Remember these points when a nurse colleague in recovery from substance usedisorder returns to work: Stay alert for and take appropriate action in all instances of incompetent, uneth-ical, illegal, or impaired practice or actions by a nurse colleague that jeopardizepatients’ rights and best interests.
Full Answer
Can a nurse return to the workplace after substance abuse?
The earlier the disease and abuse is recognized and treated, the better the outcome for recovery for the nurse and the option to return to the work environment. A unique challenge to the nursing profession and substance abuse is the access to narcotic medications.
Can nurses work if they have a drug problem?
In some states, nurses who enter approved treatment programs and maintain clean drug test results may have the option of working as an RN in situations where they do not have access to controlled substances. Each state has different laws and regulations regarding this issue.
Why is it important to identify nurses with substance abuse?
Identifying nurses who have a substance abuse disorder and assisting them to find appropriate treatment programs can save lives.
What is the process for a nurse returning to work?
The Nurse Practice Act for each state will define the process for programs in the state to assist the nurse with returning to work once they are safe to practice. Many states offer a graduated program of returning to work where there is oversight of the nurse with strict restrictions on the work environment.
What happens when a nurse has a substance abuse problem?
Once a substance abuse disorder is suspected, the nurse is typically placed on leave until an investigation can be conducted. The nursing leadership team and human resource leaders are required to, in most states, report the abuse to the Board of Nursing (BON) and the local police authority.
What happens to nurses who divert drugs?
Drug diversion occurs when medication is redirected from its intended destination for personal use, sale, or distribution to others. It includes drug theft, use, or tampering (adulteration or substitution). Drug diversion is a felony that can result in a nurse's criminal prosecution and loss of license.
What is the role of the nurse manager when a nurse is suspected of substance abuse?
The nurse manager's role in the process of removing the nurse from patient care is essential. Removal from practice will assist the nurse in focusing on care and treatment of the disorder, but more importantly, the earlier SUD is identified and the nurse is removed from patient care, the sooner patients are protected.
What are the three steps in recovery from drug dependence?
The four stages of treatment are:Treatment initiation.Early abstinence.Maintaining abstinence.Advanced recovery.
Which drug has the highest potential for diversion?
Controlled substances have the highest potential for drug diversion. These are regulated by the DEA under the Controlled Substances Act based on their intended medical use, as well as their potential for dependence and abuse.
What potential behaviors are associated with diverting medications?
Multiple logistic regression analyses indicated that being approached to divert medications, nonmedical use of prescription medications, externalizing behaviors, and being non-White were significantly associated with the diversion of controlled medications.
Can nurses work while taking narcotics?
Generally, yes. As part of a successful Return-to-Work Plan, the Program may determine you are fit for duty, but that certain job accommodations (aka practice restrictions) are necessary to ensure safe practice. For example, a nurse may not have access to controlled substances for an initial period of time.
What is the nurse's responsibility when confronted with a colleague who is chemically impaired?
The Code's Interpretive Statement 3.6 states, “The nurse's duty is to take action to protect patients and to ensure that the impaired individual receives assistance.
What legal and ethical responsibilities do the nurses have to the professional individual abusing substances?
Nurses have a legal ethical responsibility to report a colleague's suspected drug use; learn how to recognize the warning signs and what to do to get a colleague help. Nurses that educate themselves about SUD help not only their colleagues, but they also protect patients.
What are the 5 stages of recovery?
The five stages of addiction recovery are precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action and maintenance....Read on to find out more about the various stages.Precontemplation Stage. ... Contemplation Stage. ... Preparation Stage. ... Action Stage. ... Maintenance Stage.
What are the 4 stages of recovery?
The 4 Stages of Complete RehabilitationRest and Protect the Injury. The first stage of recovery is all about minimising further damage and letting the body begin the healing process. ... Recover Your Motion. ... Recover Your Strength. ... Recover Your Function.
What are the 7 steps of recovery?
Recovering From Your Addiction in 7 Steps: Here's HowAdmit to your friends, and to yourself, that you have a problem. ... Find support from day one. ... Detox through your first days of sobriety. ... Rewrite your daily routine. ... Enjoy the small victories. ... Recognize and avoid relapse. ... Reach freedom, and stay there.
What percentage of employees are in need of substance abuse treatment?
About 10 percent of these employees were considered to have substance abuse or dependence problems. So a lot of employees are technically in need of substance abuse treatment. Unfortunately, statistic show that only about 10 percent of people who could use a drug or alcohol treatment program check themselves into a substance abuse facility.
What is RTWA in employment?
Expectations typically outlined in a Return to Work Agreement (RTWA) may include requirements for complying with Drug-Free Workplace policies (for instance, submitting to regular drug tests).
What does Frank admit to his friend after he finishes?
Frank decides to open up about the true reason for his absence. The friend listens empathetically and after Frank has finished, he quietly admits to Frank that he , too, has struggled with substance abuse. But he has never wanted to let his co-workers know. Frank realizes that he made the right choice – in this case – to be open ...
When did nurses have their licenses revoked?
Prior to the 1980s, before substance abuse was recognized as a disease, nurses were relieved of duty and/or had their nursing license revoked with little recourse or treatment options when found to have a substance abuse disorder. Since that time, many states have enacted non-disciplinary rehabilitation programs to assist nurses with recovery.
Who report abuse to the Board of Nursing?
The nursing leadership team and human resource leaders are required to, in most states, report the abuse to the Board of Nursing (BON) and the local police authority. Each BON has a process for investigation and varying levels of programs to assist nurses through recovery.
Why is it important for nurses to protect patients?
Nurses are entrusted to protect the patients in their care from harm at all times. This protection includes the ability to perform at a high level of critical thinking. Caring for patients while under the duress of substance abuse puts the entire nursing process in harm's way.
What is the challenge of nursing?
A unique challenge to the nursing profession and substance abuse is the access to narcotic medications. Diversion of these drugs for self-use is not only harmful to the nurse, but is also unethical in the failure to protect the patient from harm by diverting the drugs from the patient. Furthermore, the impairment of the nurse may endanger ...
What is the nurse practice act?
The Nurse Practice Act for each state will define the process for programs in the state to assist the nurse with returning to work once they are safe to practice. Many states offer a graduated program of returning to work where there is oversight of the nurse with strict restrictions on the work environment.
What happens to the brain of an addict?
Chemical changes occur in the brain of an addict, making it more and more challenging to recover and rehabilitate from the abuse. The earlier the disease and abuse is recognized and treated, the better the outcome for recovery for the nurse and the option to return to the work environment. A unique challenge to the nursing profession ...
How does substance abuse affect nurses?
Nurses who abuse substances pose a unique challenge to the nursing profession. The behavior that results from this disease has far-reaching and negative effects , not only on the nurses themselves, but also upon the patients who depend on the nurse for safe, competent care. Early recognition, reporting and intervention are fundamental for keeping patients safe from harm and helping colleagues recover.
What is a nurse manager's guide to substance use disorder?
It is the responsibility of a nurse manager, however, to provide education, dispel myths and take action when needed.
What do you need to know about substance use disorder in nursing?
This brochure explains how substance use disorder (SUD) affects the nursing profession. Nurses have a legal ethical responsibility to report a colleague’s suspected drug use; learn how to recognize the warning signs and what to do to get a colleague help.
Why were nurses fired in the 1980s?
Prior to the 1980s, nurses were often fired by employers and/or disciplined by the board of nursing (BON) when evidence of substance use became apparent. Non-disciplinary programs, offering an alternative to traditional discipline, are now used by a growing number of state BONs. These programs provide the nurse with rapid involvement in ...
Is substance use disorder a treatable illness?
An extensive body of scientific evidence demonstrates that approaching substance use disorders as treatable illness is extremely effective for the individual using substances, as well as for society.
Do you have to keep your story straight in recovery?
As a person in recovery, you are entitled to protect your anonymity, but this does require keeping your story straight later, which may cause additional stress. The truth also carries consequences, such as being judged, and, of course, the fact that you’ve been to rehab will circulate around the office quickly.
Is sobering a mea culpa?
Past behaviors will have to be considered and sometimes be answered for. The good news is that getting sober is kind of a mea culpa, and if you’re smart, you’ll use this opportunity to put these old behaviors and your previous reputation behind you.
What to do when you are away from work?
Although you’re under no obligation to talk to anyone about your recovery journey, it may be helpful to enlist the caring encourage ment of a few trusted colleagues when you go back to work. Turning to these individuals to help you resume the pace of your duties and be available when you feel stressed or overwhelmed can make a big difference in your work/life balance.
Do you have to explain where you went to rehab?
Federal and state laws specify that employees aren’t required to explain where they were or why they were gone to managers or co-workers.
Can you return to work after substance abuse?
Returning to work after substance abuse treatment has a number of implications. On one hand, being back on the job may be just the right structure someone in recovery needs to stabilize a new way of life.
Can an employer deny employment to an individual with alcoholism?
An employer has the right to “discipline, discharge, or deny employment to an individual with alcoholism whose use of the substance adversely affects job performance or conduct to the extent he or she is not qualified.”. It’s not a violation for an employer to issue drug tests, prohibit the use of illegal drugs or alcohol in the workplace, ...
Is FMLA a substance abuse leave?
FMLA leave is not for absence due to active substance abuse. It is only for work release due to active treatment authorized by and under the direction of a healthcare provider or services referred by a healthcare provider.
What is a substance use disorder in nursing?
Nursing Jobs. By Beth Greenwood. A nurse who has a substance use disorder -- also called an SUD -- can put her patients at risk if she works when she is impaired. Some nurses will withhold medications from patients and use the medications themselves, or steal from the stock of controlled substances for personal use.
What happens if a nurse is fired?
When a nurse is fired because of an SUD, stealing or misusing controlled substances, the chief nurse executive of the organization is mandated to report the behavior and termination to the state board of nursing. Each state regulates the practice of nursing within its borders. Although a board will usually take action against a nurse in such circumstances, it doesn’t happen right away. In some cases, the board will not act at all. Some nurses move on to another hospital in their town or to somewhere else in the state. Others move to another state.
Can a nursing board take action against a nurse?
Although a board will usually take action against a nurse in such circumstances, it doesn’t happen right away. In some cases, the board will not act at all. Some nurses move on to another hospital in their town or to somewhere else in the state. Others move to another state.
Can a nurse with a SUD be a drug treatment?
Drug-Treatment Programs. A nurse with an SUD often has the option to voluntarily enter a drug-treatment program. A nurse who is not willing to take this option may be required to surrender her license.