Before returning to the agency, a meeting with the nurse and appropriate members of the agency is critical for a smooth re-entry. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss concerns that the nurse and the nurse manager may have and to develop plans for a return to work program. Addressing Colleague's Concerns Recovering nurses usually return to the same workplace. All information about a nurse's chemical dependency is confidential. Yet in many circumstances, rumors and stories often circulate.
Colleagues express a variety of concerns.
These come from their feelings of resentment and anger about the nurse's behavior on the job prior to seeking treatment. They may also experience feelings of betrayal, ambivalence, sadness or guilt. Co-workers are curious about their monitoring and responsibility activities for their colleague. To deal with these issues, it is a good idea to hold an inservice for staff on chemical dependency in nursing that stresses the success of this treatable illness. A separate group meeting to vent these feelings is also beneficial.