Related Experiment Videos
Drug use and disciplinary actions among 300 nurses.
E J Sullivan1, L Bissell, D Leffler
1School of Nursing, University of Kansas.
The International Journal of the Addictions
|April 1, 1990
Summary
This study surveyed 300 nurses recovering from substance use disorders, finding that while many experienced job performance issues, few faced disciplinary action. Narcotic use was linked to disciplinary measures.
Area of Science:
- Nursing
- Addiction Medicine
- Occupational Health
Background:
- Substance use disorders (SUDs) among healthcare professionals, particularly nurses, pose risks to patient safety and workplace performance.
- Understanding the specific impacts of different substances on job performance and disciplinary outcomes is crucial for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between alcohol and other drug use and its effects on job performance among U.S. nurses in recovery.
- To identify the prevalence of disciplinary actions related to substance use in this population and explore demographic and substance-specific correlations.
Main Methods:
- A survey was administered to 300 U.S. nurses undergoing recovery from alcohol and other drug dependency.
- Data collected included self-reported substance use patterns, observed effects on job performance, and history of disciplinary actions related to nursing licenses.
Main Results:
- A significant proportion of nurses reported experiencing various drug categories, with many noting visible impacts on their job performance.
- Despite reported performance issues, only 23% of nurses faced disciplinary action against their licenses.
- Alcohol dependency was more prevalent in females and older nurses, whereas younger nurses and males reported higher rates of narcotic dependency.
- Narcotic use demonstrated a statistically significant association with disciplinary action.
Conclusions:
- While substance use among nurses can impair job performance, disciplinary actions are not universally applied.
- Demographic factors and specific substance use, particularly narcotics, are associated with increased risk of disciplinary outcomes.
- Further research is warranted to develop effective support systems and policies for nurses with substance use disorders to ensure both professional accountability and recovery support.