The free Patient & Provider Safety Symposium will be held by the Indiana Professionals Recovery Program (IPRP), a monitoring program for nurses who are currently struggling with substance use disorder. This virtual symposium will educate and expand the knowledge of healthcare providers and employers on nurse monitoring and reporting impaired employees or co-workers. IPRP helps protect the health, safety and welfare of patients that could be at risk from an impaired provider.
“Identifying a nurse who is struggling with addiction can be difficult, as they often don’t fit the stereotype of a typical user,” said Tracy Traut, Program Director of Indiana Professionals Recovery Program. “IPRP can offer information and education in order to assist in the reporting process. We are here to help.”
The American Journal of Nursing estimates that 3-6 percent of nurses are currently engaged in active drug or alcohol use and addiction. It’s important for employers and coworkers to remember that if they suspect an employee or colleague is impaired, that it is their obligation to report their concerns. As an employer, if you question whether or not your employee may be addicted, abusing, diverting, or practicing impaired, it is imperative to have knowledge of the warning signs and possible indicators.
The first session of the symposium will address worksite monitors and employee assistance programs (EAPs), with discussion on specifics of narcotics restrictions, the importance of reporting, worksite monitors role, and more. The second session of the day will focus on monitoring participants, with a discussion of anxiety and fear surrounding access to controlled substances, cross-addiction, addiction and prescription medications - ending with a question and answer session with clinical case managers.
The 2021 Symposium is just one of the ways that IPRP continues to provide resources and the most up-to-date information to those in the health and medical field. For more information on the free virtual symposium and to RSVP, visit the IPRP website: inprp.org/about/events or search “Provider & Patient Safety Symposium 2021” on Eventbrite. RSVP by Friday, October 1, 2021.
Indiana Professionals Recovery Program (IPRP) is a confidential monitoring program for health care professionals who are currently struggling with addiction. The program works to ensure public safety and safe practice of health care professionals through education, monitoring, and accountability and support. If you suspect an employee or co-worker is impaired, or you are struggling with substance use disorder, reach out today. Email IPRP at info@INPRP.org, or call toll-free at 844.687.7399.