Public Protection as a Ruling Concept in the Management of Nurses’ Substance Use

American Academy of Nursing Expert Panel Consensus Statement on leveraging equity in policy to improve recognition and treatment of mental health, substance use disorders, and nurse suicide

“…According to the 2020 Review of Licensure Survey ( Smiley et al, 2021 ), 78% (45) of states ask about SUD on initial licensure for registered and practical nurses, 64% (37) ask about MH diagnoses, and 21 states limit licenses based on psychological impairments. Monitoring programs that use individual assessments of nurses’ rehabilitative needs, including data on workplace conditions contributing to illness, are recommended to determine non-punitive courses of action for nurses with substance use disorders ( Ross, 2021 ). While further research is sorely needed, risks to mental health undermine justice and equity principles, and enhance the cycle of alcohol, drug use, risk taking behaviors, reduced livelihood, and potentials for increased self- and other-directed violence ( WHO, 2022a ; 2022b ).…”

Relationship Between Back Pain With Nursing Activities and the Use of Body Mechanics Among Nurses Working in General Hospitals

“…The nurses performed many physical tasks in the job exposed them to back pain complications. The incidence rates continue to climb and the direct and indirect costs associated with back injuries for nurses are estimated to be 20 billion annually (Ross, 2021).…”