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

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  1. 1
    Nov 19, '13 by
    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...
    LPN504 likes this.

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  3. 12 Comments so far...

  4. 6
    Nov 19, '13 by 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
    GrnTea, Rose_Queen, monkeybug, and 3 others like this.
  5. 5
    Nov 19, '13 by
    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.
    GrnTea, Wise Woman RN, Rose_Queen, and 2 others like this.
  6. 2
    Nov 19, '13 by
    Just like others have said....find a waster. Every time.
    Wise Woman RN and Esme12 like this.
  7. 5
    Nov 19, '13 by 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.
    Wise Woman RN, poppycat, KelRN215, and 2 others like this.
  8. 6
    Nov 19, '13 by
    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.
    Dazglue, Rose_Queen, cardiacfreak, and 3 others like this.
  9. 2
    Nov 19, '13 by
    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?
    poppycat and KelRN215 like this.
  10. 2
    Nov 19, '13 by
    Never getting your waste witnessed is a huge red flag.
    And how are you getting meds on your skin?
    poppycat and KelRN215 like this.
  11. 0
    Nov 19, '13 by 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.
  12. 0
    Nov 19, '13 by
    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.
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