My Journey to Guardian.
I’m personally not in recovery, but I have close family members who have struggled with addiction. So, growing up, I saw how addiction impacts not just the person themselves but the people around them.
I got into nursing a little late in the game. I first went to Lafayette College for two years and studied liberal arts. I played football in college, and then I had serious shoulder surgery. Close to the same time, my mom was in a terrible motor vehicle accident. So I finished out the year but did not go back the next fall. Rather, I started working at the rehab facility where my mom was getting physical therapy and then became a personal trainer. I did that for almost 10 years and then decided I needed a change. I always was interested in healthcare and science, and I wanted to be able to help people, so I went back to nursing school around 2009.
During school, I found my psych and detox courses the most interesting aspects of nursing compared to the more medically oriented facets. As such, after school I went to work in a locked adult psychiatric unit and spent nine years working at this facility. While the focus here was on mental health, many patients had dual diagnoses with substance use, which gave me a fair share of experience working with this population.
By 2021, I was looking for a change and had heard a lot of good things about Guardian Recovery. Some colleagues I worked with at my previous place of employment worked here, so I reached out to them. One thing led to another, and here we are.
Recovery Starts
Here
Choose recovery and take control of your life, it’s the path to a brighter future filled with health, happiness, and fulfillment.
What I Do
I work 12-hour night shifts. I begin at 7 p.m. by getting reports from nurses from the previous shift, and then work on our nursing assessments. I administer medications, perform intake for admission, and do a good deal of documentation. After that, it just depends on what the night brings and what clients need.
What Helps Clients Most
I think the staff really makes the difference here. I’ve never worked at a place where there have been so many caring individuals. I believe we have a very unique, compassionate, respectful approach to clients. We don’t stigmatize them, and we treat them with respect, which a lot of people comment on.
We also do our due diligence in finding the best option for each client after they finish detox, which I think is also incredibly important. Recovery isn’t built on a short detox period. The treatment that follows it is imperative. Our clinical staff does a great job trying to find the best post-detox option for each client. How we treat people, how we respect them, and how we try to set them up for success makes us unique.
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About Me
- The best part of this gig is … the people I work with, including both clients and co-workers.
- When it comes to work accomplishments, I am most proud of … my approach to dealing with clients and my work ethic. I feel like I am very hard-working, and I’ve always been respectful, patient, and kind with my clients.
- What makes me want to come to work every day is … I love the work. I love helping people. That’s why I got into nursing. I’ve always felt empathy for people who are going through hard times. That’s the main thing that drives me.
- “Me” time is for … working out. I am very interested in health and nutrition. I enjoy spending time with my girlfriend, cat, and three dogs. I also enjoy reading and listening to podcasts, as I’m always trying to expand my knowledge. I also like to watch movies and play video games.
- My secret talent is … perseverance in the face of adversity. I’m very good at achieving goals despite the challenges I experience.
- The motto I live by is … treat others as you’d like to be treated. I think that’s the biggest thing. Treating everyone respectfully means a lot to me because I know how it feels when someone doesn’t give you the same respect they’d expect for themselves.
Our Locations
Our Facilities & Teams Transform Lives
Changing lives by providing comprehensive support and rehabilitation, empowering individuals to overcome addiction and regain control of their health and well-being.
Delray Beach, Florida
Princeton, New Jersey
Denver, Colorado
Largo, Florida
Portland, Maine
Plymouth, New Hampshire
Pine Brook, New Jersey
What Would I Say to Someone Who’s Hesitant About Recovery?
I know entering treatment can feel very scary and overwhelming, but you should just do it. It’s the right thing to do, and there are a lot of good people out there who’ll help you through the process.
SELF-ASSESSMENT:
Do I have an Addiction issue?
Disclaimer: Does not guarantee specific treatment outcomes, as individual results may vary. Our services are not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis; please consult a qualified healthcare provider for such matters.
