NASHVILLE, Jan. 27 (UPI) -- Some 10 percent to 20 percent of nurses and nursing students may exhibit substance abuse or addiction, a U.S researcher says.

"Addiction among nurses has been recognized by professionals in the field for over 100 years," lead author Dr. Todd Monroe of the Vanderbilt University School of Nursing says in a statement.


"While research consistently reports incidence rates of 10 percent to 15 percent, some studies suggest that this could be as high as 20 percent."

Monroe and colleagues conducted a review of nearly three decades of research and professional guidance from nursing regulators concerning substance-abuse policies in nursing.

"Poor or ineffective policies that mandate punitive action are more likely to endanger the public, as they make it more difficult for impaired nurses or students to seek help," Monroe says.

Researchers recommend six points to create alternative-to-dismissal strategies including:

-- Promoting open communication by discussing substance abuse in healthcare and nursing education settings.

-- Encouraging an atmosphere where problems can be disclosed confidentially.

-- Providing information about the signs and symptoms of impairment.

-- Conducting mock interventions to help people feel less fearful about approaching a colleague.

-- Inviting ATD experts to speak to hospital or school administrators.

-- Participating in scholarly forums about addiction among healthcare providers.

The findings are scheduled to be published in the February issue of the Journal of Clinical Nursing.