Drug addicted nurses

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I am a nursing student and in one of my classes we have recently talked about nurses and substance abuse. I think that it is hard for me to wrap my brain around the issue. My questions are:

1. what do you do as a fellow nurse and friend of someone who is involved in substance abuse...especially in the workplace?

2. is this really prevelent and have any of you been put in this position?

Thanks!!

I just had to throw out there after reading this whole thread - A Million Little Pieces is a piece of fiction, as is the one after. Just to keep in mind :)

On the issue itself, I am torn, but think that perhaps that narc addicted nurses should find nursing positions that do not allow them access to narcs.

Not all addicted nurses can go back to direct patient care, but many of us can. Much of it has to do with your support system in recovery.

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I just had to throw out there after reading this whole thread - A Million Little Pieces is a piece of fiction, as is the one after. Just to keep in mind :)

On the issue itself, I am torn, but think that perhaps that narc addicted nurses should find nursing positions that do not allow them access to narcs.

A Million Little Pieces was presented as a non-fiction book. I have not read it and have no desire to, especially after the information that has been revealed about it's author. And after watching him on Larry King.

Nurses who are addicted to narcotics are not always addicted to medications containing narcotics. This being said, I believe that any nurse who has sought treatment and has successfully completed an impairment program, should not be prevented from returning to a position that does not bar her from access to narcotics. Do we automatically bar alcoholics from establishments that serve alcohol? The answer to that is no. Why should we automatically bar a nurse?

Grannynurse

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This being said, I believe that any nurse who has sought treatment and has successfully completed an impairment program, should not be prevented from returning to a position that does not bar her from access to narcotics. Do we automatically bar alcoholics from establishments that serve alcohol? The answer to that is no. Why should we automatically bar a nurse?

Grannynurse

not my opinion but some would think that a once impaired nurse would be too risky in dispensing narcs to pts, in that they (mgmt?) are trying to protect the pt population to ensure that none of their pain meds are taken.

lesllie

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Specializes in NICU/Neonatal transport.

I know A Million Little Pieces was presented as non-fiction, that's why I was pointing out that it was. It's fairly disgusting what that author has done.

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Specializes in Med-Surg.
not my opinion but some would think that a once impaired nurse would be too risky in dispensing narcs to pts, in that they (mgmt?) are trying to protect the pt population to ensure that none of their pain meds are taken.

lesllie

My spouses has a part time job as a group facilitator for impaired nurses.

He says that while relapse happens many nurses when the receive proper treatment can return to nursing sucessfully in jobs where narcs are present. They usually are eased back into it. First having narcotic restrictions, then gaining priviledges, all the while being randomly drug tested and still having to attend therapy.

I think with ongoing support and monitoring, I am in favor of allowing good nurses to return to the workforce.

I also agree that patient safety is first and foremost.

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I saw that author on Oprah and he presented himself as having actually lived through the experiences he wrote about. It was compelling. Are you saying that he lied? I'd be interested in a link to this subject if you know of one.

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Specializes in Med-Surg.
I saw that author on Oprah and he presented himself as having actually lived through the experiences he wrote about. It was compelling. Are you saying that he lied? I'd be interested in a link to this subject if you know of one.

There is an ongoing controversy that he exaggerated and fabricated some of his story.

http://edition.cnn.com/2006/SHOWBIZ/books/01/11/frey.lkl/

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/6/story.cfm?c_id=6&ObjectID=10363125

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Tweety, 80% of the nurses in Florida's IPN successfully complete the program....due in part to caring IPN facilitators. Tell your spouse that he is a God-send to those of us in need and we appreciate his help. The job pays little, but the help these folks give is tremendous.

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Specializes in Med-Surg.
Tweety, 80% of the nurses in Florida's IPN successfully complete the program....due in part to caring IPN facilitators. Tell your spouse that he is a God-send to those of us in need and we appreciate his help. The job pays little, but the help these folks give is tremendous.

I will. John is very well liked by his members and they are very loyal. He recently had to change their meeting time twice in the past years from Teusdays to Fridays and then to Mondays and every one of them followed him rather than switch groups.

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My spouses has a part time job as a group facilitator for impaired nurses.

He says that while relapse happens many nurses when the receive proper treatment can return to nursing sucessfully in jobs where narcs are present. They usually are eased back into it. First having narcotic restrictions, then gaining priviledges, all the while being randomly drug tested and still having to attend therapy.

I think with ongoing support and monitoring, I am in favor of allowing good nurses to return to the workforce.

I also agree that patient safety is first and foremost.

ita...as i stated, it's not my opinion but was speaking on behalf of the naysayers.

honestly though? i would be nervous if a recovered nurse returned to the workplace. but with random/scheduled testing, proper support and close supervision, then more power to them. i truly do support those that can succeed in rehab. my dh was an active alcoholic for 34 yrs and has been dry for close to 9 months now. now if he can do it, then anyone can. i never thought i'd live to see the day when he was sober.

leslie

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There is an ongoing controversy that he exaggerated and fabricated some of his story.

http://edition.cnn.com/2006/SHOWBIZ/books/01/11/frey.lkl/

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/6/story.cfm?c_id=6&ObjectID=10363125

Well, I'll be! I read the book and being a recovering addict some of it did ring a little hinkey. Like the part about the dental work with no novacaine.:crying2: I've never heard of that before....one doesn't get high on novacaine and I don't think it would ever be witheld from an addict. I guess I'm a bit gullable....LOL. Now I'll have to get the sequel only because I'm nosey!

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Specializes in Med-Surg.

Kudos to your husband Leslie.

I agree that the nurse has to be very closely monitored and mandated meetings, etc. Sober people deserve a chance not to be held victim of their past. One chance maybe, but a chance.

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