Kimberly Jeanne Burgans, a 47-year old nurse, was arrested for stealing painkillers while on the job. Full story can be read here. There have been many similar cases. What makes nurses dependent on drugs?
It seems counterintuitive that healthcare professionals, such as nurses do struggle with chemical dependency. And, when nurses are addicted to prescription or illegal drugs, the surrounding environment can be and is often punitive in nature.
Consider the following: Years ago, in 2009, The American Nurses Association (ANA) noted that approximately 10% of nurses were dependent on drugs, making the incidence of drug abuse and addiction among nurses consistent with that of the U.S. population. The data at that time suggested that out of ten nurses, one is likely to struggle with a chemical dependency (Copp, 2009).
Most likely the incidence is greater in today’s sector. Present data also suggests that in critical care areas or in operative settings, the incidence of drug abuse among nurses is higher because the drugs are readily accessible and the patients are typically unconscious (Hrobak).
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Consider the following factors that predispose clinicians to dependency:
The Job-Related Stress
Working with “sick” patients is emotionally taxing, and turning to a substance to alleviate the strain is seemingly a cure-all. Additionally, shifts are often rotated, and that can be taxing. Decompressing and getting necessary sleep can be challenging, and again, a “drug” is often seen as a “quick fix”. In this scenario, this can apply to both legal and illegal drugs/substances.
The Availability of Medications
Nurses are familiar with an array of medications, and it seems “ok” to self-medicate. Nurses work in areas where there is a seemingly easy access to the drug. With that being noted, if there is an addiction, “getting the drug” from the unit almost becomes a necessity.
A Pre-existing Addiction
The nurse might have previously struggled with an addiction, and in the clinical environment, the access to the drug is easy and evident. This “pre-existing” addiction is easily exacerbated by “job-related stress” and it can be fueled by “the availability of medications”. Hence the three are interrelated.
What are the signs?
There are indictors that a colleague might, in fact, be struggling with an addiction. The indicators or signs might include:
- Frequent discrepancies on the medication reconciliation report.
- The clinician might exhibit inappropriate behavior.
- The clinician might have frequent absences from the unit or from work.
- He or she might often use mouthwash.He or she might alter verbal telephone orders.
- There might be frequent unexplained “wastes” from the narcotic count.
- Their patients might, in fact, dispute receiving a narcotic.
So, if there is an addiction or a suspicion, what steps should be taken?
It is hard and challenging to report even a suspicion that a colleague might be struggling with an addiction. But, there is an ethical and moral obligation to take action. Documents such as the American Nurses Association Code of Ethics for Nurses provide a framework for patient safety.
- Personally and privately speak to the clinician.
- Remind them of the employee assistance programs.
- Have a discussion with your manager about the concerns.
- Remind them that recovery is possible and a life without addiction is equally tangible.
In essence, getting help is the first step to a new beginning. Nurses are invested in the well-being of their patients, and being an advocate for their colleagues-they demonstrate an equal investment into health and wellness. The intent of this synopsis is to make nurses aware that substance abuse do happen, addictions do exist. Be aware of the “signs”, and know what actions to take. It is only a “snapshot”, but hopefully it will, in fact open the door for further exploration.