How should a nurse handle a situation where a co-worker appears to be impaired on the job?

When a nurse observes that a co-worker appears to be impaired on the job, the most appropriate action is to report the situation to a supervisor or management immediately. This response is critical because the safety of patients and the integrity of the healthcare environment are at stake. Nurses have a professional and ethical obligation to ensure that safety is prioritized and that any potential hazards caused by an impaired colleague are addressed swiftly.

Reporting the situation enables trained management or supervisory personnel to investigate the matter properly and take appropriate actions. This may include conducting a more thorough assessment of the co-worker's behavior and potentially providing them with necessary support or intervention. Quick reporting helps mitigate any risks to patients and ensures that workplace policies regarding impaired practice are upheld.

Addressing the situation directly with the co-worker might seem like a tempting approach; however, it could lead to complications, especially if the co-worker is defensive or uncooperative. Similarly, ignoring the issue undermines the responsibilities of the nurse and could put patients at risk. Documentation without reporting does not proactively address the concern and may allow the situation to escalate without intervention. Thus, immediate reporting is the most effective course of action in such circumstances.