Peer Health Assistance and Peer Support Programs for Nurses - Supporting our Nursing Workforce

Learn more at https://intnsa.org/2025/peer-assistance It's time to take action and prioritize the well-being of our colleagues. Nurses experience Substance Use Disorders (SUDs) and mental health issues similar to the general population. We must work together to implement effective prevention and early intervention strategies. How can we support individual nurses and, as a result, create a healthier, more resilient nursing workforce? By providing confidential support, education, resources, peer assistance and peer support programs we can help nurses overcome challenges and return to or maintain their well-being. Empowering nurses that experience issues with SUDs to return to work and nursing practice safely, helps not only the nursing workforce, but the health of our nation. This three-hour beginner level workshop covers aspects of peer assistance and peer support programs for nurses with SUD issues through didactic, experiential, and case-base content. It is designed to be interactive and introduces the participants to key concepts in supporting those within our nursing workforce that face challenges with issues surrounding SUDs. Objectives: Summarize the issue of substance use in nurses and its consequences. Realize a decrease in stigma by listening to one nurse’s journey. Identify strategies to address substance use in a manner that supports the nursing workforce, supports the individual professional, and maintains patient safety. escribe the resources available for nurses with substance use concerns. Identify and practice the steps to facilitating and participating in a peer support group. Nursing CEs This course is approved for up to 3.00 Nursing CEs with the California Board of Nursing.