Peer Assistance Programs for Nurses

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Recommended: Substance abuse in the nursing profession

Substance abuse among health care professionals is an issue that is continually gaining more attention due to the harmful affects it can have individuals as well as the patients. Substance abuse can greatly hinder the ability to provide quality care and if left unchecked could lead to serious implications within the health care facility. There are a significant amount of nurses and health care providers that deal with substance abuse problems. At one point, it was estimated, that 2-3%, of all nurses were addicted to drugs (Trinkoff, & Storr, 1998). To encourage nurses to seek help, the Texas Peer Assistance Program for Nurses was created. This program gives employers, LVNs and RNs the ability to seek help, education, guidance, and support in dealing with substance abuse and mental health illnesses. In this paper, we will examine the ethical perspectives that these programs foster and the ethical responsibilities of the patient, nurse, and coworkers as determined by the Texas Board of Nursing and the Nurse Practice Acts.

As a nurse it is our primary job to protect and promote the well being of patients throughout the health care industry. Each nurse has the responsibility to practice faithfully and to uphold all ethical values. These values are outlined and regulated by two very important entities, The Nursing Practice Acts and the Texas Board of Nursing. Nursing Practice Acts, are specific laws in each state that define a nurse’s scope of practice. These acts were first established in 1909 with the purpose of protecting public health, safety, and welfare. Their purpose is to provide rules and regulations that will protect society from unsafe and unqualified nurses. Nursing professionalism is rooted in the ethics and ...

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...er). Substance abuse among nurses intercession and intervention. Retrieved from http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0FSL/is_5_82/ai_n15866283/pg_7/

Leichter, Louis. (2007, July 17). What is tpapn-the texas peer assistance program for nurses? Retrieved from http://www.txmedicallicensinglaw.com/2007/07/articles/texas-board-of-nurse-examiners/what-is-tpapn-the-texas-peer-assistance-program-for-nurses/

Texas nursing associates: affiliates. (2009). Retrieved from http://www.texasnurses.org/displaycommon.cfm?an=1&subarticlenbr=107

The Texas Board of Nursing,(2009). Nursing practice act. Nursing peer review, nurse licensure compact, & advanced practice registered nurse compact. Austin, TX

Trinkoff, A.M, & Storr, C L. (1998). Substance use among nurses: differences between specialties. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1508454/?page=1

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