Crap!

[Creamsoda, ASN, RN]

So long story short, had really busy day. Wait, a horrible crap day. code blue and the fall out ect. So anyhow, I just checked my pocket at home...and theres a narcotic vial in there!!!! Its not uncracked, still sealed ect, but crap!!!! I feel like a felon, haha. I dont work tomorrow, but im back the next day, so I know I can take it to pharmacy, but untill this hot potato is out of my hands I wont be able to relax!

[Good Morning, Gil]

Aww...that can easily happen after a crazy day. I think someone just posted about that not too long ago, and other posters mentioned they did the same thing. I haven't, but I always empty out my pockets into my locker at the end of the shift, and you can bet that any narcotic or benzo I pull out of the machine, they need right now.

You won't do that again! I would bring it back sooner than that, preferably today, even though it's an inconvenience. Just apologize, etc, but a narc from work is not something you just want to keep on your person for 3 days. Just my opinion, though.

[Been there,done that, ASN, RN]

I 'd read the policy on that. You may want to talk to your manager at least. (assuming you trust them)

Some facilities have the policy that just puting a narc in your pocket is a firable offense.

[OCNRN63, RN]

I would be in there right now getting this straightened out. This could have serious ramifications.

[GitanoRN, BSN, MSN, RN]

with all due respect, you should be at the facility where you work right this minute informing your nm the incident, it won't be long before someone notices that the vial is missing and your initials are responsible for taking this from the pyxis system. with that said, as you well know the pyxis machine uses bar codes to ensure that medications being administered, plus an inventory sheet keeps a running count of all the medications in stock you don't want anyone assuming the worst. therefore stop typing and go to your facility and address the issue a.s.a.p. trust me you're not the first or the last that this has occur. lastly, once you're at your facility don't volunteer to anyone the reason why you're there, just say you forgot something that you want to address with your nm; remember don't give anyone ammunition that could be use against you in the future. wishing you the very best always...aloha~

[bsyrn, ASN, RN]

Is this a serious post or a bad joke?

[GitanoRN, BSN, MSN, RN]

honestly, i seriously think that this is not a joking matter, having said that, there's nothing funny of walking out of one's facility with a narcotic in your possession. needless to say, the serious ramifications could damage your credibility and if they take further actions you could find yourself in deep water. therefore, it is a good idea to get familiar with your facility protocol policy regarding this issue. however, i will reinstate what i said earlier you're not the first that this has happened to nor you'll be the last, we are humans and we do make mistakes. with that said, one should learn from the mistake and move on.

[Sparrowhawk]

Um...why didnt you get in the car and race back to work instead of posting about it online??? *sigh* Not something I'd wait two days to deal with.

[RNsRWe, ASN, RN]

I'm hoping the reason the OP hasn't been back on to post about this is because s/he's taken the thing back to work and got so excited at not getting into serious trouble that s/he's celebrating.

[leslie :-D]

i would have called my nm to inform him/her, but personally, am not understanding the panic from some...

since the vial is sealed.

anyways, i hate that when it's happened.

here's to better days, creamsoda.

leslie

[Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN]

honestly, i seriously think that this is not a joking matter.

i think that poster was referring to the op.

and op: if you haven't done so yet, get back to work now to fix this. do not wait until the next shift you go in or even tomorrow. yes, it's an innocent mistake that many nurses have made. however, while you're gone, they may have discovered it's missing and started an investigation...and it's not going to look good if you take your sweet time bringing it back.

plus, murphy's law may kick in: while you're waiting to bring it back, what if the vial breaks or gets misplaced? imagine having to explain things then!

[Miller86]

Do not walk but RUN back to work and return it. Sorry this happened to you but I do have a few questions in general that anyone can answer:How can you take out a narcotic for a patient yet it's still sealed? Does that mean the patient never received it? Can someone explain it to me how that system works. I'm asking in all seriousness. Where I work there would be no sealed vial if the patient received it. And if it was supposed to be kept sealed then it would remain in the narc drawer. And how come it was not noticed during a count? Just curious. Thanks.