This course provides Delaware nurses with substance abuse education relevant to nursing practice, including recognition, prevention, treatment considerations, patient safety, professional responsibilities, and appropriate referral or intervention. Delaware requires at least 3 Contact Hours in substance abuse as part of the continuing education requirements for active nurses. The course supports role-appropriate assessment, communication, documentation, clinical decision-making, and coordinated care for patients affected by substance use.
Developed by: Scott Strachan RN, BSN
Target Audience
Delaware registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and advanced practice registered nurses who provide patient care, education, coordination, supervision, or related nursing services.
Teaching Method
Self-directed learning completed independently, with scenario-based reflection.
Overview
Substance use may affect patients across clinical settings, age groups, and levels of care. Nurses may encounter patients with intoxication, withdrawal, medication misuse, risky substance use, substance use disorders, co-occurring health conditions, or barriers to treatment. Effective nursing responses require objective observation, respectful communication, patient-centered safety measures, and awareness of the nurse’s scope of practice.
This course examines common indicators and risk factors associated with substance use, approaches to prevention and early recognition, and treatment considerations that may influence nursing care. It addresses screening and assessment responsibilities, immediate safety concerns, withdrawal and overdose risks, stigma reduction, medication-related considerations, referral pathways, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
The course also reviews professional responsibilities involving documentation, confidentiality, reporting, patient education, care coordination, and intervention when substance use may impair safe care. Content is designed to support Delaware’s requirement that active nurses complete at least 3 Contact Hours in the area of substance abuse during the applicable renewal period. Completion of this course does not independently establish that a licensing authority will accept it for a particular license or renewal. Learners remain responsible for confirming current requirements and acceptable continuing education methods with the Delaware Board of Nursing.
Learner Objectives
Upon completion of this course, the learner will be able to:
Disclosure
The planner(s) and author(s) of this educational activity have disclosed that there are no relevant financial relationships with any commercial interests related to the content of this course. This course is developed for educational purposes and does not receive commercial support.
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 circumstances. The creators and presenters of this course disclaim any liability for decisions made based on the information provided.
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