Predictors of Substance Use Recidivism Among Arkansas Nurses

This retrospective study was designed to explore whether a relationship exists between lengths of probation for nurses with substance use violations and recidivism. Data collected from computer files at the Arkansas State Board of Nursing were allocated to two groups (n = 76/group): registered nurses (RNs) with one substance use disciplinary probation and RNs with more than one substance use disciplinary probation. Variables were length of probation for substance use, age, race, gender, educational level, felony substance conviction, and nature of the violation (habit-forming drugs, alcohol, or both). Results indicated no statistically significant difference in rates of recidivism based on length of probation (p = .05). Odds of recidivism for nurses with a felony substance conviction were 4.6 times higher than for nurses without a felony substance conviction. Odds of recidivism were 5.9 times higher for nurses addicted to both alcohol and habit-forming drugs. Because substance use poses a threat to patient safety and impacts employers and coworkers, further research is needed to identify solutions to this growing problem.