Nurses Battling Addiction: Paula Davies Scimeca's Insights on Recovery
Recovery, whether it is from substance abuse or a mental illness, or both requires a treatment plan, which in many cases is as effective as treatments for other chronic illnesses.
What happens when those who care for others need help themselves? In this thought-provoking episode of 'One Hour AT A Time', host Mary Woods sits down with Paula Davies Scimeca to discuss the unique challenges and necessary support for nurses in recovery. Scimeca, a mental health nurse consultant and founder of Unbecoming a Nurse, shares her wealth of experience in helping nursing professionals overcome addiction.
The conversation highlights the similarities and differences between addiction in nursing and the general population, shedding light on the specific hurdles nurses face, such as workplace triggers and easy access to medications. Scimeca emphasizes the critical need for tailored treatment plans that are as robust as those for other chronic illnesses. She also touches on the importance of monitoring and support systems tailored for nurses, as well as the dangers of prescription drug abuse within the profession.
This episode is packed with valuable insights on increasing awareness and regulation around prescription drug abuse in nursing, and it underscores the significance of supporting mental health and substance use disorder recovery. Whether you're a healthcare professional or someone interested in addiction recovery, this episode offers a compassionate and informative look at the journey to overcoming addiction in the nursing field.