Inputs
NPD Forecast Podcast: Advocating for Nurses Recovering From Substance Use Disorder
September 20, 2024 — Courtney Hickey, BSN, RN, CCRN
In this episode of the NPD Forecast podcast, in honor of both National Substance Use Prevention Month and National Recovery Month, hosts Stephanie Zidek, PhD, RN, AGCNS-BC, NEA-BC, NPD-BC, and Naomi Fox, DNP, RN, NPD-BC, CCRN, speak with Courtney Hickey, BSN, RN, CCRN. She shares her story of becoming a nurse, struggling with a substance use disorder (SUD), and now advocating for other nurses experiencing the same challenges she had.
At June's American Nurse Association (ANA) 2024 Membership Assembly in Washington, D.C., Courtney presented during a dialogue forum and submitted a policy proposal titled "Breaking Barriers to Nurse Workforce Well-being.” These actions served to advocate for changes in the treatment of nurses with histories of substance use disorder in the workforce. This proposal is now an official policy through ANA.
In addition to sharing her story, Hickey shares her takeaways from her proposal presentation and provides guidance to NPD practitioners on supporting nurses experiencing SUDs. Listen on NPD in Motion or on your favorite podcast player.
Hickey encourages listeners to become involved with the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes Foundation, whose mission is to reduce burnout of healthcare professionals and safeguard their well-being and job satisfaction.
Stay tuned for an article from Hickey publishing to NPD in Motion that will share more advice for NPD practitioners on supporting nurses.
Courtney Hickey, BSN, RN, CCRN
Workplace Advocacy Advisory and Networking Team (ANT) Co-Chair, Colorado Nurses Association
Courtney Hickey is a baccalaureate-prepared registered nurse, with over 15 years of diverse experience, specializing in pre/post special procedures within the Endoscopy Lab at University of Colorado Hospital. Throughout her career, she has held roles as a professional development coordinator/director of education, preceptor, and relief charge nurse across critical care, peri-operative, gastroenterology, and behavioral health settings.
Hickey is deeply committed to enhancing patient care and nursing practice. Noteworthy achievements include successfully spearheading a hospital-wide lab mislabeling project and developing a comprehensive new graduate nurse orientation program. She has actively led and participated in multiple committees and task forces, which played a role in the University of Colorado Hospital achieving its fourth consecutive Magnet Hospital designation.