Course Description/Subject Matter: This course educates nurses in Florida about recognizing impairment in themselves and others in the workplace. It outlines the signs and symptoms of substance use disorder, the impact on patient care, legal and ethical responsibilities, reporting procedures under Florida law, and available recovery support systems such as the Intervention Project for Nurses (IPN). The course emphasizes a supportive, non-punitive approach to protecting public safety while promoting nurse rehabilitation.
Developed by: Scott Strachan RN, BSN
(former Independently Employed CNA)
A certificate and an official state record are issued upon successful completion.
Title of Offering: Recognizing Impairment in the Workplace: A Guide for Nurses in Florida
Target Audience: RN, APRN, LPN
Contact Hours/Total Clock Hours: 2 Hours
Teaching Methods: This self-paced, text-only course allows learners to complete training on their own time. It provides clear explanations and real-world examples to help healthcare professionals recognize, report, and respond to signs of impairment in the workplace, in accordance with Florida statutes.
Developed by: Scott Strachan RN, BSN (former Independently Employed CNA)
Course Description/Subject Matter: This course educates nurses in Florida about recognizing impairment in themselves and others in the workplace. It outlines the signs and symptoms of substance use disorder, the impact on patient care, legal and ethical responsibilities, reporting procedures under Florida law, and available recovery support systems such as the Intervention Project for Nurses (IPN). The course emphasizes a supportive, non-punitive approach to protecting public safety while promoting nurse rehabilitation.
Eligible content areas:
Nursing practice and special healthcare problems: Nurses will explore the implications of impairment on clinical judgment and patient safety.
Biological, physical, behavioral, and social sciences: Content explores the nature of substance use disorder, behavioral health trends, and related workplace dynamics.
Legal aspects of healthcare: Includes detailed review of Florida’s Nurse Practice Act, mandatory reporting guidelines, and confidentiality protections.
Learner Objectives:
Identify common signs and symptoms of impairment in nurses, including behavioral and physical indicators.
Describe Florida’s mandatory reporting requirements and available intervention resources.
Explain how impairment impacts patient safety, team function, and professional accountability.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this course is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, financial, or professional advice. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, the content is not guaranteed to be free from errors or omissions. Participants are encouraged to consult with a qualified professional for specific advice related to their individual circumstances. The creators and presenters of this course disclaim any liability for decisions made based on the information provided.
Disclosure: The planners and presenter(s) of this educational activity have disclosed no relevant financial relationships with any commercial interests. There is no commercial support or sponsorship for this program. This activity has been developed independently and solely for educational purposes. No endorsement of specific products or services is intended or implied.