Narcotic Theft

[smartass_nurse]

I've witnessed a fellow nurse stealing narcotics and did what I thought was right and reported it to my DON and Administrator, but instead of concern and gratitude, I got pulled aside and yelled at. Turns out they knew but didn't want to pursue it. Why?? Because that would mean drug testing for all who had access to that cart including them......who would fail!!! I feel stuck because not only do i get paid really well here, but am about to get my first raise in 2 weeks. I was told the police were called, but know they weren't because I was the only witness and was not interviewed. Plus I know if i call State and an investigation begins, the fingers will obviously point my direction. I know the investigation would lead to their termination, but for a year they've already tried to get rid of me, but have had no good reason. Those couple of weeks under investigation will be a living hell and they will search with a fine tooth comb to take me down with them..........What do I do????

[ktding35]

[in responce to narcotic theft, first off I am a senior in nursing school, but with your situation it comes down to ethic's. The first thing to remember is we as nurses are our patients avocate. Narcotic theft/abuse should not be tolerated! Ask yourself this if your mom or dad was the patient, in severe pain and they were not getting their medication for the pain, would you do everything in your power to make sure their pain is being controlled. The staff member in question should be reported, and a drug test should be performed. I myself would not want a nurse under the influence of drugs, to be in charge of my family members care. It should be reported, because if you see the theft and don't report it you also can be reported, and I am sure you do not want your license in jepordy, that would make you liable along with the person that is stealing medication. There are many other jobs out there, so do the right thing and protect your patients. Hope this will help in your decision. Take Care.

[AlexCCRN]

If I were you... If you actually saw someone lift medication - narcotics or other - it's your obligation to report it to your supervisor and for your protection document your report. I would write a simple concise report documenting people, places, dates, times, circumstances - in a bulleted, numbered format. Offer objective facts only. Avoid interpretation or opinion and don't suggest any course of action. State only what you witnessed. Mail it 1st class registered return receipt to your DON and/or the administrator you spoke to. With this, you have covered yourself legally. If you're up to it, I would likely consult an attorney for advice, it's worth the few hundred bucks but, as a minimum, document. Then, continue your practice and remain vigilant. It's tough to not overreact but I wouldn't speak of it to coworkers, friends or anyone else except your administration. If called in for questioning, I'd be sure to remain neutral and listen more than you speak. Bring a trusted associate if permitted. In the emanwhile, continue to be the great nurse that you are and hope that the person stealing patient medication recieves the help they need. An afterthought... are you concerned about reprisals? Your agency may have "Whistleblower" policies. If so, follow them and demand protection. All the best.

[nursejane236]

First and foremost patient safety and welfare. Report them. Not an easy task. Takes a lot of courage. If using the various tiplines such as BON, state agencies and local authorities get you nowhere. You might want to try a local news channel. Choose another facility because once it all comes out in the wash you will not want to have your nursing career tarnished by the wrongdoings of others at the expense of patients.

[donsterRN, ASN, BSN]

The original post is almost two years old...

[SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN]

Before you do ANY reporting get your butt some malpractice.

www.nso.com

They WILL try to take you down if you report them to the BON and you WILL need representation.

Get gone. Get coverage.

[RN1989]

You need to contact the BON regarding the nurses involved and the state regulatory agency regarding the entire situation. You have an ethical obligation as these people could harm patients due to their impairment. You do not want word of this to have gotten out and they come asking you why you did not report. Especially if a pt was harmed. That could even open you up to a lawsuit by family. Start keeping a daily work diary of all goings on each shift to protect yourself.

[Tweety, BSN, RN]

You need to protect your nursing license and get out of there now!! No place is worth losing your license!!

Exactly. The question is "what does the BON" mandate that you do in order to keep the patient's safe. What does your heart and your conscience tell you do to?

What a tough situation. I wish you well.

[ohmeowzer RN, RN]

I've witnessed a fellow nurse stealing narcotics and did what I thought was right and reported it to my DON and Administrator, but instead of concern and gratitude, I got pulled aside and yelled at. Turns out they knew but didn't want to pursue it. Why?? Because that would mean drug testing for all who had access to that cart including them......who would fail!!! I feel stuck because not only do i get paid really well here, but am about to get my first raise in 2 weeks. I was told the police were called, but know they weren't because I was the only witness and was not interviewed. Plus I know if i call State and an investigation begins, the fingers will obviously point my direction. I know the investigation would lead to their termination, but for a year they've already tried to get rid of me, but have had no good reason. Those couple of weeks under investigation will be a living hell and they will search with a fine tooth comb to take me down with them..........What do I do????

you need to notify the BON.. you did the right thing by reporting it to the DON.. i think you are very brave .. we need more people like you in the world... is there any other jobs that you can apply for? take care and please keep us updated.

[Sabby_NC]

Gawd I know what I would do!!

[MustangSallie1997]

DOES ANYONE KNOW THE OUTCOME OF THIS FROM 2005 ???

I was terminated and reported to the BON back in April because I fell sick at work and left without returning 2 percocet that were in my work jacket pocket. It is a long story on why they were even there but it was a honest mistake, anyway. My state is a mandatory repoting state, so I was reported. I self reported first and here it is October and it still is not over. I have finally had my meeting with the BON and all will be final on the 25th, I hope. I do not have a drug problem, but if someone you work with does, or is giving or selling them to others, then you know what you MUST do. The CARE program is in place for this very reason. As far as for the fallout on you, do you want to remain with a company that conducts itself in such a manner ?? Leave before they can fire you, there are TONS of well paying nursing jobs out there, you dont want to give them a chance to ruin your name and career.

Best of luck in whatever you choose to do, keep us posted !!

[ginger58, ASN, RN]

I would document my dealings with this issue, write your resignation letter and if it were me I'd put a reason why I'm leaving--I reported drug stealing and was reprimanded by both the manager and DON, and call your State Board of Nursing. Best.

[gt4everpn, BSN, RN]

i am shocked and appalled, even the don wouldn't report this, what can i say, they must not know the meaning of professionalism or even nursing, just leave and never turn back!! what a shame!