SUBSTANCE-USE DISORDER IN NURSING: RECOGNITION, REPORTING, AND SUPPORT FOR NURSES (3HRS)

Course overview

The target audience for this program is nurses who want to enhance their ability to recognize and legally and ethically intervene when colleagues show signs of impairment related to substance use disorder. Course Overview: The American Nurses Association suggests that up to 10% of the RN workforce may be dependent on drugs or alcohol. Additionally, many cases of dependence are unreported. These statistics indicate that about one of every five to seven RNs is affected by substance abuse, either as an impaired nurse or by working with one who is impaired. This course is designed to instruct RNs how to recognize signs of impairment in colleagues and also how to potentially recognize their own signs of impairment.all healthcare organizations must have policies and procedures in place that address the problem of impairment, the steps necessary to protect patient safety, reporting procedures, and the steps to help the impaired nurse to recover. Establishing and maintaining a culture of safety should be a priority of all healthcare organizations. A healthcare organization that focuses on safety first while also providing compassion and help for nurses struggling with addiction, will ultimately provide the best avenue for successful treatment and recovery. Learning Objectives: 1. Identify Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) criteria for substance use disorder. 2. Describe the incidence and prevalence substance use disorder among nurses. 3. Identify risk factors for substance abuse. 4. Differentiate between myths and truths as they relate to substance use disorder among nurses. 5. Describe the impact of substance addiction. 6. Identify signs and behaviors of substance use disorder among nurses in the workplace. 7. Discuss employer initiatives to ensure a safe patient environment as it relates to substance use disorder among nurses. 8. Describe important aspects of making a report or a referral for the nurse who is dealing with substance use disorder. 9. Describe employer initiatives to provide assistance for the nurse who has substance use disorder. 10. Explain treatment interventions for the nurse who is dealing with substance use disorder.