Drug and alcohol abuse by nurses exposed

One third of cases involving nurses and midwives appearing at fitness to practice inquiries involve drugs or alcohol.

Statistics from the Nursing and Midwifery Board (NMBI) published by irishhealth.com, show that between 2006 and 2010, 115 fitness to practice inquiries were carried out. A total of 39 of these cases involved drug or alcohol abuse by the nurses and midwives involved. Of these, 28 involved drug abuse and 11 alcohol abuse. All of these cases also included allegations of professional misconduct.

The NMBI pointed out that, regarding the cases relating to drug abuse, issues arose with nurses or midwives self-medicating instead of seeking professional help for a range of issues like anxiety, insomnia, pain, stress or depression.

Over time, these drug issues could lead to the nurses or midwives in question needing larger doses, stronger medication or abusing prescription drugs.

“This may have led them from use to abuse of over-the-counter-preparations containing codeine, or to a dependence on stronger opiate drugs.”

Some of the nurses who came before disciplinary hearings commenced with mood altering drugs, but said that the use of street drugs was uncommon.

Some of the drugs listed by the NMBI as having been abused by nurses or midwives include: morphine, fentanyl, cyclomorph, pethidine, codeine, sedatives, antidepressants, and steroids.

The body advised that any nurse or midwife who suspects that a staff member has a drug or alcohol problem should take the correct steps to deal with the matter.

Failing to deal with substance issues could lead to an application for a fitness to practise inquiry on the grounds of physical or mental disability.

“A nurse or midwife with an alcohol or drug problem may also engage in behaviour that puts patients at risk, and which may constitute professional misconduct,” stated the NMBI.

The report stated that numerous serious problems can arise when a nurse or midwife fails to acknowledge they have a health problem and fail to follow medical advice. It pointed out that a staff member with an alcohol problem might well be under the influence of alcohol while on duty, while a nurse or midwife with issues with drugs could steal drugs, prescription pads, needles and syringes from the workplace. They could also be involved in forging prescriptions.

According to irishhealth.com, the Medical Council said it was assisting a total of 35 doctors at the end of 2012 through its health committee, which deals with medical professionals who may have issues with drugs or alcohol.