[luvmy3kids]

http://www.kare11.com/news/news_arti...storyid=501279

A Mankato hospital fired a nurse for tampering with its stock of fentanyl, a powerful pain medication, and has notified 335 patients that they may have received saline instead of the intended drug.

There's no indication yet that any patients suffered ill effects, Dr. Greg Kutcher, the president and CEO of Immanuel St. Joseph's Mayo Health System, said Monday.

Hospital workers found empty fentanyl vials in a wastebasket Feb. 25. The hospital launched an investigation, and within eight days identified the nurse as a culprit.

For the rest of the story, click on the link above.

[oramar]

Usual story, person finds way around anti diversion measure. When they first start to divert they cover their deeds well but as their addiction progress they get careless. That is when they get caught.

[Jolie]

Hospital officials along with the state Department of Health reviewed the medical records of these patients, and "as of now there's no indication there was any harm from this," Kutcher said. (Quote from hospital official in post above)

Having suffered from inadequate pain relief after surgery, it sounds to me like the hospital is not taking this seriously enough, simply because they have not uncovered any apparent life-threatening complications of this nurse's actions. My heart and prayers go out to any patient who may have suffered severe unrelieved pain. It is such a horrible, frightening and overwhelming experience.

[elkpark]

Originally Posted by Jolie

Hospital officials along with the state Department of Health reviewed the medical records of these patients, and "as of now there's no indication there was any harm from this," Kutcher said. (Quote from hospital official in post above)

Having suffered from inadequate pain relief after surgery, it sounds to me like the hospital is not taking this seriously enough, simply because they have not uncovered any apparent life-threatening complications of this nurse's actions. My heart and prayers go out to any patient who may have suffered severe unrelieved pain. It is such a horrible, frightening and overwhelming experience.

That was my first thought, also -- "no indication there was any harm from this"??? What about the fact that they didn't get the analgesia ordered for them??? I would certainly consider that "harm."

[CHATSDALE]

i would like to see a headline that said
500 NURSES WORKED AND GAVE GOOD RESPONSIBLE CARE TO PATIENTS'

[HM2Viking]

I happen to be acquainted with Dr. Kutcher. He is a very straight shooter. I am sure that he will make sure that the patients interests are addressed.

[kukukajoo]

Well let's see- first is the inadequate pain suppression the patients probably received.

Also the insurance fraud for billing for a med that the patient never received.

I agree Chatsdale- there needs to be more about the GOOD that all the nurses do, not the few bad eggs that tarnish the profession.

[JessieRN]

That truely is a shame.

[Xbox Live Addict]

Originally Posted by CHATSDALE

i would like to see a headline that said
500 NURSES WORKED AND GAVE GOOD RESPONSIBLE CARE TO PATIENTS'

People doing their jobs properly doesn't make for a great sensational news story. Once in a great while, a news outlet will favor us with a "human interest" (for people who aren't going to get up and change the channel) story about nurses busting their collective butt on a daily basis.

Hobbes: "I wonder why we play war and not peace?"

Calvin: "Too few role models."

I thought of that cartoon as I read this post.

[dawngloves]

Sadly,this is not unheard of. I recall when I did adults I pulled out of the narc box a leaking, pre filled syringe of fentanyl. Wrote a report, gave it to the NM, it was sent to pharmacy...long story short it was NSS. I think we figured out it was an agency nurse after she was caught pocketing narcs one night.