Nurses Helping Nurses
allnurses Network: Central | Jobs | Books | Newsletter
allnurses: A Nursing Community for Nurses
Home General News Blogs Articles Students Region Specialty Degrees F.A.Q.
Log In | Register | Last 24 Hours
Geriatric Nurses and LTC Nursing /

new nurse facility missing a narc



Did You Know?
allnurses is the largest community for nurses on the web. We now have over 388,625 members! Join today to network with other nurses, laugh, share, and much more.
Page 1 of 3 1 23 >

Jul 25, 2008 01:18 PM

new nurse facility missing a narc


I am a new nurse. I got a call from the DON that there is a lorazepam missing from the narco box. I only worked one of the days in question and I know that I didn't get into it. She said that if she can't figure it out then she would have to call the police. If she does what happens next? We had a lot of nurses covering other shifts and we have had new nurses working also some more nurses have quit. I personally think that someone just forgot to fill out the slip to say that they got it out. Any information on what happens next will be appreciated. Thanks in advance

Share
Search Tags
None
Top

 
Advertisement
Sponsored Links
 
Page 1 of 3 1 23 >
Reply
20 Comments
No. 1
from RN1989
Old Jul 25, 2008, 01:26 PM

Default Re: new nurse facility missing a narc
Sounds like she is trying to scare you. Your facility should have a policy regarding this. If it doesn't, that's a problem. I would definitely be looking at the P&P manual or employee handbook to see what the protocol for your facility is.

Usually the staff is sent in for drug testing if no one can figure it out. If someone comes up positive, then they call the police and see if they or the DA are willing to do something about it. Sometimes they do, oftentimes they take a statement and go on about their business.

Best bet is to just make sure that you always document. If you didn't take it, this will just be a hassle. Relax, do your job, and don't let them rattle you.
Top
1 Reader Gave Kudos
 
No. 2
from mesa1979
Old Jul 25, 2008, 02:41 PM

Default Re: new nurse facility missing a narc
I agree this is scare tactic. If you know you didn't take it, don't worry, your drug test will be negative. Make sure you watch others when you work, and cover your butt by following the policy. Good luck
Top
1 Reader Gave Kudos
 
No. 3
from kcochrane
Old Jul 25, 2008, 03:19 PM

Default Re: new nurse facility missing a narc
Do you not count all your narcs before and after your shift with another nurse?
Top
1 Reader Gave Kudos
 
No. 4
from sparkles_2221
Old Jul 25, 2008, 03:28 PM

Default Re: new nurse facility missing a narc
Yes we count all of them on our med cart but not all of the med room. We have extra in the med room in case someone runs out or we get a new resident. they are all in locked boxes. all we do at the end of the shift is check to make sure the same number is on the box as when we started the shift.
Top
 
No. 5
from CapeCodMermaid
Old Jul 25, 2008, 05:04 PM

Default Re: new nurse facility missing a narc
Forget the drug test...the half life of Ativan is very short (which is why it's good for old people) and wouldn't show up anyway.
You can only make a statement. Whoever was the last person to sign that the count was correct or that the box was sealed, technically is responsible for that count. If you don't pay attention and sign the count as correct when it wasn't...it's on you.
We had a drug diversion. I didn't call the police. My policy and that of my pharmacy was to notify the state Drug Enforcement Agency. I did that in March. They just came this week to investigate. Have to say the woman was wonderfully helpful.
Good luck.
Top
1 Reader Gave Kudos
 
No. 6
from kcochrane
Old Jul 25, 2008, 07:40 PM

Default Re: new nurse facility missing a narc
Originally Posted by sparkles_2221 View Post
Yes we count all of them on our med cart but not all of the med room. We have extra in the med room in case someone runs out or we get a new resident. they are all in locked boxes. all we do at the end of the shift is check to make sure the same number is on the box as when we started the shift.
I think its time for your facility to start counting those meds too and have signatures from each shift that the count it right. As you can see, this is what happens if something is missing. Everyone that works since the drug was missing is suspect. If you did a "count" only the last person to sign would be suspect. I find it hard to believe they could pin this on you, but I would be hesitant to keep working there without safeguards in place from this happening again.

Good luck and keep us posted.
Top
 
No. 7
from nightmare
Old Jul 26, 2008, 04:43 AM

Default Re: new nurse facility missing a narc
If we have a mis-count we check the MAR's of those on the drug in question.If the drug has been given and not recorded in the Controlled drug book we know that it is human error rather than deliberate taking away.Then slap on wrist for the nurse who gave but did not sign the controlled drug book.
Top
 
No. 8
from Mara123RN
Old Jul 26, 2008, 04:59 AM

Default Re: new nurse facility missing a narc
Narcotics are something you have to be very careful about. Always count them and trust no one. I have seen nurses get busted for diverting drugs that you never would have suspected. Like everyone said if you didn't take it, you have nothing to worry about.
Top
 
No. 9
from txspadequeenRN
Old Jul 26, 2008, 04:59 AM

Default Re: new nurse facility missing a narc
Me personally I would have encouraged her to call whom ever it would have to make her feel better. Usually by facility policy the narcs are counted and no one leaves if one is missing. If several shifts have passed since you worked forget it she cant pin nothing on you especially if you have a neg drug screen. Sounds like she is freaking out.....


Originally Posted by sparkles_2221 View Post
Yes we count all of them on our med cart but not all of the med room. We have extra in the med room in case someone runs out or we get a new resident. they are all in locked boxes. all we do at the end of the shift is check to make sure the same number is on the box as when we started the shift.
Top
 
Page 1 of 3 1 23 >
Reply




Thread Tools


Who's Online
390 members
2,890 guests
3,280

Nursing News

25

lawsuit - But don't most RN's work through breaks/lunch...
0

Patient Evaluation of Retail Clinic Care
2

The hard to reach on-call doctor, and its effects on...
8

Woman charged with passing off prescription drug as...
19

Man in "Vegetative State" was conscious for 23...
2

Interesting article on ThedaCare's Collaborative Care Model
13

Possible breakthrough regarding MS
63

16th Philly area hospital to stop delivering babies: Mercy...
13

Really interesting article on Indian open hearts
11

High-Tech Pump Does What Her Heart Can't


Nursing Articles

41

Dear preceptor
1

Society Needs Care Too
13

Why am I doing this, anyway?
2

Nurse Heal Thyself
9

My Papa, why I am the nurse I am today.
17

I made it through
11

An angel's gaze
16

A Sister Never Forgets
16

Ruby's Marbles
39

What Do Operating Room Nurses Do?
14

My Little Old Jedi
20

I love this job......
23

"I hear voices"
19

Preventing FRUTI (Foley Related Urinary Tract Infection) in...
24

Error and Attitude


Does allnurses.com make you a better nurse?


Sponsored Links

Currently Reading This Page: 1 (0 members & 1 guests)

Interested in the hottest topics of the week? Subscribe to the Nurse-zine Newsletter.
Enter email address:

Available Topics (tags)


Search By Tag:

New To Site
Need Help
Quick Links

Copyright © 1996-2009, allnurses.com. All rights reserved.  allnurses.com, Inc.
All times are GMT -6. The time now is 04:55 PM.