<p>Want to become a <a href="/jobs/s-health/ss-nursing/q-substance-misuse/">substance misuse nurse</a>? We look at:</p>
<ul>
<li>what is a substance misuse nurse</li>
<li>the job role of a substance misuse nurse</li>
<li>how to progress in a substance misuse nursing career</li>
</ul>
<h3>What is a substance misuse nurse?</h3>
<p>Substance misuse nurse jobs can be tough but are among the most rewarding jobs available in the sector. Usually community based, they provide the chance to get to know people who are facing great difficulties and provide them with the support they need to get back on their feet. It would be naive to go into the job expecting to nurse everybody that was clean and sober, but addressing practical issues can do a lot to improve quality of life, even for those who remain in the grip of addictions.<br><br> Candidates for positions of this type need to be caring, patient and sympathetic people with a good understanding of the issues faced by those with whom they are working. People who have personally overcome substance misuse are often welcomed into the profession. Passing a Disclosure and Barring (DSB) check is usually required.</p>
<h3>Substance misuse nurse job description.</h3>
<h5>Day to day duties.</h5>
<p>The day-to-day work of a substance misuse nurse is mostly centred on meeting with patients and talking to them about their circumstances in order to assess their needs. It involves giving general health and harm reduction advice, discussing support options and making referrals to other services as appropriate. The work is very patient-focused and involves helping people to take control of their lives rather than imposing treatments on them.<br><br> Because many people with substance misuse problems lead disorganised lives, nurses in this role also need to help them fill out forms, attend appointments and access services. Working with families can improve the support options open to them.<br><br> Substance misuse nurses also do community work focused on raising awareness of the risks associated with drugs and alcohol. This can involve giving talks to schools or community groups and, sometimes, working with the police.</p>
<h5>Hours and income.</h5>
<p>Substance misuse nurses normally work for 35 to 40 hours per week, although part-time opportunities are usually available. Irregular and unsocial hours are common and it is often necessary to spend periods on call. Salaries start at around £15,000 to £20,000 per annum, but can rise as high as £28,000. Those who rise to the level of team leaders can earn as much as £35,000.<br><br> Charities often seek people to do voluntary work in this field, which can provide a good basis on which to apply for a job.</p>
<h3>Career progression.</h3>
<p>Substance misuse nurse positions frequently incorporate excellent opportunities for training, even in a voluntary context. Professional certification is available from the Federation of Drug and Alcohol Professionals (FDAP) and it is also possible to acquire specialist City & Guilds qualifications. There are opportunities to take correspondence courses on a full-time or part-time basis so that study can be fitted around work.<br><br> It is important to undertake training on an ongoing basis in order to keep up with developments and new ideas in the field. This is a profession in which nothing ever stands still, which is part of what makes it such an energising and satisfying vocation.</p>
