Related Experiment Videos
Substance abuse in nursing. Forming policies
N C Thompson1, S M Handley, S Uhing-Nguyen
1University of Kansas Medical Center, USA.
Nursing Management
|February 1, 1997
Summary
A clear policy on nurse impairment ensures equitable treatment and legal protection for healthcare organizations. Developing such a policy requires dedicated task force efforts over time.
Area of Science:
- Healthcare Management
- Nursing Policy
- Organizational Behavior
Background:
- Impaired practice among nurses poses risks to patient safety and organizational integrity.
- Lack of standardized policies can lead to inconsistent disciplinary actions and legal vulnerabilities.
- Developing a comprehensive policy requires a structured, collaborative approach.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the process of developing a written policy for impaired nursing practice.
- To highlight the importance of a standardized policy for consistent nurse treatment.
- To emphasize the legal protections afforded by a formal policy.
Main Methods:
- A multidisciplinary task force was convened at a large Midwestern medical center.
- Policy development involved a year-long, systematic review and drafting process.
- The approach focused on creating a clear, actionable framework for addressing impaired practice.
Main Results:
- The development process resulted in a comprehensive written policy.
- The policy aims to ensure uniform application of standards to nurses.
- Implementation of the policy provides legal safeguards for the institution.
Conclusions:
- A well-defined policy is crucial for managing nurse impairment effectively.
- Standardized policies promote fairness and reduce legal risks in healthcare settings.
- The described policy development model offers a replicable strategy for other organizations.