About the Recovery and Monitoring Program
The Recovery and Monitoring Program (RAMP) was established in 2003 as an Alternative to Discipline program, managed by the Institute for Nursing for the New Jersey Board of Nursing.
It is a confidential, voluntary program that works with the Board of Nursing, employers and nurses to ensure public safety, safe practice and health. RAMP is designed to encourage health professionals to seek a recovery program before their impairment harms a patient or damages their careers through a disciplinary action. The New Jersey State Board of Nursing now refers nurses who qualify to the RAMP program for monitoring as an alternative to disciplinary action. RAMP participation is also part of the reinstatement process for nurses with a licensing action.
RAMP offers nurses support in receiving the appropriate treatment, closely monitoring recovery, working with employers and ensuring the nurses in New Jersey are providing safe, high quality care to the public. It is a comprehensive, structured plan for recovery and monitoring that promotes public protection, safe practice and health.
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration there are approximately 22 million people in the United States who abuse drugs and alcohol (SAMSHA 2008). This is not a disease that discriminates based on age, health, race or socioeconomic status. Health professionals are not immune to it, in fact the “American Nurses Association (ANA) estimates that six to eight percent of nurses use alcohol or drugs to an extent that is sufficient to impair professional performance” (NCSBN 2011). General symptoms of substance use problems in nurses can include: mood swings, defensiveness, isolation, irritability, poor judgment, difficulty following through on assignments, also coming to work on days off and volunteering for overtime. Early recognition and intervention leads to better outcomes for the nurse and a safe environment for the public.
RAMP offers nurses support in receiving the appropriate treatment, closely monitoring their recovery, working with employers and the public to ensure the nurses in New Jersey are providing safe, high quality nursing care. RAMP provides the monitoring necessary to support nurses in regaining and maintaining their physical, social, emotional and professional well being. RAMP also works with employers and provides education to nurses, employers and the public.
RAMP receives referrals by phone, email, and fax.
Intake/Referral Contact Information:
RAMP accepts referrals from nurses, licensing board, employers, and other sources confidentially by phone, email or fax.
To enroll, please contact:
Wendy Summers: Intake Case Manager