Advocating for Nurses Recovering From Substance Use Disorder

In this episode of the NPD Forecast podcast, in honor of both National Substance Use Prevention Month and National Recovery Month, hosts Stephanie Zidek, PhD, RN, AGCNS-BC, NEA-BC, NPD-BC, and Naomi Fox, DNP, RN, NPD-BC, CCRN, speak with Courtney Hickey, BSN, RN, CCRN. She shares her story of becoming a nurse, struggling with a substance use disorder (SUD), and now advocating for other nurses experiencing the same challenges she had.

At June's American Nurse Association (ANA) 2024 Membership Assembly in Washington, D.C., Courtney presented during a dialogue forum and submitted a policy proposal titled "Breaking Barriers to Nurse Workforce Well-being.” These actions served to advocate for changes in the treatment of nurses with histories of substance use disorder in the workforce. This proposal is now an official policy through ANA.

In addition to sharing her story, Hickey shares her takeaways from her proposal presentation and provides guidance to NPD practitioners on supporting nurses experiencing SUDs.

Hickey encourages listeners to become involved with the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes Foundation, whose mission is to reduce burnout of health care professionals and safeguard their well-being and job satisfaction.

Stay tuned for an article from Hickey publishing to NPD in Motion that will share more advice for NPD practitioners on supporting nurses.