If you or someone you know in the health-care profession is struggling with substance use, reach out for support through your employer, union, or available private resources. Confidential help is available, and seeking assistance is an important first step.
Health care is demanding work, in which impairment could result in direct and significant risk of injury to clients. If you have concerns that a colleague is impaired at work, you have legal and ethical reporting responsibilities. Early recognition, reporting, and intervention are crucial for client safety and helping colleagues recover.
A nurse, practice concerns, and risks for clients
A nurse struggles
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Kelsey isn't sure how she got to this point. After a difficult separation, and then a car accident, she began taking narcotics prescribed by her doctor for a back injury. When her prescription ran out, she began using narcotics from her workplace that should have been wasted. Now, Kelsey is taking (diverting) narcotics intended for clients. Keep reading»
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A colleague acts
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Justin is working with Kelsey for the first time in a few months, and he’s worried about the changes he sees in her. He knows Kelsey’s been dealing with a lot—a marriage breakup and a significant back injury—but her behaviour during shifts makes him concerned for client safety. Justin's not sure what to do. He doesn’t want to make an allegation without proof or cause Kelsey to lose her job. But he knows he has a legal and professional responsibility to ensure the safety of clients by reporting Kelsey’s behaviour. Keep reading»
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A manager reports
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Ranjeet knows her first duty is to protect clients by making sure staff are providing safe care. Given the safety implications from the health record audit and Kelsey's observed behaviour, Ranjeet knows she will need to put Kelsey on leave while she investigates. Ranjeet sets up an immediate meeting with Kelsey, her union representative, and a human resource liaison to review the concerns. During the meeting, Kelsey asks for a medical leave. Keep reading»
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What are your thoughts?
- Have you ever found yourself in this situation?
- What would you do if you observed behaviour like this in a colleague?