This presentation advocates for a critical shift in how we support nurses. It highlights the pervasive challenges of burnout, mental health struggles, and substance use disorder (SUD) within the profession, emphasizing that these are complex medical conditions, not personal failings. The presentation stresses the importance of early intervention and confidential peer support programs that balance accountability with well-being. By investing in nurse welfare, organizations not only foster a healthier workforce and reduce stigma but also see tangible benefits like decreased turnover and improved patient safety, ultimately prioritizing the invaluable human capital of nursing.

Learner Objectives

1. Gain an understanding of mental health and substance use disorder (SUD) within the nursing profession.
2. Recognize a decrease in stigma by listening to a nurse's lived experience. 
3. Learn to recognize the indicators that a nurse may be in need of support. 
4. Identify available resources for nurses facing mental health or substance use challenges.

Presenter

Kristin Waite-Labott BSN, RN, CARN, CPRC; Founder and President of Wisconsin Peer Alliance for Nurses; Emergency Department Nurse, Aurora St. Luke’s South Shore; Hales Corners, Wisconsin

With over three decades of nursing experience, Kristin has firsthand knowledge of the difficulties faced by nurses. Having personally experienced the challenges of mental health and substance use, she found recovery in 2005. She has created a lifeline for nurses seeking support and understanding by founding WisPAN, Wisconsin Peer Alliance for Nurses, providing a safe space for nurses to find support, share experiences, and build resilience. She has published a book called “An Unlikely Addict”, about her story of recovery and a textbook called “Substance Use Disorder in Healthcare Professionals”.

Registration Rates

• ASAN Members: $0, free to members

• Non-Members: $15

• • Not a Member? Click here to join, then sign up for the webinar.

Nursing CE

This event is approved for Nursing CE with the California Board of Nursing.

Cancellation

No refund due to cancellation. All registrants will have access to a video archive if you are unable to attend in person.