In cases where SUD is suspected as the cause of the diversion , reporting ensures the nurse or other clinician receives the help needed . As the Quick Safety publication on drug diversion from The Joint Commission ( 2019 ) notes , “ see something , say something .”
Nursing students and licensed nursing professionals alike have an ethical responsibility to report suspected SUD . Within provision 3 of the Code of Ethics is an entire section related to impaired practice and the need to act to “ protect patients and ensure that the impaired individual receives assistance .” The code further notes that nurses must take “ appropriate action ” when “ incompetent , unethical , illegal , impaired practice or actions ” put the best interests of the patient “ in jeopardy .” Nursing students and nursing professionals are to report concerns to their preceptor , manager , or the appropriate higher authority in the organization . The organization is required to maintain confidentiality of those reporting .
Nursing students who are concerned about the negative consequences that the nurse they are reporting may face can take comfort in knowing that SUD is now widely acknowledged as a disease , with punitive actions replaced by treatment geared toward addressing the issue and enabling the nurse to safely return to work . For example , many state boards of nursing now have voluntary alternative-to-discipline programs in place that emphasize treatment ( NCSBN , N . D .). Nurses typically don ’ t practice while undergoing treatment , but they may ultimately return to work , although initially , there may be some temporary restrictions on their practice such as limits on hours worked and ability to administer narcotics . Monitoring continues , and restrictions are gradually lifted . These programs have been successful in keeping nurses in the profession .
FAILURE TO REPORT ...
... MAY AFFECT YOUR OWN FUTURE EMPLOYMENT .
Nursing students should keep in mind that failing to report a colleague who is diverting drugs has ethical and professional consequences . The Code of Ethics states that if the reported practice is not corrected and continues to jeopardize patients , nurses “ must report the problem to the appropriate external authorities ” such as licensing boards and regulatory agencies . According to the Code of Federal Regulations Title 21 ( 1975 / 2021 ), the DEA ’ s “ position ” is that those who know about drug diversion must report it to the appropriate person in the organization . Failure to report “ will be considered in determining the feasibility of continuing to allow an employee to work in a drug security area .” In other words , it may affect your own future employment .
Protecting Patients , Helping Colleagues SUD and drug diversion can cause serious consequences for patients and the nurse who is diverting . As a nursing student beginning your career in nursing , you can resolve to prevent drug diversion . To protect patients and ensure diverters receive the help that they need , nursing students should learn the signs of drug diversion and remain alert to potential diversion ; see the sidebar , Preventing Drug Diversion .
38 NSNA IMPRINT • SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2023 • www . nsna . org