Discuss your feelings about these behaviors affecting nurses in their careers and home life.

Changing maladaptive behaviors in nursing | nursing | Rasmussen College System

Chemical dependency and codependency are serious issues that can affect nurses both in their professional and personal lives. These maladaptive behaviors can lead to impaired judgment, reduced work performance, and even jeopardize patient safety. Nurses who struggle with these behaviors may experience a range of negative consequences, including job loss, legal troubles, and relationship problems.

As a unit manager, it is essential to be proactive in addressing these issues to support nurses who may be struggling. This can involve creating a culture of support and education around addiction and codependency, ensuring that staff are aware of the resources available to them. It may also involve implementing policies and procedures to address substance abuse, such as random drug testing, treatment referrals, and support groups.

One of the most important ways to help nurses who are struggling with addiction or codependency is to provide them with compassionate and non-judgmental support. This means creating an environment where nurses feel safe to come forward with their struggles, without fear of repercussions or stigma. Encouraging nurses to seek out professional help, such as addiction counseling or therapy, can also be beneficial.

Overall, it is important for unit managers to recognize the potential impact of chemical dependency and codependency on nursing practice and take proactive steps to support staff who may be struggling. By providing education, resources, and compassionate support, unit managers can help nurses overcome these issues and thrive in their professional and personal lives.