I’m a new grad and was offered a position in a detox rehab facility….the turnover rate seems high and they seem desperate for help. Is this a bad place to start? I already have very little confidence and just don’t want to take a mental hit….TIA

I highly recommend starting out on a MedSurg unit. It will definitely solidify your skills as a nurse. Then you can always go in specialize in something.

If they have a high turnover rate then there’s a reason- it could be several. I would be careful but I would also ask why

I am a fairly new nurse myself only going on 5 years now but in my personal opinion I think it’s best to start in a medsurg position because you will get a lot of basic experience and then that opens a lot of avenues for you and you can figure out what you do and don’t like. Plus the nurses you work with can give you input on places they’ve worked and what they do and don’t recommend. I worked Medsurg for a year and then found my home working in an outpatient infusion center that I just love. Best wishes to you.

Hi Tia hopes this helps, a detox rehab center is always centered on number of patients they can take care of and you will always be at near full capacity. The RN basically gives out medications, monitors vitals you follow protocol if abnormal and notify the doctor. The techs check on the patients every 15 to 30 minutes depending on their order you have to continuously monitor the patients cheeking their meds " an addict will always be an addict at first" The job can get monotonous hence the turnover. It can be a good experience and intro into Psych. you get to know all the blood pressure meds further and the medication protocoled for detox, each center is different due to doctors opinion.

The others all have good points.

I never got into Addiction care until I was a very experienced APRN. IT is a filed I never expected to get involved in but discovered I have a flair for it. I actually was both the NP and the DON simultaneously for a while - I absolutely would never do that again.

Addiction recovery is not like hospital or like prison health (Been there done that too). IF you have your owner family addiction history it is easier to work there. As a 'Normie" I was an oddity.

I typed out a long and detailed answer but ....... in the right setting addiction recovery can be exceptionally rewarding. In the wrong setting with the more typical management it can be a nightmare.

frequent turnover is an indication of management challenges, and a difficult learning and working environment.

As a new grad you will face a lot of challenges.

I think you answered your own question. High turnover, run.

Being a new grad is very exciting and scary at times.I will venture to say that your clinical experiences in school were not as extensive and you probably used simulation labs. While they are all good, I would take a position on Med/ Surg if you are inclined to. This I have found provides new nurses the ability to gain proficiency in skills as well as self-esteem. A detox facility position is good, if that is what you really want, but my professional opinion is that you would be better served in the M/S position.

These patients tend to be expert manipulators. They will pick up on your lack of confidence incredibly fast. Some act out physically. This is really not a safe place for you to start in my opinion. Your comment about a mental hit?, well yes that is very likely, as is a physical one! Build up your confidence first and know how to establish boundaries before you venture into this interesting field.

Having detoxed many ETOH patients in a hospital setting I can attest it can be dangerous and you can’t take what is said and done to you personally. If you’ve got thin skin, pass on that job.

I would not do rehab detox as a new nurse, you need experience in other areas. Med. Surg. Or ER would be better areas to start as a new nurse to get experience.

I forgot to mention, working in a Medsurg unit you will care for detoxing patients and find out just what it’s all about. Some people hear voices and see things a few are pleasant, but many are totally out of it. Ripping out a half a dozen or more IV’s in one shift or taking off and needing security to get them back or assaulting medical professionals. It is a unique and challenging population to manage especially as a new nurse. ❤️

For someone now very strong willed and confident in themselves and abilities this will be a VERY difficult place to start - just my 2 cents 🥰

I started out as a Detox Nurse and it was very difficult. I did it for 3 years, I was the only nurse for up to 10 patients with only 1 or 2 behavioral techs, if i was lucky. Even then they did not have any medical experience. There was a lot of vomit, cursing, seizures, other body fluids and CPR, I was also hit and had things thrown at me. My advise? Dont do it... You not only have to deal with all of this, but there is a lot of Body Brokering out there, where they pay the clients to go through the program. Youll see alot of frequent fliers, Red Flag! I had already worked at a mens prison as a Medical Assistant for 4 years so i wasnt too surprised with all the stuff that happened at Detox as an LVN.

I do not like to take care of detox patients…there are too many unknowns and variables it can get ugly fast. I recommend all new nurses go to the floor some sort of nursing to get basic skills and experience it will strengthen you in all areas of specialty if you want to pursue one. It’s invaluable.

I would start in an environment that fosters overall medical learning, first. It may take time to find your “passion” and detox can be demanding.

It depends on where you would like to specialize. If psych nursing is something that interests you, this may be a wonderful place to begin.