Question

You have observed a fellow nursing colleague and friend using a substance of abuse on the unit, as well as exhibiting erratic behavior and using questionable judgment regarding patient care. What courses of action do you have, and what would be your responsibility if you chose to report your observations to a supervisor?

Answer 1

As we all know substance abuse is a punishable offence. Especially we nursing staff share a great responsibility because it is a matter of life and death for our patients. Service is everything to us because somebody has offered his/her body in our responsible hand.

And in above mentioned situation course of action are

Immediate Action

1: Go straight up to the patient who was assigned to him/ her and carefully study his treatment chart whether everything is ok with the patient or not.

2: Do as needful to the patient in case of anything wrong.

Delayed complications

1: Talking to the fellow person and make him understand that the responsibility he/she is holding.

2: Finding the root cause of his behavior under the effect of substance

3: making him aware of possible harsh outcome which will cost even his job.

Second

If I were to report this to the supervisor as he/she is my fellow and friend I will try my best to keep the matter as low profile as it can.  

As a colleague and friend it is my responsibility to pull him/ on her back on track and help him/ her to lead a normal life. Sending him to rehabilitation center and bringing him/her on right path

In the meantime I must convince my supervisor that he is not as bad as he seems .It is the adverse circumstances and lack of guidance lead him to this state.

Therefore grant him/her proper leave and help him/her out of this situation.