Other Titles
Nurses in monitoring: The barriers and facilitators in returning to work [Title Slide]
Abstract
Background: The US is currently experiencing a substance use epidemic, with overdose deaths rising significantly. Substance use disorders (SUD) affect 17.3% of individuals aged 12 or older, including nurses (RNs) who face unique occupational stressors. RNs with SUD pose risks to both personal & patient safety. Regulatory bodies often impose monitoring & disciplinary actions on RNs with SUD, creating challenges for their return-to-work (RTW). Little is known about what supports & hinders successful return-to-work for RNs after substance use discipline
Methods: This study used Group Concept Mapping (GCM) to identify & prioritize facilitators and barriers in the RTW process for RNs under monitoring agreements due to substance use-related licensure discipline. RNs were recruited via purposive sampling and professional networks. Participants generated, sorted, & rated statements about RTW facilitators and barriers based on their perceived impact. Data were analyzed using multidimensional scaling and cluster analysis to identify key themes and priorities.
Results: Fourteen participants sorted 51 facilitator statements into six clusters: Monitoring Recommendations, Autonomy and Self-Efficacy, Caring for the Caregivers/Prevention, Nurses Helping Nurses, Reintroduction to Practice, & Positive Employer Factors. Key facilitators included phased reductions in monitoring requirements, supportive employer practices, peer support, & clear guidance from occupational health services. Participants also identified 48 barriers, categorized into five clusters: Work-Related Challenges, Financial Burden, Administrative Challenges, Impact on Mental Health, and Peer and Co-Worker Support. Mental health impacts and visibility of disciplinary actions were the most stressful barriers.
Discussion: Structured monitoring programs, supportive work environments, & peer support are critical in facilitating RTW for RNs recovering from SUD. This study highlights the importance of consistent RTW policies to address specific challenges faced by these RNs. The mental and socioemotional challenges underscore the need for better support systems, including RN-specific support groups and mental health resources. Additionally, policy changes, such as reducing the visibility of disciplinary records and providing financial support during recovery, could ease the RTW process. Further research should explore long-term recovery strategies and the perspectives of RNs navigating these challenges.
Sigma Membership
Delta Chi at-Large
Type
Presentation
Format Type
Text-based Document
Study Design/Type
Other
Research Approach
Other
Keywords:
Workforce, Policy and Advocacy, Public and Community Health, Substance Use Disorders, SUD, United States
Recommended Citation
Ferris, Jordan; Wilson, Marian; Graves, Janessa M.; and Sattler, Victoria, "Substance Use in Nursing: Barriers and Facilitators in Returning to Work Under Monitoring" (2025). International Nursing Research Congress (INRC). 97.
https://www.sigmarepository.org/inrc/2025/presentations_2025/97
Conference Name
36th International Nursing Research Congress
Conference Host
Sigma Theta Tau International
Conference Location
Seattle, Washington, USA
Conference Year
2025
Rights Holder
All rights reserved by the author(s) and/or publisher(s) listed in this item record unless relinquished in whole or part by a rights notation or a Creative Commons License present in this item record.
Review Type
Abstract Review Only: Reviewed by Event Host
Acquisition
Proxy-submission
Substance Use in Nursing: Barriers and Facilitators in Returning to Work Under Monitoring
Seattle, Washington, USA
Background: The US is currently experiencing a substance use epidemic, with overdose deaths rising significantly. Substance use disorders (SUD) affect 17.3% of individuals aged 12 or older, including nurses (RNs) who face unique occupational stressors. RNs with SUD pose risks to both personal & patient safety. Regulatory bodies often impose monitoring & disciplinary actions on RNs with SUD, creating challenges for their return-to-work (RTW). Little is known about what supports & hinders successful return-to-work for RNs after substance use discipline
Methods: This study used Group Concept Mapping (GCM) to identify & prioritize facilitators and barriers in the RTW process for RNs under monitoring agreements due to substance use-related licensure discipline. RNs were recruited via purposive sampling and professional networks. Participants generated, sorted, & rated statements about RTW facilitators and barriers based on their perceived impact. Data were analyzed using multidimensional scaling and cluster analysis to identify key themes and priorities.
Results: Fourteen participants sorted 51 facilitator statements into six clusters: Monitoring Recommendations, Autonomy and Self-Efficacy, Caring for the Caregivers/Prevention, Nurses Helping Nurses, Reintroduction to Practice, & Positive Employer Factors. Key facilitators included phased reductions in monitoring requirements, supportive employer practices, peer support, & clear guidance from occupational health services. Participants also identified 48 barriers, categorized into five clusters: Work-Related Challenges, Financial Burden, Administrative Challenges, Impact on Mental Health, and Peer and Co-Worker Support. Mental health impacts and visibility of disciplinary actions were the most stressful barriers.
Discussion: Structured monitoring programs, supportive work environments, & peer support are critical in facilitating RTW for RNs recovering from SUD. This study highlights the importance of consistent RTW policies to address specific challenges faced by these RNs. The mental and socioemotional challenges underscore the need for better support systems, including RN-specific support groups and mental health resources. Additionally, policy changes, such as reducing the visibility of disciplinary records and providing financial support during recovery, could ease the RTW process. Further research should explore long-term recovery strategies and the perspectives of RNs navigating these challenges.
Description
This session will explore the barriers and facilitators in the return-to-work process for nurses recovering from substance use disorders. Through research findings, participants will gain insights into the importance of structured monitoring programs, peer support, and supportive work environments in promoting successful reintegration into the workforce.