It is also interesting to note both the ready inclusion of
alcohol and drug addictions as disabilities and the relative
prevalence of such disabilities. These findings are
consistent with recent work among hospitals and state
boards of nursing dealing with nurses who are impaired
by addictions (Blair, 2002; Dunn, 2005; Maher-Brisen,
2007). This is an area of increasing importance both
among practicing nurses and nursing students.