Nursing Certification in Addictions

After completing their RN program, one can obtain the additional certification of certified addiction registered nurse. While working in a rehabilitation facility is not always required, it is a great way to supplement your education. There are several prerequisites to completing the CARN certification, and programs are offered at colleges and universities throughout the United States.

Certified Addiction Registered Nurse Description

According to the writers at Registered Nursing, CARN nurses are trained in mental health in addition to general medicine. Certified addiction registered nurses offer pain management, education for patients and family members about substance abuse dangers and emotional support to patients in crisis. Potential CARNs can do this in many different settings. The most common setting for a CARN is a rehabilitation facility. These facilities can range from detoxification centers to outpatient rehab facilities.

In most rehabilitation centers, they are required to staff a medical professional at all times. In this instance, a CARN is someone who can fill that position. The duties of the addiction nurse can include dispensing patient medications, speaking with patients’ families about their ongoing care and offering clinical support to patients. They can also work with the medical professional team to set patient treatment plans and provide medical screenings and assessments. To work in these facilities, you must be well-equipped to handle mental health crises and provide compassionate care to those suffering from addictions.

Certified Addiction Registered Nurse Education Requirements

To become a certified addiction registered nurse, you must first obtain your associate degree in nursing, your RN or your bachelor’s degree in nursing, also known as your BSN. You can obtain an associate degree in nursing by attending a two-year program at a community college. However, according to the writers at U.S. News, nursing programs can be competitive at community colleges and universities. Ensure you have the proper prerequisites such as anatomy and physiology and maintain a high GPA.

After completing your nursing degree, you can set yourself on the path of becoming a CARN. The experts at the Addictions Nursing Certification Board (ANCB) set the CARN certification requirements. These requirements state that you must hold a valid nursing license and complete 30 hours of continuing education credits in the mental health field. Then you should provide evidence of over 2,000 hours worked in addiction nursing within the past three years. After completing these requirements, you can sit for the CARN certification exam.

Certified Addiction Registered Nurse Industry

Nursing is a field that has always seen growth in the past, and the future is no different. The experts at the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics state that registered nursing will see a growth of 9 percent over the next 10 years. This growth rate breaks down into about 195,000 new jobs each year. While this does account for new openings, it also accounts for things such as retirement and replacing workers who have left the field.

The certified addictions registered nurse salary can range given the vast differences in the cost of living across the United States. However, CARN nurses make more than the national average for registered nurses. Certified addiction registered nurse salaries have an average of $86,000per year, which works out to $36per hour. On the other hand, the average registered nurse salary is about $77,000per year. Having your CARN certification can help you earn more money throughout your career.

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