Content area
Full Text
ABSTRACT
* THE PREVALENCE OF SUBSTANCE ABUSE in the nurse population is believed to parallel that in the general population (ie, approximately 10%).
* NURSES WITH SUBSTANCE ABUSE problems need help. They are in danger of harming patients, the facility's reputation, the nursing profession, and themselves. The consequences of not reporting concerns can be far worse than those of reporting the issue.
* PART ONE OF THIS TWO-PART SERIES discusses how society views addiction and the nursing profession, signs and symptoms of substance abuse, reasons nurses should report an impaired colleague, the code of silence that exists among nurses, and board of nursing jurisdiction. AORN J 82 (October 2005) 573-596.
The article "Substance abuse among nurses-Defining the issue" is the basis for this AORN Journal independent study. The behavioral objectives and examination for this program were prepared by Rebecca Holm, RN, MSN, CNOR, clinical editor, with consultation from Susan Bakewell, RN, MS, BC, education program professional, Center for Perioperative Education.
Participants receive feedback on incorrect answers. Each applicant who successfully completes this study will receive a certificate of completion. The deadline for submitting this study is Oct 31, 2008.
Complete the examination answer sheet and learner evaluation found on pages 601-602 and mail with appropriate fee to
AORN Customer Service
c/o Home Study Program
2170 S Parker Rd, Suite 300
Denver, CO 80231-5711
or fax the information with a credit card number to (303) 750-3212.
You also may access this Home Study via AORN Online at http://www.aorn.org/journal/homestudy/default.htm.
BEHAVIORAL OBJECTIVES
After reading and studying the article on substance abuse among nurses, nurses will be able to
1. discuss the prevalence of addiction among nurses compared to the general population,
2. describe signs and symptoms of addiction,
3. discuss adverse effects of not reporting an impaired colleague, and
4. identify the role of state boards of nursing in treatment of nurses who abuse substances.
Editor's note: This is the first article in a two-part series.
Alcohol and drug addiction are primary, chronic, progressive, and often, fatal health problems. United States society does not accept addiction as a disease, but instead views it as a moral failure or lack of will power.1(p27) Many nurses choose to remain silent about a colleague who may have a substance-abuse problem...