Page 7 - 2017 Nursing Annual Report | Summa Health

“While my former role as a detox nurse
was rewarding, I was always wondering
what happened to my patients after
discharge. At the Vivitrol Clinic, I am
able to see people on the ‘other side’ of
addiction. My patients work so hard to
stay sober – they inspire me every day.”

Vivitrol® (naltrexone) is a non-narcotic, non-addictive The Vivitrol Clinic nurse meets weekly with addiction
medication. Given to individuals as a once-monthly medicine therapists and physicians to review chemical
injection, it works by blocking the body from responding dependency IOP and Vivitrol cases. This highly
to opiates, such as heroin or opioid pain medicines, as collaborative effort offers the staff an opportunity to
well as reduces cravings for alcohol. When used as part quickly and efficiently update one another and offer
of a treatment plan, Vivitrol can help prevent relapse to valuable recommendations.
opioid and alcohol dependence after detox.
Moreover, because addiction is both a physical and
Vivitrol Clinic patients meet monthly with Dr. Alan H. psychological health issue, the clinic nurse also strives
Shein, Summa Psychiatry Association Medical Director, to understand the psychological issues that contribute
or every three months with Dr. Suman C. Vellaki, an to addiction. In this unique role, the RN is able to help
addiction medicine specialist. But it’s the clinic’s nurse patients work through depression and anxiety through
who completes the patient assessment, performs regular therapeutic communication.
drug screens, facilitates monthly injections and monitors
patient progress. In addition to clinical treatment, the RN “While my former role as a detox nurse was rewarding,
also provides comprehensive one-on-one education, I was always wondering what happened to my patients
including information about the medication’s side effects. after discharge,” says Thompson. “At the Vivitrol Clinic,
“I’m injecting these people with something that will be in I am able to see people on the ‘other side’ of addiction.
their bodies for a month,” says Anne H. Thompson, BS, My patients work so hard to stay sober – they inspire me
BSN, RN. “I want them to be well informed.” every day.”

During the first visit, the nurse also performs an “oral
challenge,” which consists of injecting patients with a
low dose of the active ingredient in Vivitrol and assessing
every 15 minutes over an hour. The challenge helps
determine if patients can receive Vivitrol safely, since
it can make patients who have opiates in their system
very ill. That’s why prospective patients are required
to detox for a minimum of seven to 14 days in order to
avoid sudden opioid withdrawal. They also must enroll
in a relapse prevention program or the Summa Addiction
Medicine Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP). IOP is a
group therapy treatment program available both days and
evenings. Participants are required to attend three days a
week, three hours a day, for an average of 16-20 sessions.

“Vivitrol is a piece of a much bigger puzzle,” explains
Thompson. “The injection isn’t going to work unless the
patient is in therapy and has a sober support system. It’s a
great treatment, but it’s not a magic pill.”

Left: Sharon (Renee) Fierro, LPCC
Right: Anne H. Thompson, BS, BSN, RN

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