Indiana State Nurses Assistance Program: identifying gender differences in substance use disorders.

PURPOSE:  The objective of this study was to describe the population of nurses in the Indiana State Nurses Assistance Program (ISNAP) as an initial step toward making recommendations for future program improvement efforts. DESIGN AND METHODS:  Secondary analysis of data collected for non-research purpose. FINDINGS:  Male nurses represented a proportionately higher percentage than female nurses in ISNAP and used alcohol two times more often than opiates, the second most abused substance. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS:  Data need to be systematically collected to provide evidence for monitoring and treatment programs to address the needs of impaired nurses based on characteristics, including gender.