Substance abusing nurses appearing before the Board of Nursing

Substance abuse among nurses is a problem of growing concern. In an effort to explore this problem, the authors investigated 122 files of substance abuse cases from the Mississippi State Board of Nursing from 1956 to 1984. Results of this analysis are presented and recommendations are suggested. Substance abuse is one of the major problems facing the general public today (Jarvis, 1980). It has been postulated that individuals more likely to become involved with drugs are those experiencing high stress levels in work situations. Nursing is considered by some to be one of the most stressful of all the health care profession. That nurses may have a special problem with substance abuse is becoming more evident. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing reported 971 substance abuse actions during a period from September 1980 through August 1981 (More Help, 1983). This study attempts to develop a profile of the substance abusing nurse in one state who was found guilty of substance abuse charges by the Board of Nursing.