Nurses are often under constant stress and pressure. As a nurse, you are responsible for the lives of others, and that kind of pressure can push you to find ways of coping.
Unfortunately, some nurses turn to harmful substances to manage the stress of their jobs. These include alcohol, illicit drugs or even prescription drugs.
Since nurses are in close contact with prescription medication, these substances are often the drug of choice. In fact, American Addiction Centers states that nurses with the easiest access are more likely to abuse prescription medication.
Any kind of substance abuse can put your nursing career at risk. If you are facing this kind of challenge, here is some information that can help protect both your health and your license.
What are the consequences of substance abuse?
Substance abuse is a serious issue for healthcare workers. Primarily, alcohol and drugs can cause impairment which, in turn, can put patients at risk. For example, misuse of prescription drugs can lead to drowsiness, balance issues and trouble concentrating.
That said, hospitals and government agencies can impose punishments for nurses abusing drugs. These can include but are not limited to:
- Suspension
- Demotion
- Termination
- License revocation
- Criminal or civil lawsuits
In extreme cases, the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) can suspend or revoke licenses.
Will you lose your license if you seek treatment?
Like anyone else facing addiction issues, you deserve proper treatment without the fear of negative consequences. Luckily, there are many organizations that provide treatment for impaired practitioners, such as the Professionals Resource Network (PRN).
If you voluntarily enter treatment, the treatment center will not inform the BRN unless you fall off track and refuse to continue recovery. This can also help avoid other disciplinary actions and criminal charges. In contrast, you may lose your license faster if you do not seek treatment at all.
Getting treatment now can help protect your future
Healthcare workers are not immune to addiction, which is why there are many programs tailored to the needs of medical professionals facing these battles. If you are struggling with prescription drug abuse, don’t hesitate to seek these resources.
Furthermore, consider consulting an attorney who can help you take proactive measures to protect your nursing license.
