Our Process

Without treatment and engagement in recovery, a substance use disorder can be a life-threatening illness. Early detection of substance use disorders can mean the difference between life and death. The Nurse's Health Program provides support and advocacy to all nurses, dietitian-nutritionists, and student nurses suffering from substance use disorder, mental illness, or behavioral concerns that impact their ability to practice their chosen profession. If you or someone you know is battling with one of these potentially impairing conditions, please call the NHP today.

Screening and Referral for Evaluation:

All services provided by the NHP are strictly confidential.

It is our goal to provide each person with the services they need to recover. The NHP staff is committed to developing an individualized approach for you.

Our highly trained and experienced case management staff are available to help participants find the most appropriate resource for assessment. When calling, a case manager will conduct a brief screening to collect relevant information so the NHP can provide the nurse, dietitian-nutritionist, or student nurse with a list of providers who can complete an independent assessment.

Any referral made by the NHP will be directed to providers who specialize in the assessment of health care professionals.

*The NHP does not provide any assessment or treatment services.

Coordination of Treatment:

If a diagnosis is indicated during assessment, for which treatment is needed, the NHP will help the participant find an appropriate avenue for treatment. Our case management team, along with NHP medical directors, will work to find you a provider or facility that specializes in your area of need. Moreover, many of these partnerships are built on long-standing working relationships with the staff and understand the needs of our participants. Release of Information Form

Remediation services could include, but are not limited to:

Detoxification
Inpatient therapy
Partial hospitalization programs
Intensive outpatient programs
General outpatient

While in treatment, the NHP staff will continue to work closely with the treatment provider or facility to make sure you are receiving the support and resources necessary to address your illness. Most cases involve regular calls and communication pertaining to your progress. It is our goal to monitor the treatment process and make sure you are receiving the best care.

Monitoring

Our long-term monitoring approach allows the NHP to collect documentation of recovery activities, which can then be used to advocate for present participants.

After completing an assessment, and if treatment is needed, the NHP will work with a provider to develop an individualized monitoring agreement. While agreements are unique to the individual, most agreements include:

Drug Testing
On-going therapy
Peer monitoring
Workplace monitoring
Mutual-help meeting attendance (AA/NA/other)
Routine check-in calls with the NHP

In addition to the list above, NHP agreements could include attending CME courses, follow up assessments to determine return to work/school eligibility, and appropriate follow up with health care providers.

Advocacy

While documentation is collected during the monitoring process, the NHP acts behind the scene as an advocate to provide periodic reports on the participant’s behalf to designated parties. In doing so, participants receive support that could easily determine the likelihood of future practice. The NHP is also available to testify in hearings on the behalf of participants, if permission is granted.

Peer decision bodies that could receive program monitoring reports include:

Employers/hospitals
Nursing schools and fellowship programs
Credentialing departments
Nursing/Specialty Boards
Other state NHPs
Insurance companies
Attorneys
Other court and legal systems

Release of Information Form