Description of the Topic
The problem of substance-impaired learners can be considered a significant issue in modern society. Accessibility of drugs along with the high level of demands to students contribute to the increased risk of using drugs to cope with the pressure and achieve appropriate results (Schwartz, n.d). However, impaired learners face the high risk of the emergence of health problems, and problematic socialization because of the negative impact of drugs on their conscience (Ayala, Roseman, Winseman, & Mason, 2017). Moreover, their learning abilities become decreased and poor academic results are observed. This category of students can also have problems with a crime because of the need for new drugs. For this reason, the topic acquires the top priority for the modern sphere of education.
Impaired Learners Among Nursing Students
The problem of drug abuse is also relevant for nursing students. In accordance with the latest statistics, about 50% of nursing students consume substances such as alcohol or marihuana to decrease the level of pressure or for other reasons (Strobbe & Crowley, 2017). However, multiple demands to the quality of knowledge they should possess introduce the need for hard learning which can be difficult for students (Fry, 2015). The accessibility of drugs complicates the problem as nursing students have more opportunities to find them. That is why, about 25% of learners in the healthcare sphere use drugs to become more effective and struggle with tiredness and stress (Strobbe & Crowley, 2017).
Benefits to Learners
Speaking about the benefits of using drugs and other substances while learning, one should remember the fact that they are timely and the negative long-term effects prevail. However, the majority of impaired users state that the use of drugs helps to improve their endurance levels during study hours which is critical for their academic success (Strobbe & Crowley, 2017). At the same time, the healthcare sector is traditionally associated with the high level of pressure because of the responsibility and the need to master multiple skills. Drugs can help to reduce the level of stress and contribute to the increased mood (Strobbe & Crowley, 2017). However, all these benefits are doubted because of the overall negative effect their constant use might have on students.
Disadvantages and Difficulties
There are also multiple problems associated with substance-impaired learners. First of all, if the prolonged use is reported, drugs can do substantial harm to the health of a person and result in irreversible changes in his/her body (Strobbe & Crowley, 2017). At the same time, the constant need for new doses if the addiction emerges might deteriorate the quality of people’s lives (Marshall, Regala, Gray, Pedlar, & Naguit, 2017). From another hand, healthcare students using drugs during their studying risk their would-be career and occupation as the work of a nurse presupposes the contact with various substances. Abusers will not have the level of trust needed to provide them with an opportunity to work and evolve.
Summary
Altogether, the problem of substance-impaired learners remains topical for the modern sphere of education and healthcare sector. Statistics report that there is a high percentage of students who use drugs during their courses to attain better effectiveness and endurance levels (McCulloh Nair, Nemeth, Sommers, & Newman, 2015). At the same time, stress and responsibility are another factors promoting the use of drugs by learners. Thus, regardless of the fact that some benefits can be observed, there are multiple negative aspects that should be considered as they might destroy the career and result in the emergence of many problems in communication with other people. For this reason, there is a need for specific interventions to solve the problem.
Recommendations
Regarding the topicality of the problem, the following list of recommendations can be suggested to improve the current situation. First of all, there is a need for better monitoring practices to determine drug users among nursing students (ANA, n.d.). It will help to provide them with the appropriate psychological support and avoid deterioration of their states (ANA, n.d.). At the same time, the level of stress should be reduced by introducing more flexible and convenient schedules for students to recover and have enough energy to continue working. Finally, education about the pernicious impact of this pattern on their health and career should be introduced.
References
ANA. (n.d.). Substance use among nurses and nursing students. Web.
Ayala, E., Roseman, D., Winseman, J., & Mason, H. (2017). Prevalence, perceptions, and consequences of substance use in medical students. Medical Education Online, 22(1). doi:10.1080/10872981.2017.1392824
Fry, L. (2015). The impaired student: Substance abuse in medical students. Australian Medical Student Journal.
Marshall, M., Regala, R., Gray, L., Pedlar, E., & Naguit, S. (2017). Common factors related to illicit substance use among nurses in North America.Student Research Posters.
McCulloh Nair, J., Nemeth, L., Sommers, M., & Newman, S. (2015). Substance abuse policy among nursing students: A scoping review. Journal of Addictions Nursing, 26(4), 166-174. doi:10.1097/JAN.0000000000000094.
Schwartz, G. (n.d.). How do drugs and alcohol impede students’ academic progress? Web.
Strobbe, S., & Crowley, M. (2017). Substance use among nurses and nursing students: A joint position statement of the emergency Nurses Association and the International Nurses Society on Addictions. Journal of Addictions Nursing, 28(2), 104-106. doi:10.1097/JAN.0000000000000150