Diverting narcotics

ZASHAGALKA, RN · Jun 20, 2006

I have read so many posts regarding nurses having their licenses suspended or revoked for diverting drugs. Is this as prevelant with doctors?
Are some doctors known to write bogus scripts or divert drugs as well? I know your going to have exceptions, but Im wondering if this practice is mostly a "nursing" problem or if all health care workers have the same percentage of their professions affected by this?

It is a problem with docs and the way they can write scripts.

It's a problem with anesthesiologists that routinely handle drugs.

It's a problem more with nurses because, except for anesthesiologists, nurses have 'access' to narcotics more routinely then docs.

But, people are people. There is nothing inherent about being a 'doc' that shields you from the same human temptations and weaknesses as being a 'nurse'.

~faith,

Timothy.

catlady, BSN, RN · Jun 21, 2006

I have read so many posts regarding nurses having their licenses suspended or revoked for diverting drugs. Is this as prevelant with doctors?

You're reading primarily about nurses because this is a nursing board. But anyone with means, motive, and opportunity can commit a crime. So think about everyone in health care who has that potential with respect to controlled substances. And most of those cases don't become public knowledge.

Jolie, BSN · Jun 21, 2006

Actually, studies have shown that the healthcare professionals most likely to divert drugs are pharmacists. Undoubtedly, they have the most access and opportunity.

In my own personal experience, I have known 2 pharmacists, a nurse and an anesthesiologist to get into trouble with diversion and addiction. Only the anesthesiologist "turned himself in". The pharmacists and nurse all were "caught in the act" when suspicious co-workers reported them to hospital administration and local authorities. All 3 had criminal charges filed since they refused to acknowledge their habits and seek treatment. I know one of the pharmacists eventually returned to practice. I don't know about the other pharmacist or the nurse.

subee, MSN, CRNA · Jun 21, 2006

I have read so many posts regarding nurses having their licenses suspended or revoked for diverting drugs. Is this as prevelant with doctors?
Are some doctors known to write bogus scripts or divert drugs as well? I know your going to have exceptions, but Im wondering if this practice is mostly a "nursing" problem or if all health care workers have the same percentage of their professions affected by this?

Just do a quick internet seach for drug diversion among health professionals and you'll find that all the professions - nursing, medicine, pharmacy - have programs to assist and monitor addicts in their respective groups. You'll also discover that, with the exception of anesthesia, the occurrance rate is believed to be the same as the addiction rate among the general public - about 7 to 10%. However, no one knows any of these numbers with any certainty. As professions, however, we are obligated to police ourselves.