Chemical Dependency among Nurses
Most people in the general population are unaware of how widespread drug addiction has become. Even fewer are aware of the number of healthcare professionals that are addicts. This paper will discuss the impact of substance abuse on the nursing profession; the various behaviors that are suggestive of an impaired coworker; an understanding of the professional responsibility to report impaired coworkers; and an understanding of the legal, ethical, and safety implications of substance abuse as well as the policies in place to help the affected individual. According to the American Nurses Association, an impaired nurse is unable to meet the requirements of the code of ethics and standards of practice of the profession.
