Question

Discuss the issue of substance-related disorder within the profession of nursing.

Include a list of all references used to support your answer.

Answer 1

Substance-related disorder encompasses a pattern of behaviors that range from misuse to addiction, whether it is alcohol, legal drugs or illegal drugs. Addiction is a complex disease with serious physical, emotional, financial and legal consequences. Substance-related disorder is the serious concern for nurse. The American Nurses Association (1997) estimates that about 10% to 20% of nurses have these problems, and that 6% to 8% of registered nurses are impaired due to their abuse of alcohol and other drugs. Chemical dependency requires treatment. Behavioral changes can include: Changes or shifts in job performance; Absences from the unit for long periods; Frequent trips to the bathroom; Arriving late or leaving early; Making an excessive number of mistakes, including the medication errors. Many nurses with this disorder are unidentified, unreported, untreated and may continue to practice where their impairment can endanger the lives of their patients. Early identification and treatment of the chemically dependent nurse is important for the safety of the public and for the well-being of the nurse and her profession. Nurses that educate themselves about the behavior changes, physical signs and signals of drug diversion will help not only their colleagues with substance-related disorder, but also protect their patients.

Sources:

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/j.1365-2648.1987.tb03055.x

https://www.ncsbn.org/SUD_Brochure_2014.pdf

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/j.1744-6198.1999.tb01167.x