can an RN be charged with theft based on descrepancy in machine?

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Nov 19, '13 by tiajuana2rn

I am a travel nurse and was taken aside and asked about descrepancies and told them I was having difficulty wasting cuz i would get pulled to different room before i had a chance or could not find a willing witness. I work in fast paced cath lab and squirt in sink-always. has anyone ever been charged? im there 6 days a week and get these drugs on my skin and we know they can be absorbed.I was shocked since they liked my work...

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12 Comments so far...
6
Nov 19, '13 by loriangel14 Guide

It could be a possibility if they wanted to pursue it.

More importantly you need to stop doing unwitnessed wastes.You could be putting yourself and your license in jeopardy if you haven't already. I know it's a pain trying to find someone on a busy floor but it's a risk you shouldn't be taking.If you can't prove where the drugs are going they could hold you responsible. It doesn't matter if they "like your work". Missing drugs are missing drugs.I worked with a nurse that was accused of diverting and she lost her license.

Last edit by loriangel14 on Nov 19, '13

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5
Nov 19, '13 by imintrouble

We had a nurse who was diverting and was charged with theft.
It didn't go to trial, so I don't know how much time was spent in jail.
Just because you're not doing anything wrong, doesn't mean you can't get in trouble.
Find another nurse to waste every single time.

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2
Nov 19, '13 by jessi1106

Just like others have said....find a waster. Every time.

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5
Nov 19, '13 by Esme12 Asst. Admin

I worked cath lab and it is important to always find someone to waste......even if it is done after the case. I am unsure how you would get drugs on your skin, through all the lead and clothing worn, and certainly not enough to test positive on a drug screen.

We cannot offer legal advice as per the Terms of Service. If you have concerns I would contact your malpractice carrier, let them know, and ask them what you should do.

To answer your question.....yes they can file criminal charges.

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6
Nov 19, '13 by meandragonbrett

No excuse for not getting somebody to witness your waste. That's really a basic expectation and not something out of the ordinary.

It's even more important as a traveler to make sure you waste scheduled drugs. That's the only excuse they need to cancel your contract and send you packing.

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2
Nov 19, '13 by xoemmylouox

You must have a witness every time.. I don't understand how you get medication on you all of the time. Are you worried you wouldn't pass a drug screen?

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2
Nov 19, '13 by Pepper The Cat

Never getting your waste witnessed is a huge red flag.
And how are you getting meds on your skin?

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0
Nov 19, '13 by HouTx Guide

Comply with the organizational policy. If you're appropriately gowned, gloved & goggled as required for the procedure, the only 'skin' that you could contaminate would be your face.... so I find that comment kinda strange.
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Nov 19, '13 by elkpark

Anything that is signed out of the machine under your name and not otherwise accounted for is presumed to be in your possession. That's why witnessing and documenting waste is a big deal in the first place. If you're not following the established policies for wasting controlled meds, regardless of how busy the workplace may be, you are setting yourself up for big problems at some point; and, as a traveler, you are not someone the facility knows and trusts and might be inclined to extend the benefit of the doubt.