A Nurses Responsibility: Report Possible Narcotic Diversion
Chemical dependency and narcotic diversion from the workplace has become more common. Nurses need to know their responsibility if there is an alcohol and/or drug problem on their unit. Education is needed for all staff members.
NursesGeneral NursingArticle
Drug diversion from the workplace, specifically a hospital or surgery center, is becoming more common every day. The specialty of nurse anesthesia has a near 10% of practitioners who may face a chemical dependency. It is important to know that every nurse has a responsibility to report any suspicion of drug diversion. If the drug count is always incorrect after a certain nurse works, it should be reported.
Drug addiction and alcoholism are true diseases, and these individuals are sick. Don't be afraid to report possible drug diversion. In the long run, this will help the individual get help.
Most facilities have a policy regarding the intervention of an employee, but many employees do not want to get involved. Fear of retaliation, from the employee or other co-workers, they look the other way. Properly planned interventions, which may include a counselor from a treatment center, will facility a road to wellness.
If the employee agrees to go to treatment and follows the recommendations of the licensing and/or rehabilitation board, the job may be secure. Once the employee returns to the unit, it is important for all co-workers to provide support and assist with accommodations that must be made. Standard accommodations that may be implemented for a variable time period are:
The impaired nurse cannot administer any controlled substance or carry narcotic keys.
The impaired nurse may not be allowed to work 12-hour shifts or overtime.
The impaired nurse will attend an assigned support group which may require other coworkers to cover part of a shift.
The staff should be educated regarding the restrictions of the impaired nurse and notified of any additional responsibilities the staff will need to cover. It can be helpful if a coworker volunteers to cover the assignments that are restricted.
The returning nurse will be afraid regarding what their peers may think about their disease. The staff should be educated that chemical dependency is not about morals, it is a disease.
Many specialty associations have members within the state that are available to answer questions and assist with helping a person find appropriate treatment.
The American Association of Nurse Anesthetists has a Peer Assistance Advisor for each state and a Wellness Committee. There is an abundant amount of information on the website with a variety of useful links. More information regarding how to deal with drug addiction, alcoholism, and other topics can be found at http://www.AANA.com.
