Background: Substance abuse is the number one most preventable health problem in the United States. Nurses represent a unique high-risk population, demonstrating distinctive risk factors and subsequent consequences that are very different from the general population. While the prevalence of substance abuse in the nursing profession is thought to mirror the general population, the consequent public safety concerns that arise are quite different. A nurse with substance abuse disorder who is unrecognized and untreated poses a serious threat to public safety. Theoretical Framework: The role of substance abuse prevention training as an intervention strategy to reduce risk for substance abuse disorder in nurses was explored through the theoretical framework of the health belief model and the theory of planned behavior. the Larrabee Model for evidence based practice change provided the framework for making the transition from evidence to practice. Design: This project is a quantitative data project that uses a pre-test post-test design. Substance abuse prevention education is implemented in a graduate nursing orientation program. The primary purpose of this project was to reduce risk for substance abuse disorder in nurses by raising awareness, improving knowledge and changing attitudes about addiction. It was expected that graduate nurse participation would result in the following outcomes: 1. demonstrate improved self-perceived awareness about addiction. 2. demonstrate improved knowledge about addiction risk. 3. demonstrate a positive change in addiction attitudes. Findings/Results: Eighty-four graduate nurses participated in the education. Fifty-five completed the pre-intervention surveys. Twenty-eight completed the post intervention surveys. Those who participated in the education perceived an improved level of awareness about addiction related to the learning objectives. Graduate nurses valued the educational opportunity and would recommend it to other nurses. Improvement in knowledge and attitude was demonstrated with a change in mean scores. However, statistical significance over time was not demonstrated. Conclusion/Recommendations: Many states have passed legislation to fund alternative to discipline programs through increased licensure fees, Since substance abuse prevention is a critical component for an effective alternative to discipline program, regulatory boards should direct funding toward research, development and implementation of substance abuse prevention programs aimed at reducing nurses’ risk for substance abuse disorder. Taking such action may help nurses with risk substance use avoid the progression toward depedence and this better protect public safety.
