signs and symptoms of impaired nursing and available resources. -Testing current knowledge would determine need for education. -The test would increase awareness of issues with impaired nursing Monitor enrollment into local recovery programs following testing. -Determine if increased education regarding nursing impairment and resources leads to impaired nurses seeking help.
Are there any potential limitations with a study? The main barriers to nurses obtaining help are themselves or their coworkers. When nurses are substance abusers they experience a lot of shame and guilt about their drug use. Shame and guilt can be the biggest barriers to seeking help. (Fleck, 2012)
What is the issue? Impaired practice means the inability or immediately imminent inability of a health professional to practice in a manner that conforms to the minimum standards of acceptable practice for that health profession due to the health professionals substance abuse, chemical dependency or mental illness. (Michigan Public Health Code, Section 333.16106a) Chemical dependency affects the employer, co- workers, patients, family and community through absences, accidents, injuries, violence, and stress- related illnesses. What is a possible research approach? PICO Question: Does early education of available resources influence the chances of nurses struggling with impairment or addiction to seek help?
Signs of Impairment Cassaundra Braden RN Ferris State University Work habits - Misses work or is frequently tardy because of illness or oversleeping; doesn't keep scheduled appointments; has an unacceptable error rate. Emotions Often irritable, defensive, jealous, easily angered , depressed, withdrawn, or moody. These behaviors affect work and relationships at work Personal care - Personal hygiene is deteriorating. Observations - Smells of alcohol or is observed taking drugs or exhibits inappropriate behavior with patients. Defensive behaviors - Becomes angry when someone else mentions their drinking, use of drugs or emotional instability; frequently expresses guilt about use of alcohol or drugs. Behavioral consequences - Continues to use drugs or alcohol or exhibit inappropriate behavior in spite of continuing negative personal, professional, family or financial consequences. (LARA, 2014)
What are some barriers to getting help? American Nurses Association Standards of Professional Performance- Standard #7: The registered nurse practices ethically and reports any illegal, incompetent, or impaired practice. (ANA, 2010)
The number of nurses struggling with impairment would be unknown prior to the study. Without knowing the number of impaired nurses there would not be any data to compare to the number of newly enrolled nurses in recovery programs An increase in enrollment in recovery programs would still indicate a successful study.