get this position. If not I will find somewhere to work until I can finish my RN, which I do intend on doing. I am probably going to give them my notice tomorrow at the LTC facility.

Have a great evening!

Debilpn23 · Apr 24, 2010

Hi I just want to say I think you should go for the job at the methadone clinic.

I don't work at a clinic,but do work at a Transistional program/halfway house for alcholics and drug addicts and for most parts I love it. Most times its not stressful at all.

Pegasus65 · Apr 27, 2010

You guys got any idea what they start out paying at these methadone clinics? I realize it is different depending on where you live, but was just wondering. To be honest I really don't care if it is a lot less than LTC, as long as I don't have to work in the nursing home scenario again. I did indeed turn in my notice yesterday.... and frankly I made this past weekend my last one. I know for a fact they are not going to give me a decent reference anyways so least they got a week's notice to find someone for this next upcoming weekend. After the way they treated me I didn't really feel a whole lot of loyalty.

I appreciate any info and hope you guys have a great evening!

Debilpn23 · Apr 27, 2010

Hi

I think in Mass they pay about $20.00 or better.

Pegasus65 · Apr 27, 2010

Ty Debi.... it will probably be a little less here then...I am in Georgia and wages for LPN's are usually lower here than what I have seen mentioned for the rest of the country. But I don't care... still hope they will consider me... guess will just have to wait and see!

Have a great evening!