The Lived Experience of Male Nurses Who Have Successfully Rehabilitated From Chemical Dependency Through the State of Florida's Intervention Project for Nurses

This dissertation reviews the multifaceted dimensions of male nurses in recovery
from chemical dependency in the State of Florida's Intervention Project for Nurses
Rehabilitation Program. These dimensions are not linear and fluctuation of the degree of
intensity is individualized to the lived experience of the nurse. The purpose of this
qualitative, phenomenological research study was to understand the lived experience of
male nurses who have successfully completed the rehabilitation phase and to determine
themes that influenced their vulnerability to professional impairment. The study
identified two overarching themes of person and profession. The major theme of person
had three sub-themes of pre-determined risk, altered values, and sensation seeking
behaviors. The major theme of profession had five sub-themes of masterminding,
professional heteronomy, rehabilitation, getting caught, spirituality, and the nurse becoming the nursed. A model of professional impairment graphically depicts the
interaction of these themes. Exploring the lived experiences of male nurses who have
successfully rehabilitated from chemical dependency provided understanding and
identification that can assist academic and clinical environments with prevention,
education, and early intervention.