Outgoing LVN refuses to do a Narc Count

[CaliBoy760]

I've been working the NOC shift (6P-6A) at a county correctional facility for a couple of months now. One of the nurses who I relieve from day shift refuses to do a narcotic count with me at the end of her shift. She makes the excuse that it's already been done when I arrive, and the RN backs her up on this.

Every time I come to work, I ask her politely to do the count, and every time she refuses. Luckily, there are other nurses that understand Nursing 101, and will assist me in the count.

I have informed my nursing supervisor of this problem, and his response was that "hopefully you two can work it out...".

I have no intention of jeopardizing my nursing license because some other nurse refuses to do her job, but, I'm becoming increasingly agitated when I know I'll have to ask her again, and she will again refuse.

Thoughts?

[Hoosier_RN, MSN]

Does it matter which nurse counts?

If there's an inconsistency in the count, the LPN needs to answer for it. For the sup to be so dismissive is wrong, as an incorrect narc count can be state reportable in most states

[crazin01]

Is there no count sheet/record of when a count occurs and the two witnesses to this count? Simply because a fellow nurse (supervisor or not) says something happen, I recall a familiar phrase years ago in nursing school "if it is not documented, it did not happen". So, without a paper or electronic record of a 2-person witnessed count, it didn't happen.

I know you said you like to get count over with, to start your shift/meds with a clean slate. But, could you start your other tasks (forgive my lack of knowledge, I've never worked in corrections, so I am not 100% sure what all your duties encompass) and make it the leaving shifts' responsibility to count before anybody leaves? I am pretty sure nobody from the off-going shift can leave until all counts are completed and accurate or resolved if a problem was found. I'm not sure if that's a legal issue, but I would think if not it would be pretty high on the list of P&P for any facility providing medications to patients/inmates.

I agree with Jadelpn's idea, where you simply suggest to the off-going med nurse (problem nurse or not) about them doing count with you, or finding a suitable replacement to come find you when they would like to count, so they all have to wait. Again, assuming what I mentioned above is valid for corrections.

Again, forgive me for my lack of knowledge regarding this unique specialty.

Good luck.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

I have informed my nursing supervisor of this problem, and his response was that "hopefully you two can work it out...".

This supervisor seems like a sorry, ineffectual sack of rocks.

[Cactus Nurse]

I work at a treatment center and how we do the controlled counts are:

Outgoing nurse does their count into the computer then adds a "signer" then when I'm on shift I just verify the amount and sign. If there's a discrepancy I just make a separate count for myself, chart it and obviously tell the supervisors....

I guess if the RN says it's ok just go along with it?? Tricky.... just chart in your notes you were solo... I mean at the end of the day there is only 1 signature and that makes it obvious the other nurse didn't want to witness the count.