Nursing Leadership: Substance Abuse in Nursing - Nursing 4813 Report

This report addresses the critical issue of substance abuse in nursing from a leadership perspective. It begins by defining the problem, highlighting the prevalence of substance abuse among nurses, and the potential impact on patient care and safety. The report delves into the causes of substance abuse, including factors such as job stress, anxiety, and access to controlled substances. It then explores the role of nurse leaders in addressing this issue, including strategies for prevention, early intervention, and support for nurses struggling with addiction. The report includes a review of relevant literature, providing evidence-based solutions and best practices for creating a supportive and safe work environment. Furthermore, it proposes specific recommendations for nurse leaders to reduce the incidence of nurse impairment and promote a culture of wellness and accountability within healthcare settings. The report concludes with a call to action, emphasizing the importance of proactive measures and ongoing support to address this significant challenge in the nursing profession.

2020
Leadership

Introduction
The intent of this report is to discuss and present the evidence related to the current
issue in nursing. The issue that has been selected is “Substance abuse by nurses- How can
nurse leaders decrease the incidence of nurse impairment”. The report is also presenting a
literature review on the nursing issue and the best solution for the same issue which can
contribute to improving the situation.
Description of Issue
People many times gets surprised to learn that nurses can also get in the addition of
alcohol or drug. Particularly, when they are working in the nursing field and taking care of
others. As per the estimation presented by American Nurses Association, six to eight percent
of the nurses are involved in the consumption of alcohol or drug. The time the nurse gets
involved in the substance abuse issue; it leads to major consequences. An individual with the
problem of drugs or alcohol is taking a huge risk to harm himself or herself. There can be
more chances of increasing the risk to the patients who are under the treatment of that
specific nurse addicted to drugs or alcohol (Redmond, 2017).
Background and Significance
The nurses who are under substance abuse are the same in number as the general
population that is 8 to 10% range (Bradford Health Services, 2020). They do not deal with
issues dues to chemicals in comparison to other people who are working in any other
profession. But, if a nurse gets involve in developing a substance abuse issue, they have
access to the controlled substances in comparison to the general population. There is a
number of reasons due to which the nurses get into substance abuse that are depression,
anxiety, job stress, etc.

Best Practice Solution
Conclusion

References
Bradford Health Services. (2020). Substance Abuse In Nursing – Why It happens. Retrieved
from https://bradfordhealth.com/substance-abuse-in-nurses/
Redmond, J. (2017). Nurses and Substance Abuse: How Access can Lead to Addiction.
Retrieved from https://summitbhc.com/nurses-and-substance-abuse-how-access-can-
lead-to-addiction/