Substance Use Disorder in Nursing

No one is immune from developing Substance Use Disorder. It can affect anyone regardless of age, ethnicity, gender, economic circumstance or occupation. Nurses who abuse substances pose a unique challenge to the nursing profession. The behavior that results from this disease has far-reaching and negative effects, not only on the nurses themselves, but also upon the patients who depend on the nurse for safe, competent care. Early recognition, reporting and intervention are fundamental for keeping patients safe from harm and helping colleagues recover. 

Substance Use Disorder in Nursing Video

Substance Use Disorder in Nursing tackles one of the most serious problems facing nursing today. The video provides a comprehensive look at the issue of substance use disorder. Watch now!

Prior to the 1980s, nurses were often fired by employers and/or disciplined by the board of nursing (BON) when evidence of substance use became apparent. Non-disciplinary programs, offering an alternative to traditional discipline, are now used by a growing number of state BONs. These programs provide the nurse with rapid involvement in a rehabilitation or treatment program and remove the nurse from providing care until safety to practice can be established and confirmed.

When treatment for nurses is individually tailored to meet their needs and an appropriate supportive monitoring system is in place, nurses can recover and return to practice safely. An extensive body of scientific evidence demonstrates that approaching substance use disorders as treatable illness is extremely effective for the individual using substances, as well as for society.

Substance Use Disorder Resources

A Nurse Manager’s Guide to Substance Use Disorder in Nursing

Substance use disorder (SUD) is rarely discussed on nursing units. It is the responsibility of a nurse manager, however, to provide education, dispel myths and take action when needed. This brochure outlines the roles and responsibilities of the nurse manager in situations involving SUD. 

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What You Need to Know About Substance Use Disorder in Nursing

This brochure explains how substance use disorder (SUD) affects the nursing profession. Nurses have a legal ethical responsibility to report a colleague’s suspected drug use; learn how to recognize the warning signs and what to do to get a colleague help. Nurses that educate themselves about SUD help not only their colleagues, but they also protect patients. 

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Poster: Substance Use Disorder (SUD) in Nursing: Be Aware. Get the Facts.

This poster is designed to help nurses educate themselves about SUD changes, physical signs and signals will help not only their colleagues with SUD, but also protect patients. This is a companion piece to What You Need to Know About Substance Use Disorder in Nursing.

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Poster: Substance Use Disorder (SUD) in Nursing: Break the Silence.

This poster is designed to bring awareness about SUD to nursing leaders, as they have an important responsibility — to keep patients and staff safe, while maintaining high standards of care on your nursing unit. This is a companion piece to the brochure A Nurse Manager’s Guide to Substance Use Disorder in Nursing.

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