if an impaired nurse is my patient is it my duty to report this nurse

by Maeve Walter 3 min read

The impaired nurse: Would you know what to do if you …

18 hours ago Federal and state laws require that certain individuals, particularly those who work in health care, with the elderly, with children, and other vulnerable populations, have an affirmative duty to report to a specified state agency when violence occurs against those populations. Nurses are listed in most, if not all, mandatory reporting statutes. >> Go To The Portal


If a manager knows that a nurse is working while impaired, he or she is required to report the nurse to the Board of Nursing and also is required under the standard of care in the industry to take steps to ensure that the nurse does not neglect or otherwise injure patients. Let's assume for discussion purposes that the facility is a hospital.

Most states require health professionals who they believe are impaired to report to the appropriate authority . Failure to report may have negative consequences for the health practitioner who is aware of the impairment and yet fails to report to the proper authority.Jan 4, 2022

Full Answer

What is the nurse’s duty to protect the impaired?

The Code’s Interpretive Statement 3.6 states, “The nurse’s duty is to take action to protect patients and to ensure that the impaired individual receives assistance.

What happens when a nurse becomes an impaired nurse?

Impaired nurses can become dysfunctional in their ability to provide safe, appropriate patient care. Addiction is considered a disease, but the addicted nurse remains responsible for actions when working.

What happens if a nurse is reported as impaired in Ohio?

In Ohio, as in most other states, the Board investigates such reports, and if the Board determines that the nurse was, in fact, impaired, the Board may offer the nurse the option of avoiding discipline by entering a Board program.

What to do if a nurse is working while impaired?

If a manager knows that a nurse is working while impaired, he or she is required to report the nurse to the Board of Nursing and also is required under the standard of care in the industry to take steps to ensure that the nurse does not neglect or otherwise injure patients. Let's assume for discussion purposes that the facility is a hospital.

What do you do when a nurse is impaired?

Any impaired nurse should be reported immediately to prevent any negative effects to the nurse, the nurse's co-workers or patients. Reporting a colleague can be a positive step as this will protect patients and support their colleagues to enter into treatment programs.

Who may make a report regarding an impaired nurse to the Intervention Project for nurses IPN )?

Any person suspecting impairment of a nurse's ability to provide safe nursing care may report this nurse to the Florida Department of Health (DOH) and/or IPN. Under Florida's Mandatory Reporting Law, all licensed nurses must report any suspected impairment in practice to DOH and/or IPN.

What is the role of the nurse manager when a nurse is suspected of substance abuse?

The nurse manager's role in the process of removing the nurse from patient care is essential. Removal from practice will assist the nurse in focusing on care and treatment of the disorder, but more importantly, the earlier SUD is identified and the nurse is removed from patient care, the sooner patients are protected.

Which one of the following situations requires a nurse to make a mandatory report to CNO?

A nurse practicing in Ontario is required to report certain information about themselves to CNO; this is called “self-reporting.” A nurse is required to self-report to CNO if they: have been charged with any offence. have been found guilty of any offence. have a finding of professional negligence and/or malpractice.

What happens if a nurse who is referred to IPN does not agree to participate or does not complete the IPN?

If the nurse is reported only to IPN, and does not agree to participate, or does not successfully complete IPN, then the information in IPN's possession is forwarded to DOH, and may result in disciplinary action, if deemed appropriate.

What is your responsibility if you identify an impaired provider?

It is a duty and obligation to immediately report any good faith suspicion or concern about an impaired physician. Many states have a legal requirement to report any physician that may be practicing while impaired.

How do you deal with an impaired colleague?

How to Approach Your ColleagueA friendly, one-to-one conversation. “ First, upon observing events that suggest a colleague is impaired, try talking to him or her,” said Dr. ... Document the physician's failings. ... Bring colleagues into the conversation. “ ... Formal confrontation. ... Loss or suspension of license.

What is the nurse's responsibility when confronted with a colleague who is chemically impaired?

The Code's Interpretive Statement 3.6 states, “The nurse's duty is to take action to protect patients and to ensure that the impaired individual receives assistance.

What is impairment in nursing?

Impairment is grounds for disciplinary action by the Board. In Ohio, as in most other states, the Board investigates such reports, and if the Board determines that the nurse was, in fact, impaired, the Board may offer the nurse the option of avoiding discipline by entering a Board program.

How does the Board of Nursing work with the nurse?

In the program, the Board works with the nurse to develop and carry out a treatment plan and works with the employer so that the nurse is properly supervised while undergoing treatment.

What is the code of ethics for nurses?

While state boards of nursing enforce laws to regulate practice, our profession’s Code of Ethics for Nurses with Interpretive Statements, written and revised by the American Nurses Association (ANA) for roughly a century, goes above and beyond the law. It’s the non-negotiable ethical standard to which nurses adhere.

What is the social contract between the nursing profession and society?

The social contract between the nursing profession and society involves the privilege of being granted a license in exchange for our promise to serve the public’s interest in optimal health. This includes protecting society from the harm of unsafe nursing practice.