A nurse who has been abusing narcotics is in the nurse executive's office discussing the charges. The nurse executive is trying to convince the nurse to seek treatment for the abuse. Which statement should the nurse executive make?
A) "Health insurances generally pay 100% of treatment charges for medical professionals who are seeking help."
B) "If you go to treatment, the state board will never know you were abusing."
C) "Treatment is your best chance at returning to practice."
D) "We will be able to follow your progress through reports from your treatment team."

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

1. Unfortunately, this is not a true statement.
2. Just going to treatment is not sufficient; the nurse must successfully complete treatment. In some states, the state board must be notified regardless of the decision to seek treatment.
3. The nurse who successfully completes treatment stands the best chance at successfully reentering practice.
4. Unless the nurse gives consent to release information to the nurse executive, this is not possible.

A Nurse Who Has Been Abusing Narcotics Is in the Nurse