Course: Substance Abuse Nursing & Pathway to Becoming a Certified Addictions Registered Nurse (CARN)

A comprehensive exploration of addiction nursing principles, substance use disorder treatment approaches, and the professional pathway to earning CARN certification.

Course Description

This course provides an in-depth look into the role of substance abuse nurses, the principles of addiction nursing, and the steps required to become a Certified Addictions Registered Nurse (CARN). Participants will explore substance use disorders (SUDs), evidence-based treatment modalities, and the nursing competencies necessary for effective patient care in addiction settings. The course will also guide nurses through the CARN certification process, including eligibility requirements, exam content, and preparation strategies.

Learning Objectives
1. Define the role of a substance abuse nurse and the scope of addiction nursing.
2. Explain the neurobiology of addiction and its impact on patient care.
3. Identify common substances of abuse, withdrawal symptoms, and treatment strategies.
4. Discuss evidence-based interventions for substance use disorders.
5. Describe harm reduction strategies, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), and psychosocial interventions.
6. Outline the certification requirements, eligibility criteria, and exam content for the CARN credential.
7. Develop a study plan and identify key resources for CARN exam preparation.

Lessons
Module 1: Introduction to Substance Abuse Nursing
Module 2: Understanding Addiction as a Disease
Module 3: Commonly Abused Substances & Their Effects
Module 4: Treatment Approaches & Nursing Interventions
Module 5: Becoming a Certified Addictions Registered Nurse (CARN)
Module 6: Career Pathways & Continuing Education

Quizzes
These will be included on a Word doc along with final PPT course

Instructor Bio

Rosalie M. Villecco MSN, APRN, FNP-C, CARN, CNE
Rosalie Villecco has been a Registered Nurse since 2010 and a Family Nurse Practitioner since 2016. She earned her Masters Degree from the University of Central Florida where she is currently a Doctor of Nursing Practice Candidate. Clinically she has worked extensively in behavioral health and substance abuse and has been a Certified Addictions Registered Nurse for over a decade. She has leadership experience serving as the Executive Senior Director of Medical Outpatient Services for large behavioral health organization. She has also served as the Program Administrator for both LPN and ADN Programs, teaching both F2F and online courses for Fundamentals, Pharmacology, Community/Public Health Nursing, and Mental Health Nursing. She is a Certified Nurse Educator. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and their zoo of animals – 4 cats, a dog, rabbit, and turtle. She enjoys bike riding, gardening, traveling, and organizing.