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Week 5.1 nr 532 | Nursing homework help

Introduction

As a nurse executive in a healthcare organization, one of the major legal/regulatory issues that can arise is the suspicion of chemical impairment in a nurse, especially if it is accompanied by allegations of drug diversion and medication errors. Such an issue can have significant consequences for the safety of patients and the reputation of the healthcare organization. This paper outlines the steps that a nurse leader can take to validate the allegations of chemical impairment and drug diversion, and the strategies that can be implemented to address this issue in a Person-Centred Nursing Leadership Framework.

Steps Related to Legal/Regulatory Issue

When faced with allegations of chemical impairment, the nurse leader should immediately take steps to investigate the issue. The first step is to collect all relevant information related to the allegations, including the details of the incidents, the nurse’s work history, and any information related to the nurse’s drug use. The nurse leader should then notify the appropriate authorities, including the state board of nursing and the organization’s human resources department, of the allegations. The nurse leader should also ensure that the nurse in question is immediately removed from patient care and is provided with support, such as referral to an employee assistance program.

Once the allegations are confirmed to be true, the nurse leader should work with the appropriate authorities to determine the appropriate disciplinary action for the nurse, including termination of employment if necessary. The nurse leader should also provide support to the affected patients and their families, and implement measures to prevent similar incidents in the future, such as increased monitoring of controlled substances and medication administration.

State-Board Recovery Program

Many state boards of nursing have established recovery programs for chemically-impaired nurses. These programs provide support and treatment to nurses who are struggling with chemical dependency and aim to ensure that these nurses can return to safe practice. In the absence of a state board recovery program, the nurse leader can propose the implementation of a similar program for the healthcare organization. The recovery program should provide confidential support and access to treatment for chemically-impaired nurses, as well as a structured reentry program to ensure that these nurses can return to safe practice.

Strategies

The Person-Centred Nursing Leadership Framework by McCormack and McCance (2017) emphasizes the importance of a contextual approach to leadership, which takes into account the specific context and needs of the healthcare organization. The following strategies can be implemented to address the legal/regulatory issue of chemical impairment in a Person-Centred Nursing Leadership Framework:

1. Increase awareness and education: Nurse leaders should educate all staff on the signs and symptoms of chemical impairment and the consequences of drug diversion. This education can be provided through mandatory training programs and periodic reminders.
2. Improve monitoring of controlled substances: The nurse leader should implement measures to increase the monitoring of controlled substances, including the use of automated dispensing cabinets, regular audits, and random drug testing.
3. Implement support programs: The nurse leader should establish a support program for all staff, including access to confidential counseling and support for those struggling with chemical dependency.

Supporting Evidence

The following sources provide evidence to support the strategies outlined above:

1. American Nurses Association. (2016). Substance use disorder among nurses: Addressing impairment in the workplace. Retrieved from https://www.nursingworld.org/~4ac9d9/globalassets/docs/ana/ethics/substance_use_disorder_among_nurses.pdf
2. Institute for Safe Medication Practices. (2019). Promoting safe use of opioids and other controlled substances in hospitals. Retrieved from https://www.ismp.org/resources/promoting-safe-use-opioids-and-other-controlled-substances-hospitals
3. National Council of State Boards of Nursing. (2017). Alternative to discipline programs: A resource guide for state boards of nursing. Retrieved from https://www.ncsbn.org/alt