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ABSTRACT
Background: Although some studies have examined the prevalence of substance use among nurses, few have assessed substance use in the workplace or early cues for identifying these health conditions. Primary data collected as part of a larger program evaluation were examined with the purpose of better understanding (a) the context and perceived consequences of substance use and mental illness among nurses and (b) barriers and opportunities for earlier identification and treatment of these issues among nurses, their colleagues, and employers. Methods: Anonymous surveys were mailed to 441 active and recent participants of a peer health assistance program in the summer of 2010. The survey examined drug-related behaviors in the workplace; behavioral cues that may permit earlier identification of substance use and mental illness; perceptions of barriers to seeking assistance; and strategies for preventing problems and overcoming barriers to seeking assistance. Results: Responses were received from 302 nurses (69%). Nearly half (48%) reported drug or alcohol use at work, and two fifths (40%) felt that their competency level was affected by their use. More than two thirds of respondents thought their problem could have been recognized earlier. The most highly rated barriers to seeking assistance for substance use and mental illness included fear and embarrassment and concerns about losing one's nursing license. Respondents recommended greater attention be paid to early identification of risk factors during nurses’ professional training as a prevention strategy. Conclusions: Findings from this study provide preliminary data that can be used by schools of nursing and health care employers to improve early identification of nurses’ substance use and mental illness treatment needs. These data also suggest a need for more research to explore the prevention and early identification of co-occurring disorders in health care settings where nurses practice.
FUNDING
This work was funded by Peer Assistance Services, Inc., a Colorado 501(c)(3) nonprofit agency dedicated to quality, accessible prevention and intervention services in workplaces and communities and focused on substance use and related issues. The funding agency played a large role in the work reported in and the composition of the manuscript submission.
AUTHOR CONTRIBUTIONS
Alexa Cares was responsible for data collection, analysis, interpretation of results, writing, and revision. Elizabeth Pace was responsible for research conception and design, data collection, interpretation of the results, writing, and revision. Jean Denious provided interpretation of the results, writing, and revision. Lori A. Crane was responsible for research conception and design, collection of data, analysis, interpretation of the results, writing, and revision.