Peer Assistance Programs for Nurses

As the article The Impaired Nurse stated, “Impaired nurses can become dysfunctional in their ability to provide safe, appropriate patient care” (Thomas, C.M., & Siela, D. 2011). As we learned in class the four ethical principles include; beneficence which is the act of doing the most good, non-malfeasance which is the act of doing the least amount of harm, autonomy which focuses on allowing each individual to make their own decisions and justice which focuses on being fair to all involved. Nurses who are abusing substance typically can’t follow these for ethical principles to the best of their ability because they are too focused on themselves. As mentioned in the article Substance Abuse among Nurses, nurses who are abusing substances are not able to complete tasks and function as a typical nurse would (Talbert, J. J. 2009). These types of nurses are not able to apply the four ethical principles to their everyday work environment because they are too focused on the substances they need. These nurses would not be able to function and apply to principle of doing the most good because they will not be doing the best if on substances. As mentioned in both articles, these nurses will spend a good amount of time in the bathrooms hiding and using, take medications from patients, and forget tasks that need complete. Beneficence and non-malfeasance in my opinion could not apply to nurses who are abusing substances because they are not caring for their patients as

As a registered nurse practicing in the state of California I am responsible for practicing within my states legal regulations and nursing scope of practice. My concern for the welfare of the sick and injured allows me to practice ethical provisions of nursing. These are required if I am to carry out competent and effective nursing care. Nursing encompasses the prevention of illness, the alleviation of suffering, and the protection, promotion, and restoration of health in the care of individuals. Therefore, as health care professionals we must be familiar with the different philosophical forces, ethical principles, theories and values that influence nursing. At the same time, we must be respectful to our patient’s

The topic of ethics is prevalent in health care and addresses a broad range of topics in nursing. In almost every interaction with a patient there could be a situation that may bring up the question of ethics. Fortunately, there is the realization that placing the nurse in the care of a patient, may put the medical personnel in an environment where the ethics are questioned. There are whole departments dedicated to advising nurses in these situations. There are also ethic committees to help guide you when you find yourself in a situation that may question your practice or circumstances.

Ethical Issues that the Nurse, Employer, and society encounter when dealing with a nurse that is an addict

Over the years, substance abuse in the United States has become a persistent issue affecting many individuals. In 2008, it was estimated that 17.8 million Americans over the age of 18 where substance dependent (Epstein, Burns, & Conlon, 2010). Many of these individuals being affected are nurses. Ponech (2000) stated that "approximately 10% of the nursing population has alcohol or drug abuse problems, and 6% has problems serious enough to interfere with their ability to practice" (as cited in Talbert, 2009, p.17). Studies show that nurses have a 50% higher rate of substance abuse compared to the rest of the public (Epstein et al., 2010). Among the many factors that contribute to the nurse’s issue of substance abuse,

The American Nurses Association (ANA) has the Code of Ethics which holds Nurses to the codes or provisions of these documents. I summarized Provision 1 of the ANA 's Code of Ethics. I give a scenario where this provision is broken by the nursing staff and consequences of doing so. Provision 1: Provision 1 reads as follows “The nurse, in all professional relationships, practices with compassion and respect for the inherent dignity, worth, and uniqueness of every individual, unrestricted by considerations of social or economic status, personal attributes, or the nature of health problems” (American Nurses Association 2001). Provision 1 is divided into five subdivisions. Provision 1.1 is titled “Respect for human dignity"(ANA 2001). The nurse always needs to place value on their patient as a unique individual. Provision 1.2 is titled “Relationships to patients” (ANA 2001). As a nurse you need to leave all prejudice, personal beliefs, and convictions out of the care of your patient. The patient’s self-worth and value is not defined by their religious choice, culture, lifestyle, hygiene, financial status, sex, and race. The nurse needs to form or follow an individual treatment plan that fits your patient’s personal preferences, religious beliefs, and requests. Provision 1.3 reads as follows “The nature of health problems” (ANA 2001). A nurse is not to judge or look down upon a patient by their "The disease, disability, or functional status “(ANA 2001).The nurse needs

Many people have turned to substance abuse or experience chemical dependency for a variety of reasons. Nurses experience chemical dependency as well. According to Kunyk (2013), “healthcare professionals, including nurses, are also potentially vulnerable to substance use disorders regardless of any special knowledge, skills or insights they might have owing to their education and professional experiences” (p. 54). This paper will define what chemical dependency is, report causes of chemical dependency in nurses, describe behaviors associated with chemical dependency, and explain what needs to be done upon reentry into the work place.

Why it is important: According to Texas Nurse Association, “The Texas Peer Assistance Program for Nurses is a non-punitive, confidential, and voluntary alternative for RNs and LVNs with concerns related to substance use and mental health. TPAPN encourages nurses to seek help with psychiatric or substance use disorders. By recognizing and managing nurses with psychiatric and substance use disorders in the workplace, TPAPN advances patient safety. Guided by an Advisory Committee comprised of representatives from a number of important Texas nursing organizations and other stakeholders, TPAPN offers a minimum 1-to-5 year monitoring program (5-year for APN’s) that is voluntary and abstinence-based” (TNA, n.d.).

The North Carolina Board of Nursing has specific criteria for any nurse that is identified as being under the influence. They offer a voluntary program for nurses who have impaired judgement and competency as a result of chemical influence. The Alternative Program, or AP, focuses on ensuring public health and safety by monitoring impaired nurses, return the nurse to a safe state of practicing, achieve early intervention of chemical dependency, and give nurses the opportunity to seek recovery in a non-published, non-punitive and therapeutic environment (Alternative). To enter into the program, the nurse must apply directly to the NCBON and agree not to work until cleared by the board. Eligibility for re-entering into the work force is a minimum of three months after initial treatment

In first talking about substance use, abuse and addiction as it relates to the Nursing profession it is necessary to understand the aspect of addiction. Drug use is a broad idea that refers to the use of any chemical substance rather legal or illegal. This topic includes prescription drugs, street drugs, herbal supplements, and the like. The term Drug abuse is defined as “the use of a substance or substances in such a way that it leads to measurable personal, interpersonal, or social consequences” (Faupel, C., E., Horowitz, A., M., & Weaver, G., S., 2010, p.20). Drug addiction is then regarded as “a compulsive use of chemicals (drugs or alcohol) and the inability to stop using them despite all the problems caused by their use” (National

Alcohol and drug abuse among the nursing profession has been the cause of nurses increasing impairment on the job. Due to the rise in these problems in the nursing population, it has had a negative impact on many aspects of nursing. According to Blais and Hayes (2011), ”There are three victims of the nurse who is impaired: the client, whose care may be compromised by the nurse whose judgement and skills are impaired; the nurse’s colleagues, who must pick up after the impaired worker; and the impaired nurse, whose illness may go undetected and untreated for years” (p. 89). Impaired nurses contribute to absenteeism, the nursing shortage, increased costs to train another nurse to replace them even if it is only temporary, patient safety is compromised, and high turnover rates The nurses, in essence, are unable to provide safe and

Most of the nurse’s education about Substance Use Disorders (SUDs) occurred during nursing school. A very few select received some on-the-job training (OJT), annual online training, or had prior experience dealing with substance abuse patients. Out of the 24 interviewees, there is only one psychiatric nurse. This particular nurse is 55 years old with over 20 years of nursing experience. She started off as a diploma nurse and on her journey to a BSN, her exposure to substance abuse disorders increased. She also received additional training once she started working on the psych unit. Besides the psychiatric nurse, there is one trauma/ER nurse who has also had some exposure to substance abuse during her career as a nurse. She has been exposed

First is the principal of beneficence which “requires nurses to act in ways that benefit patients” (Burkhardt, 2014, p.69). This principle tells us that one should promote good, prevent harm and remove evil or harm.

Addiction is a complex disease and does not discriminate. Individuals may develop the disease regardless of their age, skin color, religion, sexual orientation, education, or occupation (Kunyk & Austin, 2012). Drug and alcohol use among nurses is a current problem for health care facilities with issues ranging from lost productivity, injuries, fatalities, theft, and low employee morale (NCADD, 2015). It has been estimated that 10 to 15 percent of all nurses, including nursing students, in the United States are addicted to some type of illegal or controlled substance (Heacock, 2013). Nurses work in a very stressful environment and have access to strong addictive medications which increases the risk for substance abuse or misuse (Nauert,

Ethics and multidimensionality provide a way for the nurse to advocate for the patient. This is, of course, a gray area at times certain drugs or tests may have initial negative or painful effects, but in the long run, provide relief to the patient. However, while the nursing code of ethics echoes the Hippocratic Oath of "do no