If you question whether or not your employee may be addicted, abusing, diverting, practicing impaired, or dealing with an underlying mental health condition, we encourage you to familiarize yourself with these possible indicators of an impaired provider. This list is not meant to diagnose but may serve as preliminary warning signs that there is a problem with substance use disorder or an underlying mental health condition, and the employee may be an impaired provider:

• Sudden change in attitude, mood, or personality
• Change in work habit; late to work, unprepared for shifts, hurried
• Coming in early, staying late, offering to give breaks often
• Change in medication use
• Patients report increasing pain/discomfort on nurse's shift
• Weight loss/gain/changes
• Increased isolations
• Pupillary changes (constriction or dilations)
• Physical illness such as nausea, vomiting, diaphoresis or anxiety (possible signs of withdrawal)

A collection of objective documentation or “evidence” is imperative. A careful plan of action needs to be constructed to avoid a negative reaction and allow you to keep your thoughts on track as you and your team communicate with the individual. Ideally, there should be a variety of staff members present during the intervention, representing human resources, security, EAP, nursing, etc. Contacting WVR before attempting an intervention is suggested to garner support and expertise.

As WVR, we are required to work directly with all agencies as well as with you, their employer, to ensure transparency and promote a successful completion of the program. Not only are you providing your employee with the chance to live their best life, but you are also keeping the public, your institution, and your patients safe.

Once the employee meets criteria and demonstrates program compliance, we will assist you and the employee in implementation of a professional re-entry plan. This plan will help ensure the provider remains compliant with the program while practicing in your healthcare profession safely.