Substance Abuses Nurses are specialized in pain management, and help regulate treatment for patients addicted to drugs, alcohol, and other substances. Much of their job also involves teaching patients about the dangers of substance abuse and possible treatment options. Since addiction is both a mental and physical disease, these nurses are trained in both general medicine and mental health. As a Substance Abuse Nurse, you’ll be able to give support to people with little else in their lives besides addiction.
Things You'll Do:
- Administer medication and regulate patient treatment
- Teach patients, their families and the public about the dangers of substance abuse
- Provide physical and emotional support for patients and their families
Your job characteristics:
- Multifaceted
- Structured
- Patient-facing
- Independent
-
Get YourAssociate of Science in Nursing (ASN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
-
Pass YourNational Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN)
-
You’ll need to work as a Registered Nurse for at least three years (logging 4,000 hours), or get two years of experience in substance abuse before applying to take your certification exam.
More about becoming an RN › -
Get YourSubstance abuse nurse certification from the International Nurses Society on Addictions, an exam that is only available twice a year.
-
Become aCertified Addictions Registered Nurse (CARN)
-
Meet
Lorraineread her story
Psychiatric Nurse, RN
As a girl, I had the desire to be a nurse, but thought it unachievable. My female role models...
-
Meet
Danread his story
Psychiatric Nurse, RN
I knew nursing would be demanding, but the rewards far outweigh any drawbacks because every day I wake up...
-
Meet
Jessread his story
Psychiatric Nurse, RN
Nursing is so much more than I ever though it would be. I am challenged every day to lead people, to make decisions...
-
Where You
Can Workfind jobs- Mental health clinics
- Psychiatric wards
- Inpatient or outpatient treatment centers
-
What Else You
Can Expect- As a Substance Abuse Nurse, you can organize family member support groups, serve on task forces, lead educational programs and become an abuse counselor.
-
Minorities in Nursing
See Resources -
Find Your
see more
School