Recognizing Impairment in the Workplace Nursing

Course overview

Course Description This reference work is intended to serve as a resource for nurses who may have a concern regarding their own use of substances or a colleagues behavior associated with substance use. It refers specifically to laws and programs available in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts but can be used as a starting point for nurses anywhere. Nurses outside the Commonwealth are encouraged to refer to their individual state laws nurse practice acts professional associations and or union agreements and contracts. The guide has four purposes 1 To improve understanding of substance use problems in the nursing profession. 2 To provide a framework for collective bargaining representatives and co-workers who assist colleagues with substance use problems and issues. 3 To outline a process that can guide and assist colleagues toward recovery. 4 To provide a set of recommendations for nurses to address substance use in the workplace. This course is based upon material published by the Massachusetts Nurses Association in conjunction with National Nurses United and is available as an open access article. This course on nurses who experience substance use problems is designed for social workers professional counselors psychologists nurses and substance abuse counselors who do clinical work. This course is appropriate for beginning intermediate and advanced level practitioners who wish to develop their understanding of impaired practice in nursing. The course material includes an algorithm for assisting nurses with substance use problems as well as resources and legal considerations. It may also be useful for licensed clinicians who require clinical continuing education courses for license renewal. Authors Massachusetts Nurses Association National Nurses United Learning Objectives This course will provide the practitioner with detailed information regarding impaired practice in nursing. Specifically a professional will Describe the warning signs of impaired practice in nursing Identify how to assist a nursing colleague who is impaired Recognize legal considerations related to practicing nursing while impaired Citation Impaired Practice in Nursing A Guidebook for Interventions and Resources. Massachusetts Nursing Association 2011. Reviewed by TM DiDona PhD 2018 and found to be current. For a full list of current references please Click Here