Abstract

Background: Substance use among nurses is a significant problem that potentially places patients, the public, and all healthcare providers including nurses at risk of harm as well as affecting practice.

Objective: The aim of this study is to explore the experiences of nurse managers of nurses with substance use disorder and the re-integration of the affected nurse into the working environment.

Methods: A qualitative research approach was adopted, using exploratory descriptive design to describe the experiences of nurse managers of nurses with substance use disorder. An in-depth interview was conducted using a semi structured interview guide and Imogene Kings’ interpersonal model as a guiding framework. Each interview lasted about an hour. All interviews were audiotaped, transcribed, and analyzed using content analysis.

Results: The study revealed that nurse managers least expected nurses to be involved in using illicit substances. However, some nurse managers saw addiction to be a moral failing or deviation. Additionally, there were no laid down protocol to follow in the management and re-integration of nurses into the workplace or units following rehabilitation.

Conclusion: Conclusively, nurse managers played a major role in the recovery of the nurse with substance use disorder. However, nurse managers require the requisite knowledge on how to identify and help nurses with substance use disorder using a standardized protocol.