Essay on Drug Abuse In the Nursing Profession - 2211 Words

This is a disease that tells you that you don’t have it. It’s the only disease I know that argues with you and says, ‘Look, despite all the evidence, you don’t have a problem’ (Kunyk and Austin, 2005, p. 385). All over the world, people suffer from the addictive properties of the many varieties drugs. In the recent decade, increasing amounts of nurses have begun to see the effects of substance usage while on the job. This unpublicized problem that is sweeping nurses in America is a problem that should not be ignored as they are the frontline of healthcare. Issue At Hand The many responsibilities burdened on nurses have a detrimental effect on them as it leads to long, tiresome shifts. The physical and emotional exhaustion that the†¦show more content†¦The interaction between the nurses, coupled with long days in the hospital, leads to tight-knit bonds because of how much time they spend together. This bond, while healthy in some aspects, can actually be detrimental to the nurses and other hospital staff. It allows some nurses to get away with actions that would otherwise be reported to a higher authority. Nurses working under the influence will have a bit of leeway from other colleagues because of the friendships built. Even though nurses and other hospital staff members are responsible for reporting any evidence of irregular behavior or wrong doings, they fear getting bullied or other repercussions from whistle-blowing on their fellow colleagues. Studies have shown that the odds of a nurse not reporting a coworker for suspect ed substance abuse while at work were 5 to 1 (Monroe et al., 2011, p. 2). This is disgraceful as nurses have the obligation of protecting their patients and colleagues. Considering that nurses build family like relationships, they expect each other to support one another and not report any wrong doings to police or administrators. When nurses are caught using drugs, it has been said that the nursing organization is an army that shoots its wounded, which is an unacceptable method of treating their own (Kunyk Austin, 2012, p. 381). Those that are punished are left with no job options, leading them to fall further into the endless holeShow MoreRelatedSubstance Abuse During The Medical Profession1401 Words   |  6 PagesIn many places around the world substance abuse has become a frequent issue. Many people may not be aware of substance abuse in nurses, from prescription drugs to alcohol and even cigarettes. Abuse from nurses poses a new challenge to the profession due to their jobs as caretakers and their access to controlled substances. It is a perplexing thought that people whose profession is to care for other don’t do the same for themselves. 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