Topic 2: Impaired Nurses
Assume that you have knowledge that the nurse working with you on your unit has been illegally using drugs. What are your obligations to disclose this? What are your obligations to the institution you work for? Are there any places you could refer the nurse to? What are the implications for this nurse’s license? Are there any potential risks to your license? If so, what?
At least 250 words with 2 references/citations
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Introduction:
The medical field places high expectations on healthcare professionals, including nurses, to uphold ethical standards and provide quality patient care. However, in some cases, nurses may engage in illegal activities like drug use that can compromise patient safety, putting their licenses at risk. In this scenario, it is crucial to know the ethical and legal obligations of healthcare professionals on disclosure, referral, and the implications of such actions on their licenses.
Answer:
As a healthcare professional, one has a duty to report any illegal drug use by a coworker as it can affect patient care and safety. Therefore, my obligation in this scenario is to disclose this information to the appropriate authorities. It is essential to report such illegal acts to protect vulnerable patients from harm and promote ethical integrity in the healthcare profession.
In this case, the obligations to the institution I work for lie in reporting the incident to supervisors and documenting the issue to ensure compliance with legal and ethical standards. Failure to report such incidences can have severe implications for an institution, including legal repercussions and reputational damage.
When it comes to referring the nurse for help, it is appropriate to provide support and guidance to help the nurse recover. Addiction treatment centers and support groups can help addicted nurses recover and regain their lives. As a healthcare professional, it is our responsibility to offer support and help when colleagues face addiction problems.
The nurse’s license may be at risk due to the illegal drug use, which would require them to undergo a disciplinary hearing or suspension. The implications of such actions can also affect the nurse’s future employment and tarnish their professional reputation.
In conclusion, failure to report an illegal act by a coworker can compromise patient safety, ethical integrity, and the nursing profession. As healthcare professionals, we should work towards a drug-free workplace, uphold ethical standards, and responsibility to maintain patient safety. Any potential risk to your license can be mitigated by upholding professional ethics and reporting illegal acts that can compromise patient safety and the nursing profession.
References:
American Nurses Association. (2015). Code of ethics for nurses with interpretive statements. Silver Spring, MD: American Nurses Association.
LaMance, K. (2020, December 7). Reporting a Nurse for Substance Abuse. LegalMatch. Retrieved from
