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Conference Proceedings - School of Nursing & Midwifery - Trinity ...

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<strong>School</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Nursing</strong> & <strong>Midwifery</strong>, <strong>Trinity</strong> College Dublin: 8 th Annual Interdisciplinary Research <strong>Conference</strong><br />

Transforming Healthcare Through Research, Education & Technology: 7 th – 9 th November 2007<br />

<strong>Conference</strong> <strong>Proceedings</strong><br />

The results indicate that the three variables studied (sensation<br />

seeking, early risk factors, and family history) can be used to<br />

identify early risk indicators for substance abuse impairment in<br />

nurses. Although substance abuse impairment is a complex and<br />

continuous process, impaired nurses share some common<br />

characteristics and patterns. As patterns are identified and<br />

understood, the focus <strong>of</strong> nursing intervention can be on changing<br />

the patterns toward health and healing.<br />

Identification <strong>of</strong> those at risk for impairment will allow for earlier<br />

intervention and possible prevention <strong>of</strong> becoming impaired. This<br />

knowledge can lead to an increased understanding <strong>of</strong> when to<br />

intervene through counseling and education. Methods to reduce the<br />

number <strong>of</strong> risk factors could be implemented. Continuing education<br />

as well as nursing school curricula should be adapted to include<br />

more content on early identification and prevention <strong>of</strong> substance<br />

abuse impairment.<br />

Back to contents page<br />

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