Substance use disorder among nurses can lead to which of the following outcomes?

Substance use disorder among nurses typically leads to serious repercussions, including the loss of current employment. When a nurse struggles with substance use disorder, their ability to perform safely and effectively can be severely compromised. This puts patient safety at significant risk, as impaired nurses may make critical mistakes in treatment or medication administration.

Employers in healthcare settings have strict policies regarding substance use due to the potential harm to patients and the overall responsibility to maintain a safe environment. If a nurse is found to be impaired due to substance use, it is likely that they will face disciplinary action, including termination.

The other outcomes listed, such as increased patient safety, job stability, or a positive workplace culture, are generally not associated with substance use disorder. In fact, the presence of such a disorder usually creates turmoil that can compromise safety, job performance, and workplace morale. This makes loss of employment the most relevant and likely outcome for a nurse dealing with substance use disorder.