What happens when a nurse is reported to a board of nursing for suspected substance use disorder?
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.
Why nurses are at a higher risk for substance abuse?
The intense pressure of being responsible for the well-being of patients can be overwhelming for nurses, and this stress can be only exacerbated by inadequate support and increased work overloads. Studies have shown that chronic stress enhances substance use and is a major risk factor for the development of addiction.
What percentage of nurses are affected by substance abuse?
Medical Professionals Substance Abuse Statistics According to the Journal of Clinical Nursing, approximately 20% of all nurses struggle with an addiction to drugs or alcohol. 1 in 10 physicians will fall into drug or alcohol abuse at some point in their lives, mirroring the general population.
Can a nurse be an alcoholic?
In particular, alcoholism, and medical professionals with alcoholism, are an all too common, and dangerous, combination. Studies report that at least 10 to 12 percent of healthcare professionals will develop a substance use disorder during their careers, including at least 1 in 10 physicians, and 1 in 5 nurses.
What happens if a nurse is found impaired on the job?
If the nurse is reported to both the Department of Health and the IPN at the same time then disciplinary action may occur. Any individual who believes the nurses ability to provide safe care is compromised due to impairment may report the nurse to the IPN and/or the Department of Health.
What is substance abuse in nursing?
A Substance Abuse or Addiction Nurse helps patients who are addicted to drugs, alcohol and other substances.
What drugs do nurses take?
Drugs commonly abused by nurses include benzodiazepines and opioid painkillers such as fentanyl and hydrocodone. Nurses with the easiest access are most likely to misuse prescription drugs, with the highest rates of abuses found among nurse anesthetists.
What are signs that a nurse is diverting a controlled substance?
Signs of diversion
- stealing syringes or vials.
- under-dosing patients.
- replacing controlled substances with another product, such as saline.
- taking PRN medications from patients or pulling duplicate doses.
- creating false verbal orders.
- failing to waste or document waste, or raiding sharps containers.
How do you prove a nurse is stealing drugs?
Signs that a Nurse is Stealing Drugs
- Volunteering for overtime.
- Coming to work on days off.
- Missing or broken vials.
- Medication and charting errors.
- Discrepancies in narcotic and/or patient records.
- Failure to document wastage.
- Paying extra attention to patients receiving opioids.
What are some signs that you might observe when a nurse has a problem with substance abuse?
Nurses are as likely as other addicts to show the same physiological effects of the abused substance, which may include:
- Shakiness and tremors.
- Dilated or constricted pupils (opiates cause constriction)
- Watery eyes and nose.
- Fatigue with slowed breathing, nodding off to sleep or even blackouts.
- Slurred speech.