...Addiction and Awareness Chris Darnell NUR/440 June 6, 2011 Nita Magee-Cornelius Addiction and Awareness Addiction is a problem that touches many families in today’s society. In Madison County Alabama the use of alcohol and drugs is a growing problem in all age groups, especially in the younger generation. Working in a large emergency department nurses and doctors are seeing more drug abuse victims and dealing with patients who are addicted is a huge challenge for most health care professionals. In the emergency department at Huntsville Hospital where 250 to 400 patients are seen daily, many of the patients seen are addicted to some type of mind altering substance. “According to the 2007 National Survey on Drug Use and health, more than eight million people in the U.S. are current users of prescription drugs for non-medical purposes” (Alabama Department of Public Health, n.d.). This is a staggering number considering this does not include illicit street drugs. Drug use is growing for several reasons including the state of the economy, different mental disorders, and abusive or unhappy personal lives. Addicts know that an easy place to obtain their fix is to come in the emergency department and complain of some type of pain because the longer the addict is using, often higher doses of the drug may be required. “Individuals who become addicted to psychoactive substances typically experience relatively less pleasure in response to drug use over time, but their craving...
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...Ashley, I enjoyed reading your post and getting the perspective of an emergency room nurse. I can understand how tough it is to deal with the same patients coming in for the same reasons repeatedly. While I agree with you and I believe having limits and rules can help curb the problem of patients constantly arriving in the ER, I feel that there is a much bigger problem in that there are not enough treatment programs for the people suffering from addiction and abuse issues. According to the Journal of Addictions Nursing (2015), “Roughly half of the patients diagnosed with such disorders in 2012 did not have access to medication-assisted treatment facilities” (p. 157). Emergency rooms must have resources and facilities available to aid and...
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...Substance Abuse in Nursing The purpose of this paper is to discuss the problem of nurses impaired by substance abuse and to explore actions that are being taken to either prevent or correct the problem once it has occurred. My reasons for choosing this topic is that I will soon be entering the nursing field and the likely hood of me working with an impaired or addicted nurse appears to be very likely; the more I know on the subject the better prepared I will be to handle the situation. It has been estimated that roughly 10% of the nursing population has alcohol or drug abuse problems furthermore 6% has an addiction serious enough to interfere with their ability to practice (Talbert, 2009). The American Nurses Association (ANA) estimated that 6%--8% of nurses use alcohol or drugs to the extent that professional judgment is impaired. Impaired nursing is defined as a nurse's inability to perform essential job functions because of chemical dependency on drugs or alcohol or mental illness (Blair, 2002). This is of particular relevance because substance abuse among nurses is an issue that threatens the delivery of quality care and professional standards of nursing, “many nurses are not identified as having a problem until patient safety has been compromised” (Talbert, 2009). A. Introduction-5 points State the purpose of your paper and your reason for choosing your topic. B. Definition of Topic-10 points Begin with a definition of the issue, followed by identification of...
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...Running head: SUBSTANCE ABUSE IN NURSING Substance Abuse in Nursing Erika O. Substance Abuse in Nursing The purpose of this paper is to discuss the problem of nurses impaired by substance abuse and to explore actions that are being taken to either prevent or correct the problem once it has occurred. My reasons for choosing this topic is that I will soon be entering the nursing field and the likely hood of me working with an impaired or addicted nurse appears to be very likely; the more I know on the subject the better prepared I will be to handle the situation. It has been estimated that roughly 10% of the nursing population has alcohol or drug abuse problems furthermore 6% has an addiction serious enough to interfere with their ability to practice (Talbert, 2009). The American Nurses Association (ANA) estimated that 6%--8% of nurses use alcohol or drugs to the extent that professional judgment is impaired. Impaired nursing is defined as a nurse's inability to perform essential job functions because of chemical dependency on drugs or alcohol or mental illness (Blair, 2002). This is of particular relevance because substance abuse among nurses is an issue that threatens the delivery of quality care and professional standards of nursing, “many nurses are not identified as having a problem until patient safety has been compromised” (Talbert, 2009). A. Introduction-5 points State the purpose of your paper and your reason for choosing your topic...
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...Nursing Reflection Paper There has been an incessant change in the nursing line of work. The nursing range of practice is broadening; this has necessitated highly learned nurses (Van Leuven, 2014). Just as suggested in the IOM report, the nursing practice’s future ought to have additional skilled and merited nurses. The report sought to brighten up the nursing future. The proposals offered in the IOM report included ensuring that the nurses in baccalaureate level rose to 80% by 2020 with the doctorate-level nurses rising by 100% besides encouraging continuous learning among nursing practitioners (IOM, 2010). In this study, I intend to offer a discussion on how to personally play a part in these suggestions. Besides that, this study offers my opportunities in the employment sector besides discussing how increasing education in my current...
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...prescriptions, along with heroin’s cheaper cost and increased availability (CDC, 2017). To prevent heroin addiction from forming, it has been instructed that health professionals revise when and how much opioid pain prescriptions are prescribed to patients (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration [SAMHSA], 2016). To prevent the scope of the heroin epidemic in the Northern Shenandoah Valley there are drug collection units throughout, including in Winchester and Berryville (NSVAC, 2016). The goal is to decrease the availability of unused prescription pain medication. This may prevent opioid abuse from beginning in teenagers and young...
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...Addiction in Adolescence Valencia Scafe Dr. Jimmy Myers 23 April 2014 Addiction in Adolescence It is a curious thing that people continue to pursue habits that cause them certain or a definite harm, this harm maybe caused to their individual self or those around them, and yet they continue to pursue it. The answer to why may not be given clearly even by these people themselves. Most of the smokers, substance abusers and alcoholics, as well as drug addicts are well aware of the negative effects that they may be dragging themselves towards but are not able to change their habits, for their addiction is too great and their self-control too weak. For most people, pain is nothing but a nuisance, but for many others pain is what controls their lives. Pain however is a feeling that brings us discomfort and puts us through feelings that are at times almost imaginable; and we all can relate to different kinds of pains that we as human beings have gone through. Pain is a feeling that can lead to quite a few side effects in life, if not dealt with in a proper way; these side effects may include several different forms of pain such as anxiety, depression hence pushing the individual towards an incredible amount of stress (Abuse, 2010). Drug addiction and drug abuse has been a commonly, widespread global problem and refers to the excessive consumption of any substance that may cause addiction, this consumption reaches such a level that...
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...also be concerned about her psychological condition and if she suffers from any mental illness. Additionally, I would reflect on how to establish a safe environment for the patient. How to Assist the Client during Planning Identifying the stage of prevention is required to help a person in need. This female needs a secondary prevention. This measure identifies, plans around, and reduces the impact of a current disease (Harkness & DeMarco, 2012, p. 90). As a public health nurse, during planning I can assist the client in making the decisions to cease substance abuse and to seek permanent housing. I can also help her access Social Services and assist her with obtaining the appropriate medical care. I can encourage her to complete an Addiction Severity Index (ASI) followed by a drug screening for potential drugs. Furthermore, I can provide her with information regarding the...
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...Substance abuse among Nurses: Impact on Nurses and their patients Anam Afaq Nursing 110-E Dr. Millenbach Drug and alcohol abuse is a serious health and social problem in the United States. Many people in the general population are unaware of how widespread drug addiction has become. Even fewer are aware of the number of healthcare professionals such as nurses that misuse drug and alcohol. The number of substance abuse nurses is believed to parallel the drug abuse in a general population (Talbert, 2009). Substance abuse among nurses is a problem that not only threatens the delivery of quality care to patients but also the impacts the professional standards of nursing. The healthcare profession is one of the most important professions in the world and nurses are the most trusted professionals in the world. According to the American Nurses Association (ANA), “Nursing is the protection, promotion, and optimization of health and abilities, prevention of illness and injury, alleviation of suffering through the diagnosis and treatment of human response, and advocacy in the care of individuals, families, communities, and populations.” When I read this definition, the words “protection”, “prevention” and “advocacy” stand out to me the most. The registered nurses are the premier advocates for safety and quality of patient care and health and safety of other health care professionals and co-workers. How will the nurses that have problems with substance abuse continue to protect...
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...Short answer Question/Week 3 Debra Thompson, R.N. Nur 478/week 3 September 1, 2015 Marjorie Jessen, DNP, FNP Short Answer Question As nursing has become an advanced, specialized and independent field, her role is changing. Every action made, by the nurse, she must maintain accountability and take responsibility for all decision made. Ensure that efficient and effective care is provided to protect the hospital and the patient within her care. Within this realm of her responsibility, she must also function under the law and her nursing code of ethics. To practice within the law, and the code of ethics, decisions are more difficult with the evolving medical technology and expanding autonomy scope of practice. As the role of nursing changes, there have also been an increasing number of implications in medical malpractice cases, concerning nurses, when in the past most of these cases are, referred to physicians. Some of the causes for the nurses’ implication is because they work long hours, the stressful work environment, and the decreased staffing. With all of these added stressors related to the profession, an indicator that have been a factor and prominent problems for some of the nurses’ malpractice suits is impairment on duty. With this dilemma, what would you do if you discovered a co-worker or very close friend that was impaired by drugs or alcohol? A moral turmoil presents, as what to do with the situation, once you suspected. What would be even harder...
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...I attended my first AA meeting as a nursing student. Though, working in psychiatric unit I have attended many groups on addiction, and watched movies, I still was excited to attend this meeting. It was not at all a surprise to see well dressed and groomed attendants. However, the majority of the attendants were elderlies. This might be because of the time of the meeting; it was Wednesday at 11am and this is more convenient time for retired elderly population in the community. I introduced myself to the organizers and they were very supportive; and it was even more pleasing to see members who are very sociably interacting to each other and newcomers which, indeed is a very great tool to support each other. The meeting is well structured. Prior to what is scheduled for the day, the team leader introduces new comers, and share new events. The lady who was leading the meeting introduced herself and appoints different members to read the criteria of membership or attending the group, the purpose of the meeting, and outcome or goal expected from the meeting. This sounds more like nursing care plan to me. Different members also share their insightful experience with the group. This AA meeting incorporates spiritual guidance in getting sober...
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...During Leroy’s high school years he was an athlete who began drinking and smoking at a young age. He received a football scholarship to college but lost eligibility because of his grades and dropped out. He had two marriages, both ending in divorce due to his drunken temper. He had 6 children, none of which he had relationships with. He worked in construction until his alcohol addiction, weight gain, and poor health caught up to him and he was discharged. After a drunken fall, Leroy fractured his skull, ending up in a low quality nursing facility. He is no longer aloud to drink or smoke and spends his time angry and yelling at the staff (Zastrow and Kirst-Ashman, 2009). Based on my eco map of Leroy Karas, I believe that the single strongest...
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...which objectives, that I would like to revisit, as more experience with particular objectives will be beneficial to me. Summary of experience: - Deniele was not at Sundown in the morning, so another counselor Patty led the girls group. - Got to know Patty. - Participated in the morning group. - Talk with Patty about counseling and nursing. - Lunch - Talked with Dave and Patty, and learned a lot about psychology and addiction. - Attended adult lecture. - Participated in the afternoon group. - Attended the staff meeting....
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...“Drug Seeking” in Health Care Chronic pain affects a significant number of individuals living worldwide. The International Association on the Study of Pain [IASP] and the European Federation of the IASP Chapters [EFIC] indicates that one in five people suffer from moderate to severe chronic pain, and one in three are unable to maintain a lifestyle of independence due to their pain (World Health Organization [WHO], 2004). The WHO identifies that pain relief is an integral right for individuals to attain the highest level of physical and mental health (2004). The Committee on Advancing Pain Research, Care, and Education at the Institute of Medicine [IOM] (2011) examines pain as a public concern. The report concluded that chronic pain affects the lives of about 100 million US adults, “more than the total affected by heart disease, cancer, and diabetes combined” and is a national challenge (2011). Pain is a subjective physiologic phenomenon that cannot be objectified or verified and is often un-assessed, un-diagnosed, and undertreated. This stands as a serious public health concern because individuals experiencing chronic pain are at great risk for decreased functional status and quality of life. Additionally, individuals living with chronic pain experience the common co-morbidities of depression, anxiety, and anger (Wilsey et al., 2008). The IASP/EFIC data from WHO (2004) concludes that one in four individuals experiencing pain, report that relationships with family and...
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...process of which the administrator determines a course of action is reviewed but his context of workplace realities through an ethical analysis. This article was about a woman named Jackie that was a nurse and she was overwhelmed with her job. She tried talking to her husband but was convinced to continue working because who pay check was making their saving grow extremely large. To make her husband happy she continues to work as a nurse. She was working in different units that she started to use the narcotic that were prescribing to the patient that she was caring for. She started to take the patient pain medications that weren’t asking for their medications. Then Jackie started to replace the medications with the saline. Jackie had an addiction to pain medication. The administrative Michelle found out because Jackie was working in the surgical unit and the pharmacist had notice there was errors on the medication log sheet. Michelle had requested for the entire narcotic log sheet and the names of...
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