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Recognizing Impairment in the Workplace

Recognizing Impairment in the Workplace

2 hours
Credits / Contact Hours
$25
This course included in
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Course applies toward state CE requirements and hours needed for your FL RN license renewal. View Terms

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Very well written, easy to digest, time efficient, and straight to the point. Thank you!

Da
Dawn O.
Verified review

I appreciate the convenience of the course being online and accessible through my phone and that it directly reports to support mandated education requirements.

Pr
Priya M.
Verified review

The course was well organized and helpful in meeting state licensure requirements. I found the content to be very informative and practical.

Cr
Cristina G.
Verified review

Course

Learn to recognize and address impairment in healthcare settings to protect patient safety. This 2-hour course meets Florida’s CE requirement on workplace impairment. Credits are reported to CE Broker and/or CPE Monitor for easy compliance.

Nationally & state accredited

Pharmacy

Course Features

Instant certificates
All required courses
7-day live chat & phone support
Auto reporting toCPE Monitor
Unlimited course attempts

What you'll learn

At the conclusion of this continuing education activity, the participant will be able to:

  1. Define impairment.

  2. Describe the potential consequences of practicing nursing while impaired.

  3. Describe how impairment is different from having a bad day.

  4. Identify common types and causes of impairment among nurses.

  5. Describe risk factors for impairment that are unique to nurses.

  6. Describe common signs of impairment and drug diversion.

  7. Describe requirements for reporting an impaired nurse.

  8. Describe intervention techniques for dealing with impaired nurses.

  9. Describe prevention and management recommendations.


Course description

Recognizing Impairment in the Workplace is a 2-hour continuing education (CE) course for healthcare professionals focused on the early detection, intervention, and prevention of impairment in clinical settings. Impairment—whether caused by substance use, emotional distress, or untreated health conditions—can jeopardize patient safety and the integrity of care delivery.

This course is designed for nurses, physicians, pharmacists, and allied health providers who are responsible for maintaining a safe and professional environment. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing impairment in colleagues and outlines both ethical and legal responsibilities for reporting and response.

Key topics include:

  • Defining impairment in healthcare practice

  • Distinguishing impairment from fatigue or burnout

  • Common risk factors and causes among healthcare workers

  • Identifying behavioral and physical signs of impairment and drug diversion

  • Legal requirements and reporting procedures

  • Approaching impaired colleagues with compassion and professionalism

  • Prevention strategies and workplace support systems

The course uses real-world scenarios and evidence-based strategies to help healthcare providers understand how to manage impairment while preserving trust and safety. You’ll gain tools to take appropriate, effective action in difficult situations and contribute to a culture that prioritizes well-being, accountability, and ethical care.

Whether you work in a hospital, outpatient clinic, long-term care facility, or other healthcare setting, this course will strengthen your ability to safeguard both patients and colleagues.


Course content

  • Introduction

  • What Is Impairment?

  • How Is Impairment Different from Having a Bad Day?

  • Identifying the Causes of Impairment

  • Potential Causes of Temporary Impairment

  • Training and Education Deficits

  • Physical Conditions

  • Physical Injury

  • Stress and Fatigue

  • Mental Illness

  • Substance Abuse and Substance Use Disorder

  • Risk Factors for Substance Use Disorder

  • Access and Attitude

  • Stress

  • Environment

  • Knowledge Deficit

  • Recognizing the Signs of Impairment

  • Job Performance

  • Social Interactions

  • Physical Abilities

  • Recognizing Signs of Drug Diversion

  • Requirements for Reporting Impaired Nurses

  • Interventions for Dealing with the Impaired Professional

  • Initiatives to Help the Impaired Employee

  • Impaired Practitioner Program 

  • Returning to Work

  • Relapse 

  • Prevention

  • Conclusion

  • Helpful Resources

  • References

  • Post-Test


Course details

Release Date06/20/2023
Expiration Date06/20/2026
Review Date06/20/2026
ACPE UAN0657-0000-23-034-H99-P 0657-0000-23-034-H99-T
CE Broker ID20-591101
AGD Number386503 | Course Code: 157
Activity TypeKnowledge-based
Activity FormatEnduring

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Instructor

avatar
Patricia DunnDNP, APRN, FNP-BC

Patricia Dunn DNP, APRN, FNP-BC is a Nurse Practitioner with over 20 years of experience as an Advanced Practice Nurse and 20 years as a Registered Nurse. She has served as an APRN for Florida Pain Institute, Heart Rhythm Associates of Brevard, House Calls of Central Florida. She earned her Doctorate of Nursing Practice from Walden University, Minneapolis.


Ideal CE course for these professions

This continuing education course is especially relevant for these healthcare professions, but other professionals may also benefit

Licensed Mental Health CounselorDental TherapistDietitian - NutritionistCertified Respiratory TherapistOccupational Therapy AssistantAdvanced Practice Nurse PrescribersPharmacistCertified Nurse MidwifeLicensed Social WorkerLicensed Clinical Social WorkerCertified Master Social WorkerLicensed Independent Marriage and Family TherapistLicensed Independent Social WorkerLicensed MidwifeExpanded Function Dental AssistantRegistered Respiratory TherapistDental HygienistExpanded Function Dental AuxiliaryAdvanced Dental AssistantRegistered Nurse PractitionerAdvanced Practice NursesOccupational TherapistForensic Nurse-CSACertified Registered Nurse AnesthetistPsychiatric NurseClinical Nurse SpecialistAPRN - Certified Nurse MidwifeLicensed Practical NurseLicensed Independent Clinical Social WorkerLicensed Psychiatric Technician NurseNurse PractitionerDentistRegistered NurseLong-Term Care Facility AdministratorsLicensed Nursing AssistantAdvanced Practice Registered NursePublic Health NurseLicensed Vocational NurseDental TechnicianLicensed Masters Social WorkerCommunity Dental Health CoordinatorRespiratory TherapistMaster's Social WorkRespiratory Care Practitioner Critical CareDental LabRespiratory Care PractitionerLicensed Certified Social WorkerLicensed Baccalaureate Social WorkerLicensed Marriage and Family Therapist InternLicensed Independent Social Worker DualCertified Nursing AssistantRespiratory Care Practitioner Non-Critical CareRegistered Social Worker AssistantDenturistLicensed Marriage and Family TherapistLicensed Marriage and Family Therapist SupervisorRegistered Dental AssistantGeneral DentistPharmacy TechnicianBachelor's Social WorkerLicensed Independent Social Worker Advanced PracticeDental Assistant RadiographerLicensed Graduate Social WorkerLicensed Independent Social Worker Clinical PracticeLicensed Massage TherapistDental Assistant

Accreditations

AchieveCE is an approved provider (Provider #50-20641) of continuing education for occupational therapy professionals.

  • Alabama State Board of Occupational Therapy

  • Arizona Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners

  • Florida Board of Occupational Therapy

  • Georgia State Board of Occupational Therapy

  • Tennessee Board of Occupational Therapy

  • Mississippi State Department of Health – Bureau of Professional Licensure for Occupational Therapists


Frequently asked questions

How many CE credits does this course provide?

This course, "Recognizing Impairment in the Workplace", provides 2 contact hours of continuing education credit upon successful completion.

Is this course accredited?

Yes, this course is accredited by Occupational Therapy, Dietetics and Nutrition, Respiratory Therapy, Long-Term Care Facility Administrators, Midwifery, Massage Therapy, Dentistry, Nursing, Mental Health, Pharmacy. AchieveCE is an approved provider of continuing education for healthcare professionals.

Which professions is this course approved for?

This course is especially relevant for: Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Dental Therapist, Dietitian - Nutritionist, Certified Respiratory Therapist, Occupational Therapy Assistant, Advanced Practice Nurse Prescribers, Pharmacist, Certified Nurse Midwife, Licensed Social Worker, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Certified Master Social Worker, Licensed Independent Marriage and Family Therapist, Licensed Independent Social Worker, Licensed Midwife, Expanded Function Dental Assistant, Registered Respiratory Therapist, Dental Hygienist, Expanded Function Dental Auxiliary, Advanced Dental Assistant, Registered Nurse Practitioner, Advanced Practice Nurses, Occupational Therapist, Forensic Nurse-CSA, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist, Psychiatric Nurse, Clinical Nurse Specialist, APRN - Certified Nurse Midwife, Licensed Practical Nurse, Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker, Licensed Psychiatric Technician Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Dentist, Registered Nurse, Long-Term Care Facility Administrators, Licensed Nursing Assistant, Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, Public Health Nurse, Licensed Vocational Nurse, Dental Technician, Licensed Masters Social Worker, Community Dental Health Coordinator, Respiratory Therapist, Master's Social Work, Respiratory Care Practitioner Critical Care, Dental Lab, Respiratory Care Practitioner, Licensed Certified Social Worker, Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Intern, Licensed Independent Social Worker Dual, Certified Nursing Assistant, Respiratory Care Practitioner Non-Critical Care, Registered Social Worker Assistant, Denturist, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Supervisor, Registered Dental Assistant, General Dentist, Pharmacy Technician, Bachelor's Social Worker, Licensed Independent Social Worker Advanced Practice, Dental Assistant Radiographer, Licensed Graduate Social Worker, Licensed Independent Social Worker Clinical Practice, Licensed Massage Therapist, Dental Assistant. Other healthcare professionals may also benefit from this continuing education content.

How do I report my CE credits after completing this course?

Your credits are automatically and instantly reported to CE Broker and CPE Monitor upon successful completion. No manual reporting is required on your part.

Will I receive a certificate of completion?

Yes, you will receive a certificate of completion immediately after finishing the course and passing the assessment. The certificate can be downloaded and printed directly from your account.

What is your refund policy?

We offer a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you are not satisfied with your purchase, you can request a full refund within 30 days of purchase.

How long do I have to complete this course?

You have unlimited time to complete the course at your own pace. Once purchased, the course is available in your account until its expiration date. You can pause and resume at any time.


Most helpful reviews

Star reviewsReal reviews, real results
Da
Dawn O.Nutritionist
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I am always interested in continuing education in the areas of health, wellness, nutrition and mental health. Your course was well written, well organized and helpful in meeting state licensure requirements.

Pr
Priya M.Occupational Therapist
Stars decorationVerified review
curly quote as a decorative item

Very well written, easy to digest, time efficient, and straight to the point. Thank you!

Cr
Cristina GRegistered Nurse
Stars decorationVerified review
curly quote as a decorative item

I appreciate the convenience of the course being online and accessible through my phone and that it directly reports to CEBroker to support mandated education requirements.

Al
Allison B.Nurse Practitioner
Stars decorationVerified review
curly quote as a decorative item

I really loved this information. I was hospitalized last year for almost a month and I noticed multiple medical errors (not being hooked up to my IV multiple times, given wrong medication which caused my sodium to be very low, etc.) which lengthened my stay. I can now define those exact errors and better understand what happened to me. I hate that these medical errors are so common and I appreciate how well laid out your breakdown and categorization of them was.

Buy with confidence with money back guarantees

30 Day Satisfaction Money Back Guarantee

This course is guaranteed to meet or exceed your expectations for convenience and quality. View Terms

License Renewal Money Back Guarantee

Includes all state CE requirements and hours needed for your license renewal. View Terms


Requirements & disclosures

Financial Disclosures

This activity was developed by AchieveCE free of any commercial support. The following individuals have indicated that they have no financial relationships with an ineligible company that may impact upon this activity:

  • Patricia Dunn, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC - Nurse Planner, Content Expert and Faculty

  • Pete Kreckel, RPh - Pharmacist Planner

  • Jonas Ashbaugh DDS, FAGD - Dentist Planner

  • Gracielle Tubera - Content Reviewer

  • Luke Porter – Content Reviewer

  • Dianne Arroyo - Activity Publisher

Passing Grade

Participants must achieve a passing score on the activity post-test, which may be 70% or 80%, depending on the course. They must also complete an activity evaluation. There are no time limits and unlimited test-taking attempts. Credits will be reported automatically to CE Broker if your license information is entered correctly in your profile.

Hardware Requirements

Windows 8.1, Windows 10, Mac OS X 10.1+, iOS 10+, Android 4.3+

Software Requirements

Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox, Adobe Acrobat Reader

Network Requirements

Broadband Internet Connection: T1, Hi-speed DSL or Cable4G cellular connection


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