CNA's nurse intervention program committee update

Connecticut Nursing News, Sep-Nov 2001

CNA will continue to provide education related to substance abuse and addiction. This important topic is a problem that faces all health care professionals and impacts all individual lives. Nursing needs to take the lead in efforts to recognize and treat people who have this devastating illness because recovery is possible.

Connecticut Nurses' Association's Nurse Intervention Program Committee continues to work towards development and implementation of the Connecticut Nurse Intervention Program-A Non-disciplinary, confidential Alternative Recovery Program. This program will monitor and evaluate the rehabilitation of designated nurses whose competency may be impaired due to abuse or excessive use of alcohol, drugs or other mind altering chemicals so that the nurse may be rehabilitated and returned to the safe and competent practice of nursing, while the public is protected. Chemical dependency is an occupational hazard of the nursing profession. This program will be designed to enhance the public health and safety by providing a timely alternative to the disciplinary process as it now exists.

Although a ten year effort to establish a nurse intervention program was not successful in the 2001 legislative session, Connecticut Nurses' Association's Nurse Intervention Program Committee has established a full agenda for its continuing work.

Plans include educational programs designed for specific groups to reframe their thinking and attitudes about addiction and the addicted professional; continued work towards a legislated alternative program; and, establishment of resources for nurses.

September is National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month

National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month is celebrated every year in September. This year's primary objectives, taken from the National Treatment Plan, seek to inspire all .levels of government, business and society to work toward enhancing treatment program access, availability and quality at the community, city, state and national levels. It also provides a focal point to acknowledge the everyday heroes who have sought help and are in recovery.

We all play a role in the recovery process and have a responsibility to present a united front to encourage our colleagues, family members or friends with alcohol and drug problems to seek help and to remain clean and sober. The individual's success comes from effective treatment programs and the support received from family, friends, the workplace and society as a whole.

Nurses for Nurses

Nurses for Nurses if a peer support group for chemically dependent nurses. It is a confidential and caring group made up of nurses in different stages of recovery from addiction to drugs, alcohol or both. If you need help or suspect that you have a problem with drugs or alcohol please contact one of the people listed below.

Windsor: Joan @,860-623-3216

Meriden: Patty @ 860-238-2652

Middletown: Dede @ 860-3347-8299

Colchester: Peg @ 860-537-4448

Manchester: Karen @ 860-643-1064

New Haven: Gail @ 203-878-4606