So, I worked at the shelter today, in the detox unit.  I haven't worked there in ages, so it was kind of nice.  I was working with a staff person who I don't mind working with and who I find to be quite knowledgable and good at her job.  She herself is a recovering adict and I find her perspective intersting and valuable.  However, sometimes I find that many of the staff who are former adicts are a bit too empathetic and not quite distanced enough from some of the clients.  

We had a client in the office tonight who was ready to discharge because I would let her break the rules.  Apparently other staff let her break this rule and she couldn't believe I wouldn't.  I tell my coworker, that with the letter already on my file, I really can't afford to break any rules and that I'm documenting this all SUPER well so that it doesn't come back and haunt me later if the client reports me.  So then, I go do some laundry, and when I come back, the staff member tells me that she explained to the client that I was in trouble over something else and couldn't risk it.  I was NOT impressed.  That's my business and the client does NOT need to know that.  Hardly professional.  

Further, this client really seemed to be running the show in detox.  And this other staff was totally playing into it and letting it happen.  I decided to just let it be.  I only work every couple weeks, I'm not judging it.  But yeah.  Not impressed.  I don't think we're doing her any favours by letting her have her own way about things.  The staff member I was with was going on and on about how night shift is horrible because they aren't addicts and don't understand how hard it is and how they're all on power trips, but really, I laid down the rules just as much when I worked nights.  They're rules for a reason, and while there are always exceptions, they are still rules.