Nurse's Responsibilities In The Therapy Of Alcohol And Drug Addiction

Nurses have great duties in drug treatment centers. They differ according to the policies of hospitals or the educational level of the nurse.

The general responsibilities of nurses include assessment and observing patient's condition, providing care, privacy and safety, giving nursing interventions, carrying doctor's order and promoting wellness. In every single stage of recovery, nurses function.

Detoxification

During detoxification procedure, the patient experiences withdrawal symptoms during the first week of admission like sweating, tremors, nausea and vomiting, and diarrhea. The responsibility of nurses during this stage is to carefully monitor the patient and report any changes in vital signs, general health and behavior. The nurse evaluates the condition of the patient and records it accurately. In drug-assisted detox, the nurse gives the medication prescribed by the doctor.

Physical Health

Nurses help physicians in treating patients who have medical problems. These problems may include heart diseases, pulmonary diseases, diabetes, as well as other diseases that require medicines and monitoring by the nurses. Patients who have wounds or injuries must be cared for by the nurse by changing the dressings as prescribed.

Psychological Health

Nurses are responsible of building nurse-patient relationship to those suffering from anxiety, depression or schizophrenia. Through this therapeutic relationship, the patients can open up the issues that lead them to drug abuse. If the mental condition is not treated it could complicate the recovery of patients with addiction coupled with mental disorders. Nurses are also responsible in giving the medications of these patients as well as give helpful interventions for rehabilitation.

Agent of Safety

The 1st function of the nurse and the most essential is to provide safety in drug treatment programs. They look after patients who have the tendency to become hostile and those who could cause harm to self, other patients and to other personnel in the center. The nurses are responsible to call for assistance if safety in the center has been threatened.

Health Teaching

Nurses offer helpful health teachings with regards to drug abuse and its effects. They also teach them the coping skills they need to avoid using drugs outside the health facility. Nurses prepare them for discharge and provide them instruction on how to function well in society. Moreover, they also assist the family and loved ones of the patients to understand the process of addiction.

Nurses are considered as agents of recovery in the alcohol and drug rehabilitation center. They will help you achieve your goal of living a sober life.


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Ericka Lopez writes about topics related to drug treatment centers in Newark, if you want to read more about her works visit drug treatment in Raleigh


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