The Role of a Nurse in a Drug Rehabilitation

Drug abuse affects millions of Americans on a daily basis and is difficult to treat. Drug counselors and physicians help teach clients that the road to recovery, although difficult, will be rewarding. The team is essential to successful recovery, and without the help of nurses, it would struggle.

Why a Nurse?

• Nurses are the backbone of the medical community, and drug rehabs are no exception. Nurses are needed to administer medication, perform CPR and serve in other life-threatening situations, as well as take a patient's vital signs.

Degree

• Most drug rehabilitation centers prefer to have a registered nurse (RN) with a bachelor's degree, although some will accept an RN with associate's degree as well as a Licensed Practical Nurse.

Medications

• Nurses are typically the only ones allowed to administer medication to clients. They are licensed to handle medications and ultimately are responsible for its safe keeping.

Safety

• Nurses are also the only ones who take vital signs (temperature, height/weight, blood pressure), and document the results for physician review.

Tips

• If you are considering becoming a nurse in a drug rehabilitation center, be aware that most do not pay as much as hospitals and other facilities. You must want to help addicts and be committed in order to embrace this job.