This program is an independent, discreet support service for nurses, midwives and student nurses with impaired health relating to alcohol and drug issues or mental health concerns.
Those with a drug or alcohol issue or mental health concern can now seek confidential help and support through the Victorian Nurses Health Program (VNHP).
Based on the successful Victorian Doctors Heath Program, the VNHP assesses clients and co-ordinates the required health services, provides ongoing support, reviews treatment, provides relapse prevention and monitoring strategies and develops a re-entry to work plan if appropriate.
The VNHP also conducts information seminars at health and education facilities outlining the service and how to identify if either you or a colleague has impaired health due to these factors.
The VNHP is an ANF (Victorian Branch) initiative supported and funded by nurses' registration through the Nurses Board of Victoria (NBV). The health program runs independently of both the ANF and the NBV.
If you think you have a problem, or a nurse, midwife or student nurse you care about is at risk - call the Victorian Nurses Health Program, Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5pm on
03 9415 7551.
For out of hours support relating to drug and alcohol issues or mental health concerns, the Victorian Nurses Health Program recommends contact with Directline on 1800 888 236. (Directline is a 24-hour anonymous telephone support service offering counseling, information, education and referral to treatment and other support services).
