Learning Objective #1: Demonstrate understanding of the risk factors that can be used to identify those at high risk for becoming substance impaired

Learning Objective #2: Create further research studies that investigate the area of early risk factors for substance abuse impairment

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Substance abuse impairment in nursing is a problem affecting both the profession and society. Many impaired nurses are not identified until symptoms are very apparent and patients are at risk. The purposes of this study were to investigate early risk factors that lead to impairment, and to predict group membership between impaired (SI) and non-impaired (NSI) nurses. The theoretical framework was a synthesis of Donovan's multifactorial model of impairment (Donovan, 1986), and Rogers' (1970, 1992) Science of Unitary Human Beings. Data was gathered from 100 previously impaired (SI) and 100 non-impaired nurses (NSI). Questionnaires were used: Zuckerman Sensation Seeking Scale (SSS), the Efinger Alcohol Risk Survey (EARS), & the Children of Alcoholics Screening Test (CAST). Pearson's correlations demonstrated a significant relationship between scores on the EARS and SSS (r = .37, p = .01), and the EARS and CAST (r = .51, p = .01) for the SI nurses. For the NSI nurses, Pearson's correlations demonstrated a significant relationship only between scores on the EARS and CAST instruments (r = .31, p = .01). Independent t-test scores demonstrated the groups differed significantly on all three of the total scores (SSS: t = 8.30, df = 181.6, p = .001) (EARS: t = 18.71, df = 182.1, p = .001) (CAST: t = 7.91, df = 185.7, p = .001). Discriminant analysis indicated a correct prediction of 87% for SI membership and 95% for NSI membership, with an overall rate of 91%. EARS scores had the strongest correlation (.99) and was the best predictor of group membership scores. The results indicated that the three variables can be used to identify early risk factors for impairment. Early identification will allow for earlier intervention and possible prevention. Methods to reduce the number of modifiable risk factors are recommended.