The Impaired Nurse
What should you do Now that you know?
You have worked a long shift and can't wait to get home.  Your relief is in sight.  When she arrives she acts strangely but you decide that she has probably had a bad day and give her report.  You go home and rest because you will be returning to the unit in 12 hours.

The next day, you again are fatigued but when your relief arrives you detect not only the overly loud affect but your nose tells you that while her breath is minty fresh, she is exuding an odor that you have detected before in individuals who have high alcohol levels.

What do You do?
ANA Resources on Impaired Nurses
The Impaired Health Professional
What You should know Nursing Research
Connecticut proposed legislation 2007
Connecticut Nurses AWARE Project
Narcotic use and Nursing
Hosted by www.Geocities.ws

1