Situation: a nurse that follows me has tried in the past to set both the morning nurse and myself up by saying she "mysteriously found" drugs in a cup in the cart hours after shift change. This was several months ago, nothing came out of the incident for any of us. The managers and supervisors are aware that there is an issue with this particular nurse getting along with others, yet nothing has been done. To safeguard my license and any further issues, I have had the nurse I work with on my shift witness each night that my cart is clean and no "cups of un-given medications" were left anywhere in the cart, prior to shift change. (kind of like a witness). This has been done without the accusing nurses knowledge. Today it has happened again. The same nurse accused me of leaving an entire cup of meds in the cart for 1 patient. Only this time, it was 2 shifts worth of medications, every single med, with the exception of the narcotics. I only work one shift. I do not "pull" other shifts meds, and to boot, the accusing nurse signed off that the cart was clean prior to shift change, as well as my having the 3rd nurse verify my cart was in fact clean and free of any "cups". I was actually written up for said medications, regardless of the fact that I have an RN witness, and the accusing nurse signed her name saying my cart was clean hours before "finding" these meds! I refuse to sign the write up, and am paranoid to work ahead of this nurse. This is my license she is messing with and it seems I have no recourse! Can I file a complaint with the BON? I have a copy of the paper she signed stating the cart was clean. She is clearly setting me up, and diverting medications to do it. Someone please let me know, I need advice. I have asked to be moved off the hall, and was told a resounding no. I was told I have to continue working with her. I'm literally scared to take the cart tomorrow knowing she is working behind me. The supervisor will not come check my cart because she doesn't want to be involved, and management basically said we either get along or we both lose our jobs...Completely unfair in my book. I am at a loss. I never thought a person let alone a nurse would ever do something like this, let alone twice. I don't know what else to say.
Specializes in ED, ICU, MS/MT, PCU, CM, House Sup, Frontline mgr.
OP: You did a very good job covering yourself with a witness unbeknownst to the accusing nurse. I am willing to bet this is beyond bullying. What does she have to achieve? I think she is diverting and trying to throw others, to include you, under a bus to cover her tracks. Yes, look for other positions because you have no support from immediate management, but talk to a lawyer about this situation so you do not end up in trouble. This situation may need to be investigated! It is better to be investigated by current management, but if the BON or State needs to be involved first, then so be it... Accusing others of the possibility of diverting narcotics is a big deal so you need to talk to a lawyer and the manager above yours. OR talk to the manager above yours and, rather than mention the possibility of narcotic diversion, report that you find her accusations suspicious and you are concerned that your current manager is not doing anything about it...
After speaking with her, I would go to HR and complain of harrassment by this nurse and request HR's assistance. This is their job to which I would take advantage.
There is always a chain of command. If you don't get the answers you, want elevate it to the next step up. Use it and follow it. This holds true in any scenario including with physicians. Everyone always answers to someone. I also don't think that asking management to have a sit down and mutual discussion with all parties present is a bad idea either. Good luck
I am not sure what they call this now. Maybe lateral violence?...I am sure there is a title. But it happens. Yes, it does. Some people decide they don't like someone - they rub them the wrong way, remind them of their much despised Ex or someone they worked with years ago or some junk and do this kind of stuff. Sad.
Specializes in SNF, Home Health & Hospice, L&D, Peds.
Situation: a nurse that follows me has tried in the past to set both the morning nurse and myself up by saying she "mysteriously found" drugs in a cup in the cart hours after shift change. This was several months ago, nothing came out of the incident for any of us. The managers and supervisors are aware that there is an issue with this particular nurse getting along with others, yet nothing has been done. To safeguard my license and any further issues, I have had the nurse I work with on my shift witness each night that my cart is clean and no "cups of un-given medications" were left anywhere in the cart, prior to shift change. (kind of like a witness). This has been done without the accusing nurses knowledge. Today it has happened again. The same nurse accused me of leaving an entire cup of meds in the cart for 1 patient. Only this time, it was 2 shifts worth of medications, every single med, with the exception of the narcotics. I only work one shift. I do not "pull" other shifts meds, and to boot, the accusing nurse signed off that the cart was clean prior to shift change, as well as my having the 3rd nurse verify my cart was in fact clean and free of any "cups". I was actually written up for said medications, regardless of the fact that I have an RN witness, and the accusing nurse signed her name saying my cart was clean hours before "finding" these meds! I refuse to sign the write up, and am paranoid to work ahead of this nurse. This is my license she is messing with and it seems I have no recourse! Can I file a complaint with the BON? I have a copy of the paper she signed stating the cart was clean. She is clearly setting me up, and diverting medications to do it. Someone please let me know, I need advice. I have asked to be moved off the hall, and was told a resounding no. I was told I have to continue working with her. I'm literally scared to take the cart tomorrow knowing she is working behind me. The supervisor will not come check my cart because she doesn't want to be involved, and management basically said we either get along or we both lose our jobs...Completely unfair in my book. I am at a loss. I never thought a person let alone a nurse would ever do something like this, let alone twice. I don't know what else to say.
This is interesting because I have just been dealing with this same kind of issue. The DON has believed the lies and since I am new she seems not to want to hear me at all. I ended up quitting because nothing good was going to come out of that situation. I was being set up and I have had my license in good standing for 26 years and it means way to much to me to play any of these crazy games.
I would continue to keep good records and witnesses. Also invest in malpractice insurance should you ever have to go before the board and need to hire a lawyer. Its relatively cheap and a must in this day and age. Mostly I would be looking for another job , because the management is not supportive in adequately addressing issues and its just not worth the extra stress. Nursing is stressful enough.
I love the idea of going over the cart with her and having her verify there are no drugs out before you leave. Get insurance. I like NSO. And look for another job.
Specializes in ER, ICU/CCU, Open Heart OR Recovery, Etc.
Are you in a state that requires reporting in cases of possible diversion or substance abuse? I think there are enough signs here to warrant a report to the BON if that is the case. Even if it isn't mandatory, I might do it anyways. I also think it's a good idea to contact a lawyer and cover yourself. Don't assume management will do it. Sounds like they don't have too much going for them.
Situation: a nurse that follows me has tried in the past to set both the morning nurse and myself up by saying she "mysteriously found" drugs in a cup in the cart hours after shift change. This was several months ago, nothing came out of the incident for any of us. The managers and supervisors are aware that there is an issue with this particular nurse getting along with others, yet nothing has been done. To safeguard my license and any further issues, I have had the nurse I work with on my shift witness each night that my cart is clean and no "cups of un-given medications" were left anywhere in the cart, prior to shift change. (kind of like a witness). This has been done without the accusing nurses knowledge. Today it has happened again. The same nurse accused me of leaving an entire cup of meds in the cart for 1 patient. Only this time, it was 2 shifts worth of medications, every single med, with the exception of the narcotics. I only work one shift. I do not "pull" other shifts meds, and to boot, the accusing nurse signed off that the cart was clean prior to shift change, as well as my having the 3rd nurse verify my cart was in fact clean and free of any "cups". I was actually written up for said medications, regardless of the fact that I have an RN witness, and the accusing nurse signed her name saying my cart was clean hours before "finding" these meds! I refuse to sign the write up, and am paranoid to work ahead of this nurse. This is my license she is messing with and it seems I have no recourse! Can I file a complaint with the BON? I have a copy of the paper she signed stating the cart was clean. She is clearly setting me up, and diverting medications to do it. Someone please let me know, I need advice. I have asked to be moved off the hall, and was told a resounding no. I was told I have to continue working with her. I'm literally scared to take the cart tomorrow knowing she is working behind me. The supervisor will not come check my cart because she doesn't want to be involved, and management basically said we either get along or we both lose our jobs...Completely unfair in my book. I am at a loss. I never thought a person let alone a nurse would ever do something like this, let alone twice. I don't know what else to say.
Oh god, we had a bit$h like that where I (infrequently) work. We all got together and put pressure on our manager to address the situation as we considered her actions to be creating an unsafe environment... and it does! Incident reporting (for med errors or whatever) should never be taken anything but seriously. To make a long story short, the nurse from my work got fired.
Contact whoever covers you for liability and legal aid ASAP. CYA (cover your ass). Don't let some looney toon drag you down with him/her or their alleged problems.
Take excellent notes of all your interactions with her, and I mean excellently detailed. Just like charting, buy a notebook and date-stamp/time-stamp all your interactions with this nurse and verbatim quotes, if you can remember.
Check the narc count. Which patients take narc during her shift that she might be able to snatch? Maybe she took the narcotics and left the rest of the meds there and is saying they're from your shift to divert attention from her stealing narcs. I bet she charted the meds as given. This whole situation looks very bad for you. I would start my detective work before it happens again.
SummerGarden, BSN, MSN, RN
3,376 Posts
OP: You did a very good job covering yourself with a witness unbeknownst to the accusing nurse. I am willing to bet this is beyond bullying. What does she have to achieve? I think she is diverting and trying to throw others, to include you, under a bus to cover her tracks. Yes, look for other positions because you have no support from immediate management, but talk to a lawyer about this situation so you do not end up in trouble. This situation may need to be investigated! It is better to be investigated by current management, but if the BON or State needs to be involved first, then so be it... Accusing others of the possibility of diverting narcotics is a big deal so you need to talk to a lawyer and the manager above yours. OR talk to the manager above yours and, rather than mention the possibility of narcotic diversion, report that you find her accusations suspicious and you are concerned that your current manager is not doing anything about it...