WNA PEER ASSISTANCE ADVISORY COUNCIL

PURPOSE OF WNA'S PEER ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (PAP):
(Click here for a downloadable brochure on WNA's Peer Assistance Program (PAP)

The Wisconsin Nurses Association Peer Assistance Program is a voluntary confidential advocacy program for nurses and employers. This program is part of WNA’s Workforce Advocacy Program. The Peer Assistance Program was established in 1993 because of the growing awareness of the need for WNA to address the needs of the chemically dependent nurse.

WNA's Peer Assistance Program (PAP) does not provide mental health or addiction counseling, intervention, treatment, or monitoring during recovery services. But rather education, awareness, support in recovery and advocacy.

WNA and the Peer Assistance Program are not affiliated with the Department of Regulation and Licensing or Board of Nursing.

WNA Peer Assistance Program Role and Activities

1. To serve as a resource for nurses with questions about alcohol and drug use.

WNA has information that can be provided individually to interested groups or online for viewing.

• To view WNA Peer Assistance Advisory Council Presentation on Chemical Dependency and Impaired Practice click here.

• To view WNA video "Identification of Impaired Nursing Practice: The Puzzle of Chemical Dependency Identification" click here.

2. To provide support and advocacy for nurses seeking assistance with recovery through WNA’s Peer Assistance Program.

Support is provided by WNA’s Peer Assistance Program staff members and the Peer Assistance Network of Volunteers. These individuals are trained to help nurses who perceive a need for assistance in seeking treatment, remaining in recovery, or for workplace re-entry. Consultation is available for any nurse including LPN, RN, WNA members, non-members or student nurses. Other consultation is available for employers, family or friend concerning reporting, employing, treating and supporting options available.

WNA staff will assist you in accessing a Peer Assistance Volunteer or provide other information to you related to chemical dependency. You can contact us at 221-0383 or if you are outside Madison call 800-362-3959 Ask for Gina and she will provide confidential assistance. WNA is only interested in knowing your first name and how to contact you.

3. To educate student nurses, licensed nurses and nurse employers about chemical abuse/dependency among nurses.

WNA wants all nurses and employers of nurses to know about chemical dependency and impaired practice. In order to accomplish this, WNA has prepared on-line resources that can be used in learning more about chemical abuse, addiction and impaired practice. It is WNA’s goal that any nurse who is willing to seek treatment and pursue recovery deserves to remain employed and supported. WNA has developed online resources for your use and sharing and can be access by clicking on topics below.

4. To educate health care workers and consumers about WNA’s Peer Assistance Program.

Persons wishing to offer financial support to PAP may do so through the Nurses Foundation of Wisconsin, 6117 Monona Drive, Madison, WI 53716

WNA Position on The Chemically Dependent, Impaired Nurse and Peer Assistance. This position describes the polices needed for education, legislative, workplace and role of WNA's Peer Assistance Program.

Other resources:
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Releases Collateral Products for the Treatment Improvement Protocol Series
Impaired Practice Position