Common Truths and Myths About Impaired Nurses
Addiction is considered a disease, but the addicted nurse remains responsible for actions when working. An impaired nurse is someone who uses alcohol or a controlled substance on a regular basis to the extent that it interferes with their work.
Impaired nurses can become dysfunctional in their ability to provide appropriate patient care. Their should be aware of the signs and symptoms of substance abuse and know when to report a co-worker suspected or substance abuse to management.
Here are the common truths and myths about impaired nurses:
Myth: Impaired nurse have a long history of alcohol or drug abuse.
Truth: Although many substance-abusing nurses have a history of long-term drug or alcohol abuse, a recent stressful life event such as an accident or illness can lead to drug abuse as a coping mechanism.
Myth: Impaired nurses use only street drugs.
Truth: A substance-abusing nurse may substitute saline for injectible medications such as codeine, morphine sulfate, demerol or dilute liquid medications after consuming some of it. Many substance-abusing nurses use everyday medications encountered in the workplace as well as common street drugs.
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Myth: Combining drugs is not harmful.
Truth: Combining drugs can lead to disastrous consequences such as permanent physical impairment or death.
Myth: Addicts cannot recover and only need treatment for a couple of weeks.
Truth: Nurses who remain in treatment for at least a year are twice as likely to be drug free, but the struggle for recovery will last a lifetime. The length of treatment and the willingness of the nurse are the best predictors for success. Short-term in-patient programs should be at least 21 days. It is important to have follow-up supervision for physical and emotional support.
Myth: Impaired nurses are easy to recognize.
Truth: There are specific signs and symptoms of substance-abusing nurse, but they may take extra precautions to avoid detection.
Myth: Drug addiction is voluntary.
Truth: Drug addiction is a compulsive behavior affecting the brain. It may be the result of an emotional or abusive family situation, loss of support system, excuse for behaviors, poor choices, family history of addiction, enabling behavior, unstable lifestyle, denial, seeking an adrenaline rush and other factors.
Myth: Alcoholics can sober up quickly.
Truth: Reporting to work after attending a party and consuming alcohol is a recipe for disaster. It takes about three hours, depending on the person's weight, to sober up.
Myth: Addicts have to want treatment and can't be forced into it.
Truth: The main reasons for entering treatment are a court order and peer, management, and family member encouragement. In most cases the substance-abusing nurse resists entering a treatment program.
Published at: 07/24/2015
