Introduction
As primary healthcare workers, nurses play a critical role in the operations of hospitals and patient outcomes. Nurses are expected to provide highly professional services to patients in various settings, including the emergency department. According to Epstein et al. (2010), nurses have a 50% higher likelihood of drug abuse problems compared to the general public.
Thus, there is serious concern regarding the disproportionate number of drug users in the registered nurse population, given the importance of their role in the healthcare system. Substance abuse among nurses is fostered by the intersection of their professional training and occupational roles; however, it portends dire consequences for society and, as such, must be tackled with the urgency it deserves.
Causes of Substance Abuse Among Nurses
In most hospitals in the United States, nurses are often overworked and stressed due to the intensity of their roles. Epstein et al. (2010) note that there is a severe shortage of nurses in many healthcare facilities, which creates a situation where employed nurses have to work long and frequent shifts, with little time for relaxation. Moreover, nurses in the emergency department are the most likely to have substance abuse problems compared to nurses in other sectors (Epstein et al., 2010).
This indicates that nursing roles that create uncertainty and anxiety can push the individual towards drug abuse as a coping mechanism. Epstein et al (2010, p. 514) point out that nurses who successfully undergo rehabilitation programs from their drug addiction are highly likely to relapse when they return to their “stressful work environment”. The nursing occupation is, therefore, a predictor of drug abuse due to its inherent traits.
Another reason why nurses typically have substance abuse problems is their proximity to and understanding of pharmacology and physiology. In particular, Epstein et al. (2010) highlight that many nurses believe that they can self-medicate without falling into drug addiction. Unfortunately, this is usually risky as some of them are ultimately unable to control their drug intake. Epstein et al. (2010) point out that most of the nurses with drug addiction issues use prescription opiates, which they can easily access in the course of their duties by appropriating medication meant for their patients.
In other cases, nurses utilize loopholes during the prescription process to obtain drugs that would have otherwise been termed as waste. Ivey (2015) adds that for most nurses, misusing prescription drugs at the onset of their career is the first step towards drug addiction. As such, a proximity to drugs as well as knowledge of the pharmacological aspects of different medications creates an ideal scenario for nurses with drug addiction problems.
Substance abuse among nurses has grave ramifications for healthcare service delivery. Firstly, nurses with an addiction problem are highly likely to miss work for a variety of reasons, including physical ailments (Epstein et al., 2010). This puts additional strain on an already overworked labor force and can significantly reduce the quality of services offered to patients. Additionally, nurses who go about their duties under the influence of drugs are highly likely to be charged with professional misconduct (Epstein et al., 2010).
In some cases, this can be fatal for the patient if the nurse is negligent when discharging their duties (Dunn, 2005). Moreover, drug addicted nurses take up a portion of the limited resources devoted to fighting drug abuse, which additionally strains the healthcare system and society as a whole. Thus, substance abuse among nurses adversely affects patient outcomes and increases the financial burden on healthcare personnel and resources.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the high prevalence of substance abuse among nurses is worrying. On the one hand, nurses have stressful occupational lives and ready access to a variety of drugs. Their knowledge of the biochemical characteristics of medication means that they can easily self-medicate. The repercussions of substance abuse among nurses are dire for the individual, patient, and society as a whole and necessitate urgent action.
References
Dunn, D. (2005). Substance abuse among nurses-Intercession and intervention. AORN Journal, 82(5), 775–799.
Epstein, P. M., Burns, C., & Conlon, H. A. (2010). Substance abuse among registered nurses. AAOHN Journal, 58(12), 513–516.
Ivey, M. (2015). Substance abuse among nurses. Kentucky Nurse, 63(4), 8–10.