Recognizing and Reporting Workplace Impairment for Healthcare Providers

(2) credit hours

Course Overview

This Continuing Education course will provide the Healthcare provider with two (2) Contact hours of Continuing Education units (2 CEUs) that may be used for their license or certification requirements for continuing education.

This course aims to provide Florida-based providers with the knowledge and tools to recognize and appropriately respond to workplace impairment. Healthcare workers will learn to identify signs of substance abuse, mental health crises, and physical impairment in themselves, their colleagues, and patients. The course also covers Florida state laws and the responsibilities of healthcare providers under the Florida Nurse Practice Act, as well as best practices for reporting concerns about workplace impairment.

Target Audience: Registered Nurses (RNs), Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), Nurse Practitioners (NPs) 

Learning Objectives:

1. This lesson explores the definition, forms, and impact of workplace impairment on healthcare professionals, with a focus on the legal and ethical obligations of healthcare providers in Florida to ensure patient safety and professional integrity.
2. This lesson focuses on recognizing the signs and symptoms of impairment in healthcare colleagues, differentiating them from normal behavior, and understanding the impact of burnout and stress on professional competence.
3. This lesson examines the legal and ethical obligations of healthcare providers in Florida regarding reporting workplace impairment, emphasizing a responsible and supportive approach that prioritizes patient safety and colleague well-being, guided by the Florida Board of Nursing regulations.
4. This lesson explores the resources, support systems, and interventions available to help impaired healthcare providers, emphasizing the importance of a supportive and stigma-free workplace that promotes recovery and safe return to practice.
5. This lesson emphasizes the importance of healthcare provider wellness in preventing impairment and explores strategies for promoting a healthy work-life balance, managing stress, and reducing burnout to enhance both personal well-being and professional competence.