Addictions Nursing
Most people think that addictions nursing only deals with addict people and their abuse of medication, alcohol and illegal drugs. Well, addictions nursing are just not that. Addictions nursing deals with any individual who suffers from various forms of addictions, may it be addictions to substance such as caffeine, cough medicines and other prescription medications and painkillers or some sort of behavior such as addiction to sex and gambling. Eating disorders are considered addiction, too.
Although addictions nursing are only a sub-specialty of psychiatric nursing, this nursing specialization tackles the "medical" side of the psychiatric nursing where patients are assisted while they are trying to withdraw from the addiction to the substance or behavior.
What are the roles of Addictions nurses?
Addiction nurses are expected to assist patients in various procedures towards recovery of the patient from his/her addiction. Addictions nurses are assigned to talk to the patient where the patient can voice out what, how and why he is suffering addiction (therapeutic communication). An addictions nurse is also responsible for creating care plans for a patient's development (assessment and diagnoses), administering medication to the patient and educating the patient and his family about his situation.
Addictions nurses may also be employed to monitor patient condition after recovery as there are instances that a patient manifests withdrawal/detoxification complications and co morbidities during the recovery phase.
Where can addiction nurses practice their profession?
Addictions nurses can work in psychiatric nursing units of mental hospitals, private and public mental health clinics, home care and treatment centers. Corrections facilities may also need addictions nurses.
Requirements to become an addictions urse
Those who want to pursue a career in addictions nursing must be graduates of a nursing program. In addition to that, they must have passed the nursing board exam (NCLEX for US) and, depending on the country they may want to practice such profession, additional requirements and credentials may be asked.
Published at: 04/15/2015
