CONCLUSION

Nurses provide direct care to more patients than any other health profession. Thus, an impaired nurse poses a serious threat to patient safety. Many states, including Florida, have laws that address the issue of impaired practice in nursing, including reporting, discipline, treatment, and recovery. Under Florida law, all licensed nurses must report suspected impairment, and failure to report can lead to disciplinary action by the Board of Nursing and result in serious consequences.

Nurses are responsible for the safety of patients, and it is every nurse’s duty to recognize and respond to impairment in the workplace. This requires that all nurses understand substance use disorder as an occupational hazard and be able to recognize signs and behaviors associated with impairment. It also requires nurses to be vigilant about their own risk and take steps to support healthy work environments that encourage education about substance use disorder and support for nurses who need help.