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.

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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:
• How Nurses Are Helping Nurses At InTheRooms.com With Peer 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)
• IntNSA Self-Care Room 
• National Organization of Alternative Programs (NOAP)