The video Substance Use Disorder in Nursing provided by NCSBN describes how the nursing profession can trigger substance use disorder and the ways of addressing the problem. While nurses and other healthcare professionals have about the same prevalence of substance abuse and addiction as the general public, there are unique workplace factors that contribute to the problem. Even though substance use disorder is a dangerous disease and severe violation of workplace standards, nurses can be cured and return to work if the matter is addressed time and effectively.
Nurse leaders and colleagues should be the first line of defense against substance use disorder. All healthcare professionals should be trained to indicate and report substance abuse in the workplace. Hospital workers are to notice incorrect counts of restricted medications, a large amount of waste, numerous corrections in records, and controlled substance discrepancies. Moreover, subtle changes in appearance, behavior, and work performance can also be signs of substance addiction (“Substance Use Disorder in Nursing”). Colleagues and nurse leaders more easily notice all these signals and, therefore, can help by timely reporting the problem.
Substance use disorder in nurses is a disease that can be cured and the nurse can return to work under an individual contract. If a case of drug abuse is recorded, investigated, and treated nurses can return to their job without severe consequences for their career. Therefore, there is no reason to fear to report the problem of substance misuse and seek help from the professionals.
The video is beneficial for understanding that substance use disorder in nursing is a complex problem with severe consequences that can be prevented by timely intervention. The material is crucial for nurses to avoid becoming addicted to the controlled substances or to help their colleagues who are facing the problem. In conclusion, supportive behavior and compassion of the coworkers and supervisors are the basis of a healthy workplace environment.
Work Cited
“Substance Use Disorder in Nursing.” YouTube, uploaded by NCSBNInteract. 2013. Web.