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Policy: The EMSON recognizes its responsibility to provide a healthy environment within which students may learn and prepare themselves to become members of the nursing profession. Within the profession of nursing there are codes and standards for conduct by which all members of the profession are expected to function. Thus, when engaged in educational activities, whether on campus or in the clinical setting, nurses are expected to be free from the abusive influence of chemical substances/drugs.
I. The generic meaning of the term "drug" is broadly defined as any chemical substance, which affects living systems. For the purposes of this policy, substance and/or drugs are used interchangeably and defined as socially unacceptable us of drugs or other chemical substances for non-therapeutic purposes. The substance alcohol, (ethanol) by its properties and actions, is a drug and is used as such in this policy.
II. As a condition of enrollment in the EMSON, all students must provide a proof of a negative drug screen within two weeks prior to a student's entrance into the nursing program and each semester prior to a student's entrance into the clinical setting. Results are reported to the Eleanor Mann School of Nursing Director and to any healthcare facility in which the student will be placed that semester. A positive drug screen will result in denial of admission to the nursing program or halt the progression of the student within the nursing program.
III. Student failure to submit to a drug screen, attempting to tamper with, contaminate, or switch a sample will result in the automatic dismissal from the nursing program and will be reported to the Dean of Students in the Division of Student Affairs at the University of Arkansas.
IV. Due to the level of accountability that nurses have for their action toward others, any students demonstrating behavioral changes associated with drug abuse (Section V) while engaged in course or clinical activities will submit an observed for cause urine and/or blood. Drug screens can be performed at any Lab Corp facility.
1. The urine specimen must be collected under direct observation by a person of the same sex.
2. A Chain of Custody must be completed and accompany the drug screen.
3. The cost of the test will be borne by the student.
4. Test results will be sent to the EMSON. The student will receive notification of the results of testing from the EMSON.
5. If results are negative, no further action will be taken.
6. If the results are positive, the student will be minimally suspended from the Nursing Program.
7. Readmission of the student to the Nursing Program is not guaranteed but contingent upon the following conditions.
The student must:
a. Complete an approved treatment program from the Counseling and Psychological Services Program of the University Health Center or assistance from a service referred by them;
b. Provide documentation that the prescribed treatment program has been completed. The documentation is to be submitted to the EMSON by the University Health Center or referred facility; and
c. Submit to random drug testing after readmission as requested by the School. All cost to be borne by the student.
8. Positive drug screen results for licensed students will be reported to the Arkansas State Board of Nursing as required in the Arkansas State Board of Nursing Rules, Section XV, A6. EMSON will follow all stipulations placed on the student as prescribed by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing. There is no guarantee made by the EMSON for pre-licensure students that ASBN will permit the individual to take the NCLEX examination if there is a positive history. Each case is judged individually by ASBN at the time the student applies to take the NCLEX-RN licensure test. EMSON will report positive drug screens of students licensed to practice in another state to the appropriate state board of nursing and will follow all stipulations placed on the student as prescribed by student's state board of nursing.
9. Students will be required to abide by individual institutional policies relating to drug screening and substance abuse in clinical agencies to which they are assigned.
V. BEHAVIORAL CHANGES ASSOCIATED WITH SUBSTANCE ABUSE
The School of Nursing has developed the following list of behaviors that, when observed, can be used as indices to identify an individual who at the moment of observation could be under the influence of a "drug". (See the Substance Abuse Policy for definition of the term "drug" and for the mechanisms to rationalize the policy.)
Attention Deficit/Cognitive Impairment
1) *stupor
2) drowsiness
3) *diminished ability from the usual for:
a) calculating math for administering medications
b) following directions or procedures
c) organizing activities/setting priorities
d) solving problems
Motor Impairment
1) ataxia
2) tremors, especially of hand
3) *slowed response time in a familiar skill
4) *diminished from the usual in coordination/dexterity
Social Impairment
1) *inappropriate verbal remarks (subjects/words/expletives)
2) *inappropriate behaviors or those beyond the societal norm such as:
a) angry outbursts/unrestrained agitation
b) crying that cannot be explained
c) euphoria
d) paranoia
e) hallucinations
3) *behaviors that are markedly changed for that individual such as:
a) introversion
b) extroversion
c) sullen
d) giddy
e) irritable
f) defensiveness
Somatic Manifestations/Discomforts
1) *odor of alcohol on breath
2) thirst
3) nausea/vomiting
4) frequent trips to bathroom/complaint of urinary frequency or diarrhea
5) hiccoughs
6) reddened sclera (bloodshot eyes)
7) pupil changes
8) drooping eyelids
9) complaint of blurred vision or inability to focus
Speech/Communication Impairment
1) *slurred (thick tongue)
2) *rapid/choppy communication pattern
3) *incoherent speech
*Observation of any of these behaviors will result in removal from the learning environment (clinical or classroom).
VI. BEHAVIORAL PATTERNS ASSOCIATED WITH SUBSTANCE ABUSE
The following is a list of behavioral patterns that may surface when drugs have been abused. While these patterns have many causes, thorough assessment and detailed documentation are needed over a period of time to determine if there is any relationship to drug abuse. Patterns of behavior to observe and validate are:
1) repeated tardiness
2) frequent absenteeism
3) numerous and chronic somatic complaints (colds/GI problems/lack of sleep/weight loss/sluggishness/low energy)
4) untidy personal appearance or deterioration in quality of grooming
5) multiple crises in personal life
6) multiple crises in personal life
7) avoidance/lack of eye contact
8) isolation/lack of peer support
9) repeated excuses for below standard performance
10) forgetfulness with appointments/assignments
11) slowed response time in familiar activities
12) behavior shifts/mood swings
13) lack of trust and suspicious of the motives of others
14) needle tracks on body surface
VII. BEHAVIORS SURROUNDING THE ADMINISTRATION OF NARCOTICS
1) frequent need to waste "unused" medications
2) recording the administration of larger doses than ordered
3) unauthorized possession of the narcotic key
4) unsupervised entry into narcotic cabinet
5) volunteering to be in situations to gain greater access to narcotics
6) taking frequent breaks/numerous occasions when whereabouts are unknown
Students who are not in compliance with this policy on the first day of class each semester will not be allowed into the clinical practicum. Missed clinical practicum time cannot be made-up and will be counted as unexcused absence.
Page last updated: 10/12/2009 11:25
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