You are a charge nurse in the emergency department and you begin to notice that a seasoned colleague's behavior has recently changed. They have become increasingly isolated, their work performance has declined with unusual documentation errors, and they frequently volunteer to administer narcotics. What is the most appropriate initial action to take in this situation?
Confront the colleague directly and demand an explanation.
Report the behavior to the appropriate supervisor or manager.
Ignore the behavior as it may be related to personal issues outside of work.
Monitor the colleague’s behavior closely and document any further incidents.
The correct action is to report the behavior to the appropriate supervisor or manager as it may indicate potential substance use disorder and drug diversion. Reporting helps in protecting patients, providing the nurse in question with access to necessary resources and support, and maintaining a safe work environment. Confronting the colleague directly could lead to defensive behavior, denial, and potential destruction of evidence. Ignoring the signs is inappropriate and unethical, as it places patients and the institution at risk. Monitoring the colleague’s behavior without taking further steps does not address the gravity of the situation or potential patient safety concerns.
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