A nurse manager suspects that a staff nurse on the night shift has a substance use

disorder. Which of the following actions should the nurse manager take?

Discuss the situation with the facility administrator.

The nurse manager should discuss the situation with the nurse supervisor rather than the

facility administrator.

Document thoroughly any unusual behavior by the nurse.

MY ANSWER

The nurse manager should collect reports from other employees, client concerns, and

observations, as well as statements detailing any related incidents that support the nurse

manager's suspicion that substance use may be involved. The nurse manager can then

refer the nurse to an employee assistance program.

Impose a 2-week suspension with a strong recommendation for rehabilitation.

The nurse manager should remove the nurse from the nursing staff and client care, make

arrangements for the nurse to go home, and then have a formal meeting within 24 hr, if

there is confirmation that the nurse has a substance use disorder.

Counsel the nurse before referring the nurse for help.

The nurse manager's priority after confirming the staff nurse has a substance use disorder

is to refer the staff nurse for professional help. The nurse manager should avoid assuming

the role of counselor because the nurse who is chemically impaired can manipulate or

become dependent on the nurse manager.

2

A nurse is teaching a group of newly licensed nurses about caring for a client who

has Clostridium difficile. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the

teaching?