Substance Abuse Within the Nursing Profession Essay

As Heise states, substance abuse among nurses a growing problem that is often overlooked by society. Addiction has been a problem in the nursing profession for over one hundred years (as cited in Monroe Kenaga, 2010). According to the American nurses association, it is speculated that 6%-8% of nurses have a drug or alcohol related problem (as cited in Trinkoff Storr, 1998). Substance abuse not only affects the individual abuser, but also can negatively impact those around them, most significantly their patients. Chemical dependence if often viewed as a lack of will power, but through education and research, this issue should be looked at as an actual disease. The education of nursing students is the first step in helping those with a†¦show more content†¦Clearly both behavioral and psychological factors can contribute to susceptible substance abuse, which also extends into the field of nursing. Talbert states that some signs and symptoms of nurses who are abusing substance s either on or off the job (2009). The symptoms are general and nonspecific. Many times those closest to them have no idea. Overtime the nurse will begin to exhibit symptoms. According to the DEA, symptoms include: â€Å"increased absenteeism, frequent disappearances from the department or unit, excessive amounts of time spent in the medication rooms or near medication carts, work performance alternates between high and low productivity, and inattention or poor judgment (as cited in Talbert, 2009). Other signs may include damaged relationships among colleagues, friends, and patients; heavy ‘wastage’ of drugs; personality changes, such as mood swings, anxiety, depression, and isolation; and increased concerns voiced by patients† (Talbert, 2009). The biggest problem with nurses who abuse is patient safety. Many times the patient’s medication is being replaced with saline or they are not getting their whole dose of medication, while the nurse is taking the re st. Talbert continues to explain the importance of other nurses observing their colleagues to identify these signs and symptoms. â€Å"Nursing departments frequently encourage and reinforceShow MoreRelatedSubstance Abuse During The Medical Profession1401 Words   |  6 PagesIn many places around the world substance abuse has become a frequent issue. Many people may not be aware of substance abuse in nurses, from prescription drugs to alcohol and even cigarettes. Abuse from nurses poses a new challenge to the profession due to their jobs as caretakers and their access to controlled substances. It is a perplexing thought that people whose profession is to care for other don’t do the same for themselves. 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