Dealing w/substance abuse nurses...

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I became intrigued after hearing a lecture regarding substance abuse by nurses while on the job. Though now I render the action totally conceivable, I was shocked to hear to the extent people will go to attain drugs. I was wondering what any practicing nurses felt about this issue. If they noticed that a friend was using drugs on the job or stealing drugs for his/her own benefit what would they do? Is it a bigger concern to report the problem, or maintain that collegues trust so that you can get him/her help? Just wondering what people thought? Thanks for your time...k8lin220

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Specializes in CCU, SICU, CVSICU, Precepting & Teaching.

i've worked with substance-abusing nurses several times, and in only one case did i know about it or figure it out before the nurse got caught or turned in by someone else. substance abusers are pretty crafty about hiding what's going on. the one case where i had a good clue that the nurse was abusing some substance was pretty blatant -- she used to disappear into the bathroom for long periods of time, and come out higher than a kite. we documented and documented and documented, but management didn't take any action until the night she aborted herself in the employee bathroom, hemorrhaged, and walked out leaving a trail of blood behind her.

to answer your question, document, document, document. write down only the facts, not what you think they mean. disappearing into the bathroom frequently may be a sign of substance abuse -- or it may be a person with ulcerative colitis or ibs. falling asleep while charting may be a sign of substance abuse -- or it may be a co-worker whose allergy medication is incompatible with the night shift. i'd try to be really sure about what i documenting, too. you don't want to damage someone's reputation lightly.

ruby

before assuming malice, first rule out stupidity.

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Geriatric, Behavioral Health.
i've worked with substance-abusing nurses several times, and in only one case did i know about it or figure it out before the nurse got caught or turned in by someone else. substance abusers are pretty crafty about hiding what's going on. the one case where i had a good clue that the nurse was abusing some substance was pretty blatant -- she used to disappear into the bathroom for long periods of time, and come out higher than a kite. we documented and documented and documented, but management didn't take any action until the night she aborted herself in the employee bathroom, hemorrhaged, and walked out leaving a trail of blood behind her.

to answer your question, document, document, document. write down only the facts, not what you think they mean. disappearing into the bathroom frequently may be a sign of substance abuse -- or it may be a person with ulcerative colitis or ibs. falling asleep while charting may be a sign of substance abuse -- or it may be a co-worker whose allergy medication is incompatible with the night shift. i'd try to be really sure about what i documenting, too. you don't want to damage someone's reputation lightly.

ruby

before assuming malice, first rule out stupidity.

good reply post. and since the asking member is new, i will post the following below, then move this thread to general nursing discusion forum. i also recommend asking member to use the search feature at the top of the page to do a look up, because this topic has been discussed before.

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now, thread is moved to general nursing discussion forum.

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Thank you Ruby for sharing with me your personal accounts of this situation. I appreciate your advice! Thanks again!

Sincerely,

Caitlin (surname removed)

NOTE: Please don't use your actual name.

Thanks.

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Just my own two cents:

I think it is most important to report the person. Here are the reasons.

1. This person is working on patients. Thus waiting for gaining trust could seriously impair the health of the patients who are paying for a non-compromised RN.

2. Most people will need a "wake up" call to get help. Generally the threat of losing a license (and ability to support oneself and family) is a good wake up call. This can be done in a caring way. But generally people who are using substances will not quit using until they have a compelling reason, I can not think of a more compelling reason than losing a license. (Well, I can, but losing the license implies being "outed" as well...)

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Specializes in CCU, SICU, CVSICU, Precepting & Teaching.
thank you ruby for sharing with me your personal accounts of this situation. i appreciate your advice! thanks again!

sincerely,

caitlin (surname removed)

note: please don't use your actual name.

thanks.

you're welcome. i hope it helps.

ruby

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