Episode 2, Part 2
Substance Use Among Nurses:
The Journey Back to Nursing
Continuing with Part 2 of a special two-part episode of The Symptom Media Podcast: Bridging the Divide in Mental Health, we dive back into the conversation on substance use among nurses, focusing on recovery, support systems, and the importance of education. Kristin Waite-Labott and Dr. April Lenzmeier share their personal journeys through addiction, the challenges of regaining their nursing licenses, and the critical role of peer support in recovery. They discuss the need for systemic changes in healthcare institutions to foster a supportive environment for nurses facing substance use issues. The episode emphasizes the importance of education in nursing schools to prepare future nurses for the challenges they may face and the significance of community and connection in the recovery process.
This podcast is brought to you by Symptom Media – Mental Health Education & Training
To learn more about Symptom Media and its mental health resource library visit: https://symptommedia.com/
Sign up for a free trial today!
For more information about the resources shared in this episode you can visit:
- Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation
- InTheRooms, a global recovery site offering virtual support meetings:
- Nurses Peer Support Network of Minnesota:
- Wisconsin Peer Alliance for Nurses (WisPAN):
- wispan2021@gmail.com
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988, 1-800-273-8255
- Books:
- An Unlikely Addict:
- Re/entry, A Guide for Nurses dealing with Substance Use Disorder
- Impaired, A Nurse’s Story of Addiction and Recovery
- Substance Use Disorder in Healthcare Professionals: When Caregivers Need Care and Treatment
- Items for Education:
- National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) Alternative to Discipline
- Programs for SUD:
- Healthcare Diversion, A Nurse’s Journey
- Healthcare Diversion, What Leadership Should Know
- American Nurses Association:
- Health Professionals in Recovery Facebook Page:
- Recovery Programs:
- Women for Sobriety
- Refuge Recovery
- Secular Organizations for Sobriety (SOS)
- Alcoholic Anonymous: https://aa.org and Narcotics Anonymous www.na.org
- Colorado Recovery Friendly Workplace
- UC San Diego Healer Education Assessment and Referral (HEAR) Program
- Second Victim Support
- International Nurses Society on Addictions (IntNSA)
- National Organization of Alternative Programs (NOAP)
Episode 8: Caring for the Caregivers
Episode 8: Caring for the Caregivers with Corey Feist, Founder & CEO of the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation In this special bonus episode of The Symptom Media Podcast: Bridging the Divide in Mental Health , host Dr. Lindi van Niekerk, MD, PhD, is joined by J….
Episode 7: From Burnout to Belonging
Episode 7: From Burnout to Belonging: Creating Flourishing Healthcare Cultures In this inspiring season finale of The Symptom Media Podcast: Bridging the Divide in Mental Health , host Dr. Lindi van Niekerk sits down with Dr. Kim Garver, Dr. Jared Christensen, and Dr….
Episode 6: The Many Faces of Grief in Healthcare
In this resonant episode of The Symptom Media Podcast: Bridging the Divide in Mental Health, host Dr. Lindi van Niekerk is joined by grief clinicians Danielle Glorioso, LCSW, and Amanda VerWys, ACSW.
Resources for Nurses and the Importance of Education
The well-being and effectiveness of the nursing profession depend on both access to SUD education and resources for a strong foundation of whole person health.
Nursing on the Edge: Suicide, Stigma, and Systemic Failure
Nurses face rising suicide, stigma & systemic neglect. In Episode 5, experts Chris Wojnar & Dr. Judy Davidson demand cultural change and open conversation.
Episode 4: The Human Cost of Caring: Navigating Moral Injury
Explore moral injury in healthcare with Dr. Lindi van Niekerk, Dr. Sophie Redlin & Andrea Mackay, on compassion, ethics & healing in Episode 4.
Empathy and Experience: The Importance of Physician Mental Health
Hear how Dr. Christine Yu Moutier & Dr. Sidney Zisook expose the stigma, stress & mental health challenges physicians face, and the paths toward healing.
Episode 2, Part 1: From Addiction to Advocacy: Nurses’ Journey
Listen to a podcast where nurses share their journey from addiction to advocacy, highlighting the power of recovery and the fight against professional stigma.
Recovery and Support Systems
This episode discusses the ways health professionals can find support when facing burnout, which can correct a misalignment between one’s core values and the stresses of work.
