A personal recovery program for codependent nurse practitioners

Codependence is a progressive emotional and behavioral disease that makes life painful. Because of nursing's historical roots and the present role of advance-practice nurses in the health care system, nurse practitioners are at risk for developing this disease. Codependence interferes with nurse practitioner's job performance by causing dysfunctional interactions with supervisors, peers and subordinates. A personal program of recovery is the only way to halt the progress of this syndrome and to re-establish healthy work patterns. The stages of recovery from codependence are identification, awareness, reintegration and genesis. Tools of recovery include involvement in a 12 Step program, connecting with other recovering people, daily affirmations and meditations, and attending programs and workshops on codependence.