Abstract
This review presents a snapshot of the research that has been done on substance abuse impairment in nursing. Research has focused primarily on the prevalence of impairment, then attitudes about impairment, followed by identifying antecedents and characteristics of impaired nurses. Many of the research studies focused on middle- to late-stage risk factors, with very few exploring early risk indicators. Exploration of early risk factors is still in the beginning stages. A review of the literature shows the evolution of research as investigations progressed from identifying prevalence and attitudes, to identifying antecedents and risk factors. The section on risk factors with impairment is separated into five topics: (1) general studies about risk factors, (2) early risk factors with impairment, (3) sensation seeking as a risk factor, (4) family drug/alcohol use history, and (5) multidimensional factors related to impairment. Researchers generally agree that substance abuse is a prevalent problem, that nurses are as prone to impairment as the rest of society, and that the causes of impairment are multi-factorial. More research is needed to identify early risk indicators. Prevention, education, and early intervention could be initiated with nurses and student nurses once early risk factors are identified. The goal is to reduce the phenomena and prevalence of impairment in nursing.