In this crucial and eye-opening episode of the Gritty Nurse podcast with host Amie Archibald-Varley and guest host, Jordan Varley, they confront the hidden crisis of addiction within the healthcare industry. This is essential listening for nurses, physicians, social workers, and all healthcare professionals struggling with the stigma of substance abuse.

I’ll never forget my first exposure to addiction in the workplace—it was the epitome of a toxic culture. My then-boss shared a disgusting story about a former director allegedly found drunk under a desk, treating a colleague’s pain as a vicious joke. I realized instantly that in this environment, no healthcare worker would ever feel safe coming forward. That betrayal of confidentiality and trust perfectly illustrated the profound stigma we're fighting.

We delve into the alarming substance abuse statistics and share raw, personal stories that reveal the profound struggles faced by healthcare workers who are silently battling addiction. Our special guest, social worker Jordan, joins us to tear down the wall of shame and expose the systemic issues that often enable or worsen provider impairment. We address the pressures from leadership—the maligning manager or enabling system—that makes seeking addiction treatmentand achieving recovery so difficult.

Tune in to understand why it’s crucial for every hospital and clinic to champion healthcare worker recovery and create a culture that genuinely dedicates itself to saving the healers. Please do not forget to LIKE and Subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Youtube! 

Keywords

addiction, healthcare, nurses, stigma, workplace culture

Takeaways

• Addiction is a rising crisis in healthcare.
• 10-15% of nurses struggle with substance abuse.
• Registered nurses are 2.2 times more likely to die from overdose.
• Stigma prevents healthcare workers from seeking help.
• 43% of drug-related deaths involve workplace medications.
• Physician suicide rates are high due to substance abuse.
• Workplace culture contributes to addiction issues.
• Healthcare workers face unique addiction challenges.
• Support systems for addiction in healthcare are lacking.
• Addressing stigma is crucial for solving addiction issues.

Chapters

• Introduction to Addiction in Healthcare
• Statistics and Personal Stories
• Stigma and Workplace Culture
• Systemic Issues and Solutions

Where to Listen / Watch

* Listen on Apple Podcasts – : The Gritty Nurse Podcast on Apple Apple Podcasts

https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-gritty-nurse/id1493290782

* Watch on YouTube –  https://www.youtube.com/@thegrittynursepodcast

Thank you to Hospital News for being a collaborative partner with the Gritty Nurse!

www.hospitalnews.com