What is the ethical obligation of nurses when impairment is suspected?

• A. Nurses must report impaired practices and ensure the individual receives help
• B. Nurses may delay reporting until safety is threatened
• C. Nurses are not responsible for impairment issues
• D. Nurses should only discuss concerns with peers

Answer: (A)

When impairment is suspected, the priority is patient safety and ensuring the colleague gets help. Nurses have an ethical obligation to report concerns to the appropriate supervisor or regulatory body and to follow formal policies for impairment, so the nurse can be evaluated and connected with resources such as an employee assistance program. Acting promptly, the nurse helps place patient safety first, which may include temporarily removing the impaired practitioner from direct patient care while the issue is addressed.

Delaying reporting undermines safety and support for the colleague, and claiming no responsibility or simply talking with peers does not meet the professional duty to act through proper channels. The aim is to protect patients and provide the impaired nurse a path to treatment and safe return to practice, aligning with ethical standards and regulatory expectations.