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 nurses return to work after drug abuse?
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.
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.
How does substance abuse affect nurses?
Substance abuse can affect any socioeconomic class, gender, race, and profession. Nursing is certainly not immune to the pitfalls of this terrible disease. 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.
Are your employees in need of substance abuse treatment?
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 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 are the five stages in 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 6 stages of recovery?
According to The Developmental Model of Recovery (DMR) developed by Terence Gorski, there are six stages people go through during recovery: transition, stabilization, early recovery, middle recovery, late recovery, and maintenance.
What are the four phases 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 does relapse look like?
The individual usually starts to experience negative emotional responses, such as anger, moodiness and anxious feelings. They also may begin to experience erratic eating and sleeping habits, and their desire for recovery often wanes due to a lack of using their support systems.
What is the final stage of recovery?
Stage 4: Advanced Recovery After approximately five years of abstinence, you will reach the fourth and final stage of your rehab: advanced recovery. It is that this point that you take all the tools and skills that you have learned during your rehab counseling and put them to use living a satisfying, fulfilling life.
What are the 4 levels of addiction?
While there are many factors that contribute to drug and alcohol addiction, including genetic and environmental influences, socioeconomic status, and preexisting mental health conditions, most professionals within the field of addiction agree that there are four main stages of addiction: experimentation, regular use, ...
Is relapse a stage of change?
Based on scientific research, addiction experts view relapse as one of the 6 stages of recovery. This model of recovery is called the Stages of Change Model which includes pre-contemplation, contemplation, preparation/determination, action/willpower, maintenance, and relapse.
What are tips for recovery?
LifestyleSleep more. Sleep gives your muscles time to recover from exercise. ... Massage. Many athletes incorporate massage in their training to reduce muscle soreness. ... Compression garments. Wearing compression garments has become common among athletes over the past several decades. ... Contrast water therapy. ... Cryotherapy.
What is the most difficult part of the rehabilitation process?
According to Hayward, the most difficult part of the rehab process was mental, not physical. “The hardest part of the whole process has been the mental challenge…
What does the length of recovery depend on?
The length of time it takes to recover depends on the magnitude of the disaster, the preparedness of the country, the vulnerability and accessibility of the affected location, and the resources that are immediately or locally available.
What is the rehabilitation process?
Rehabilitation is the process of helping an individual achieve the highest level of function, independence, and quality of life possible. Rehabilitation does not reverse or undo the damage caused by disease or trauma, but rather helps restore the individual to optimal health, functioning, and well-being.
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 ...
Did Frank have to extend his absence?
However, Frank decided to openly discuss his plans with his boss, and with the boss’s consent, Frank was able to extend the period which he could be absent without losing his job. Many times, as in Frank’s case, employers value the resources that an employee brings to the company, and they are happy to help an employee who volunteers ...
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 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 ...
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 happens if you tell your manager you've been off work?
Chances are, they will ask questions. If you tell them that you have been off work for a medical reason, they might want to know why and wonder if you are OK.
Can you take FMLA for substance abuse?
According to the United States Department of Labor, a person may take time off work for addiction treatment under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Employers cannot fire an employee for taking FMLA for substance abuse treatment in most cases. All public agencies, private schools and employers that have more than 50 workers must follow FMLA guidelines. Under this law, workers can take up to 12 weeks of job-protected unpaid leave. Employees can also take FMLA leave to help care for a close family member who is receiving addiction treatment. Your employer must also allow you to have time off work for follow-up doctor and therapy appointments as outlined in your treatment plan. To qualify for FMLA leave, the substance abuse treatment must be given by a health care provider.
Is it hard to get back to work after substance abuse?
The transition back to work can be stressful for someone who has a history of substance abuse. You might experience shame and guilt about your substance abuse history, especially if co-workers find out. Additionally, there will be challenges that you face that will test your sobriety, such as being encouraged to drink at holiday parties or other functions.
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.
What is a right to work agreement?
The right-to-work agreement establishes accountability and clear communication.
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 addiction a disability?
Addiction as a Disability. Alcoholism and drug addiction are considered disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This means employees who return to work after rehab are protected from discrimination due to treatment and past use. However, there are caveats:
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.
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.