narcotic counting question

Nurses General Nursing

Published

The nurse that relieves me at night practically insists that he count the narcs alone when he comes in and seems to get agitated if you don't hand him your keys when he enters the door even though the cart hasn't been cleared.

I have no idea what the reasoning for this is, but I am uncomfortable with anyone having access to controlled meds that I alone am responsible for. I've even been "warned" by my coworkers to watch out because he will do things for the sole purpose of getting certain people into trouble. :uhoh21: I try to ignore the flood of gossip I hear at work and form my own opinions, but still I just can't help but wonder at this.

My question is who would be at fault if he has his way and takes the keys over and decides something isn't right after he has counted alone? Would it be my fault for not counting, his for taking the cart without counting or a shared thing?

Specializes in PeriOp, ICU, PICU, NICU.

You seem to have a bad vibe coming from him, so please don't hand him the keys any longer. I would talk to him, and tell him you don't feel comfortable and demand to know why he gets agitated. Be careful and don't risk yours for anyone. Best luck to you. :)

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There are many nurses who have "eccentricities", and they may range from yelling because the chart is not in the usual place to the way that they put their lunches in the fridge. Let the people have their little eccentricities in these areas, but when it comes to the narc count, NEVER budge or fudge on anything. YOUR license is on the line. All you have worked for could be gone if the count is "off." This could mean a lot of money and legal wrangling for you, and who needs that? Who cares if he gets agitated if he can't count alone? What has happened if you explained that this is your license that would be on the line and you would prefer to be with him when he counts? Has this been tried before?

I'm with the other poster who thinks that he's up to something. Something's not right here with him becoming agitated if he can't count alone...:uhoh21:

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There are many nurses who have "eccentricities", and they may range from yelling because the chart is not in the usual place to the way that they put their lunches in the fridge. Let the people have their little eccentricities in these areas, but when it comes to the narc count, NEVER budge or fudge on anything. YOUR license is on the line. All you have worked for could be gone if the count is "off." This could mean a lot of money and legal wrangling for you, and who needs that? Who cares if he gets agitated if he can't count alone? What has happened if you explained that this is your license that would be on the line and you would prefer to be with him when he counts? Has this been tried before?

I'm with the other poster who thinks that he's up to something. Something's not right here with him becoming agitated if he can't count alone...:uhoh21:

OMG! This person sounds very fishy! I dont care what his reasons are but that violates a nurse practice act, I'm sure. And if this person is truly up to something, you can betcha he'll bring you down with him! Never agree with him again!! I dont care if he gets mad or whatever! I am in a bad situation with a suspended license now and part of the allegations involve unsigned narc wastages when the nurse I worked with insisted she will waste the med and sign later!!!!!!!

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I would simply explain to that nurse, I must count off narcs WITH you whether you like it or not IT IS THE LAW!! And if he didn't like then go take it up with the DON.

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Specializes in LTC, assisted living, med-surg, psych.

Uh, folks, you're all missing one huge point: It's NOT just the OP's license that's at risk here, it's her FREEDOM. If there is a discrepancy in the narcotics count that cannot be accounted for and two signatures on the log, there could be federal criminal charges against both nurses.....and you can bet the rent that this fellow will have no problems hanging her out to dry when the proverbial fecal matter hits the fan. :stone

To the OP: You need to get assertive, and FAST. Do not give up the keys to this nurse until both of you have reconciled all the narcotics; if for some reason he refuses or gives you attitude, call the DON and have her come down and deal with the situation immediately. If she doesn't, RUN, do not walk, away from this facility........your entire career could depend on it!!

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NEVER NEVER NEVER sign the narc count if you really didn't count it. What you are documenting is that you actually counted the drugs and that they are all accounted for. As the oncoming nurse you should actually count the drugs and inspect the packages for intactness or evidence of tampering. Good luck with this person. Hold your ground and be tough!

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Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.
Uh, folks, you're all missing one huge point: It's NOT just the OP's license that's at risk here, it's her FREEDOM. If there is a discrepancy in the narcotics count that cannot be accounted for and two signatures on the log, there could be federal criminal charges against both nurses.....and you can bet the rent that this fellow will have no problems hanging her out to dry when the proverbial fecal matter hits the fan. :stone

To the OP: You need to get assertive, and FAST. Do not give up the keys to this nurse until both of you have reconciled all the narcotics; if for some reason he refuses or gives you attitude, call the DON and have her come down and deal with the situation immediately. If she doesn't, RUN, do not walk, away from this facility........your entire career could depend on it!!

THAT is why I suggested the variance reporting.

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Update? How are things going??

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