The nurse manager is concerned that one staff nurse is demonstrating signs of su

1,2,3 -- Nurses experience many pressures in the workplace and have easy access to drugs, a temptation that may result in greater vulnerability for substance abuse and dependence. There are many observable warning signs of potential abuse (a more complete list appears in table 6-4, Warning Signs of Impaired Nurses in the Workplace) including: Calling for days off before scheduled days off can be a sign of role strain. Using the bathroom frequently could indicate easy access to prescription drugs. Excessive use of mouthwash could indicate alcohol use. Volunteering to transfer a patient to the intensive care unit or following up with nursing assistants on patient care needs are not indications of substance abuse.

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