If a nurse smells alcohol on the breath of an assistive personnel during report, what should the nurse do?

Reporting the situation to the nurse manager is the appropriate course of action when a nurse detects the smell of alcohol on the breath of an assistive personnel. This response is crucial for several reasons.

First, it acknowledges the potential seriousness of the situation. The presence of alcohol could indicate impairment, which can significantly impact the safety and quality of patient care. The nurse has a professional responsibility to ensure a safe environment for patients and staff.

Second, reporting to the nurse manager allows for an appropriate procedural response that is consistent with institutional policies regarding suspected substance use. This approach ensures that the situation is handled by someone in a position to investigate further and take necessary actions according to the guidelines of the healthcare facility.

Additionally, addressing the issue through the chain of command helps to maintain confidentiality and protect the integrity of the assistive personnel while ensuring that the nurses' concerns are formally documented and addressed.

Ignoring the situation could lead to potential harm to patients, and confronting the assistive personnel directly may not be safe or effective in addressing the problem. Documenting the observation is important, but it should follow a report to the nurse manager to ensure prompt action is taken.