Summary:
Martha, an RT who has worked in the ED for 15 years, has recently experienced many personal crises, including a divorce and the death of a brother. Her work habits have declined, and her charting has become almost illegible. Twice last week, Martha became defensive when questioned about why she was unable to complete her required quality improvement duties, the same data collection that has been easily completed by all other ED employees. Martha also missed work six times last month due to illness, which is unusual for her.
This respiratory therapist exhibit behaviors that should raise a red flag of suspicion for chemical dependency. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration has estimated that approximately 10-15% of healthcare providers may have a problem with substance abuse, and that the abuse problem among these clinicians parallels that of mainstream society.
Objectives:
The goal of this continuing education program is to help respiratory therapists recognize and support colleagues who may be impaired. After you study the information presented here, you will be able to —
- Identify five behaviors suggestive of an impaired coworker.
- Relate the incidence and characteristics of respiratory therapists at risk for substance abuse.
- Describe three measures to take when reporting a colleague suspected of impairment.
Approval Information
This CE course is approved for respiratory therapists from 1/11/2012 to 1/11/2014.
This program has been approved for 1 contact hour of Continuing Respiratory Care Education (CRCE) credit by the American Association for Respiratory Care, 9425 N. MacArthur Blvd., Suite 100, Irving, TX 75063. AARC Sponsor ID: 9514012. This is a non-traditional course.
If you are a respiratory therapist, remember to give us your AARC member number when filling out your license number information.
Gannett Education is also approved by the Florida Board of Respiratory Care (provider #FBN 50-1489).