Impaired Nurses
Assume that you have knowledge that the nurse working with you on your unit has been illegally using drugs. What are your obligations to disclose this? What are your obligations to the institution you work for? Are there any places you could refer the nurse to? What are the implications for this nurse’s license? Are there any potential risks to your license? If so, what?
Include at least 3 peer reviewed references
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction: In the healthcare field, nurses are a vital part of patient care. However, if a nurse is impaired, it can pose a risk to patient safety. As a medical professor, it is important to know the obligations and responsibilities of healthcare professionals in this situation.
Answer:
1. What are your obligations to disclose this?
As a healthcare professional, it is our ethical and legal obligation to report any suspicion of impaired nursing to the appropriate authorities, such as the nursing board or supervisor. Failure to do so can result in harm to patients and legal consequences. It is important to follow the policies and procedures of the institution when reporting this issue.
2. What are your obligations to the institution you work for?
As an employee of an institution, we have the obligation to report any suspicion of impaired nursing to the appropriate authorities and comply with the institution’s policies and procedures. This helps protect the institution from legal liabilities and ensures patient safety.
3. Are there any places you could refer the nurse to?
There are various resource centers and programs that aim to assist impaired nurses. Examples include state nurse assistance programs and employee assistance programs. These programs provide confidential support and guidance to nurses who require help with addiction or mental health issues.
4. What are the implications for this nurse’s license?
The nurse’s license could be suspended or revoked if there is evidence of impaired nursing. The nursing board may initiate an investigation and hold a hearing to determine the disciplinary action. The nurse could also face legal consequences for the illegal use of drugs.
5. Are there any potential risks to your license? If so, what?
If a medical professional fails to report impaired nursing and it results in harm to a patient, they could face legal or disciplinary action. It is essential to follow the institution’s policies, as well as state and federal laws, to avoid any potential risks to our license.
References:
1. American Nurses Association. (2016). Code of ethics for nurses with interpretive statements. Silver Spring, MD: American Nurses Association.
2. National Council of State Boards of Nursing. (2018). Substance use disorder in nursing: A resource manual and guidelines for alternative and disciplinary monitoring programs. Chicago, IL: National Council of State Boards of Nursing.
3. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2018). Workplace Programs: Substance Abuse. Retrieved from https://www.samhsa.gov/workplace/examples.
