A nurse on the unit notices that a co-worker exhibits a pattern of behavior suggestive of drug abuse. The nurse should:

Question

1. Report the situation to the unit charge nurse.
2. Send an anonymous letter to the director of nursing.
3. Let other co-workers know about the situation.
4. Report the situation, then let management take care of it.

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 1
Rationale 1: As a mandatory reporter, the nurse is required to report situations where co-workers are suspected of impairment, which includes alcohol/drug abuse as well as mental illness. The nurse should report the matter starting at the lowest possible level in the agency hierarchy. In this case, the charge nurse would be appropriate.
Rationale 2: The nurse shouldtake responsibility for the report by being open about it, not making an anonymous report to the higher level of management.
Rationale 3: The nurse should also obtain support from at least one other trustworthy person before filing the report. This doesn't mean telling the whole unit, which could be detrimental to both the nurse reporting the incident and the co-worker.
Rationale 4: After the report is made, the nurse should see the problem through, not assume that management will take care of the situation.