Are you a Staff Nurse who is looking for a new career path? Would you be interested in working with people affected by problem substance use and homelessness?

Ireland’s Homeless crisis stems from a number of issues which include – Lack of affordable housing, unemployment, and mental illness. Addiction and substance abuse have also found to be one of the reasons for homelessness, according to studies and surveys carried out by charity detox services in Ireland.

A simple stroll around Dublin City centre really highlights the problem of homelessness in Ireland. This was even more obvious during the lockdown, when the usually busy Dublin streets were devoid of shoppers and in their place were countless tents set up around popular shopping streets.

Though mental health and addiction problems are cited as a cause for homelessness, there are also those would not have been problem substance users throughout their lifetime, who found themselves in homeless situations, and as a result, in order to cope with the harsh reality of homelessness turned to problem substance use.

The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage posted a report which showed a total number of homeless individuals at 8,475 in September 2021.

There are many organisations in Ireland whose mission is to help those suffering from problem substance abuse and homelessness. These organisations are often recruiting for Registered General or Psychiatric Staff Nurses.

So, what exactly does it take to become a Detox/ Addiction Nurse & what are the necessary qualities for the role?

·        Passionate – Have a genuine interest in working with those who suffer from substance abuse and or homelessness.

·        Knowledge – Understanding of drugs, mental health and why people become homeless and their needs.

·        Compassionate – Motivated to help the needs of others, be they physical, mental, or emotional.

·        Good Communication Skills – Able to give counsel to service user and be able to listen.

·        Build & Maintain Relationships – Gaining the trust of service users is vital to the role of a Detox Nurse.

·        Manage Challenging Behavior – Confident in de-escalation and conflict resolution.

·        Teamwork – Be a Team player & Liaise with the multi-disciplinary team.

·        Respect – Ability to treat all service users with the upmost dignity and respect.

·        Experience – Registered as a RGN or RPN with post graduate experience in healthcare.

If you want to find out more about working as a Detox/ Addictions Nurse in Ireland, then call me on 01 878 3335.

Charissa Mulholland

Nursing & Healthcare Recruitment Professional

Three Q Perms & Temps