Peer Assistance Network for Nurses (PANN)

Nurses helping nurses who have problems with alcohol, drugs, and/or emotional disorders.

PANN's Mission:

To assist nurses who are chemically dependent and/or suffering from an emotional disorder and to serve as a resource for these nurses.

Toll-free, confidential hotline: 1-800-262-2500

Nurses Helping Nurses

The Illinois Nurses Association has developed a support network for nurses whose professional performance is affected by the misuse of alcohol, mood-altering drugs, any resulting mental or physical illness or other psychiatric disorders. This support network is the Peer Assistance Network for Nurses, or PANN.

Recent studies reveal that 10-15 percent of nurses run the risk of developing alcoholism or drug dependency during their lifetime. PANN was established to increase the awareness of chemical dependency among nurses and to provide support for those who have the disease of addiction.

PANN is based upon a sincere concern for impaired nurses and their patients/clients. PANN believes that alcoholism, drug addiction and any resulting mental and/or physical illnesses are treatable diseases. Early intervention and treatment by skilled professionals significantly improves the likelihood for recovery.

PANN's goals are:

• To assist nurses whose lives and ability to function are negatively impacted by chemical dependency, behavioral addictions, and/or emotional disorders through support, education, advocacy and referral;
• To direct these nurses toward appropriate treatment that promotes recovery; and
• To educate groups or individuals about the signs, symptoms, and effects of poor professional performance because of impaired functioning.

If you are a nurse and believe that alcohol or other drugs are negatively affecting your life, or are someone in need of information about impaired nurses, please call our confidential, toll-free hotline at 1-800-262-2500.

INA PANN Board Members are available to provide education and awareness to interested groups including nursing programs.  Contact Dee-Dee Patrick for information.

PANN Scholarship

To help those seeking to become certified in addictions, PANN now offers the Dr. Tony Guerrero Memorial Scholarship. Whether you work full or part-time, you can make a difference to those seeking to recover from the pain of addiction.  For more information, click here.

PANN Board of Directors

President
Dee Dee (Dianne) Patrick, MS, RN, CARN, CLNC
708/494-0008
dmp0513@aol.com

Vice President
Carole Caponigro, MS, RN, CADC, NCGC
carolecaponigro@sbcglobal.net

Secretary
Amy Taylor, RN
amytaylora@yahoo.com

Treasurer
Don Krzyzak, DDS,MSW, CADC
criz8@earthlink.net

Board Member Emerita
Marlene M. Winter, MA, RN, CSADC 
marsagg@mindwave.net