Ethical Issue -Missing Prescriptions

[FranEMTnurse]

I had a new caregiver for weekends. She seemed fine at first, and everything seemed fine.

I have chronic pain, and I have to take medication to control that pain after I exhaust all other options like taking tylenol and distraction, heat or cold, etc. I had a new prescription filled in October. I placed it in a new place. When I needed the medication, I couldn't find it. I then thought that maybe I threw it away with my empty med bottles, or it fell and the cat rolled it under some furniture as I explained to my physician's nurse.

I was given a new script that my regular caregiver picked up for me. I placed that new prescription in a completely different place without saying anything to anyone. When I needed a dose the bottle was in exactly the same place, and positioned the same way I left it, but it was completely empty. Then I knew, because I checked it just a couple days prior to needing it, and it was still okay. However, I needed some last Saturday night, and when I went to get a dose, discovered the bottle was completely empty.

I called the police who have already interviewed me, and I reported it to my physician, and the agency. The weekend caregiver has been fired pending an investigation, and I'm without strong pain control for now.

[FranEMTnurse, CNA, LPN, EMT-I]

fran, you needn't respond to or defend any ignorant statements.

leslie

thank you Leslie. You said it best.

[leslie :-D]

thank you Leslie. You said it best.

i have your back.:redpinkhe

leslie

[KaroSnowQueen, RN]

You called the cops and they are still suspecting you? That really sucks. I'm sorry you are in that position. I am sending good thoughts your way, and hope you can hang in there until you get your new meds.

[April, RN, BSN, RN]

Wow! Strong accusations since you are a suspect yourself of abusing narcotics.

You maybe in line to ruine this person's career. What is the person's back ground and ethnicity?

Again, this is not about race.

[AlsgalRN]

Would you please post the info about the safes for all to see? My husband is receiving care from Hospice. While he does not yet require narcotics, I would like to be prepared when that day arrives.

To all of you who work with Hospice, THANK YOU! Our providers have all been a blessing to this family.

Thank you for the information.

AlsGalRN

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

Please lets stay on topic. Race/ethnicity have not been discussed and aren't germaine to this discussion anyway.

[RedhairedNurse, BSN, RN]

I'm so sorry.

[Batman25]

I wanted to extend my apologies as well. I'm glad you can pick up a partial on Monday. I hope that helps with the pain. I have a mother with chronic pain issues and it's just awful to see her or anyone in the same boat suffer like that. Hugs.

[TakeOne]

You are wrong. I put the refill in a different place, and told nobody about where I placed it. She was suspended pending the investigation, but I placed the refill in the new place a few days earlier, checking it just prior to the weekend, and that prescription was full. YOU DIDN'T READ MY MESSAGE CORRECTLY.

I asked you if you were sure, but you responded by saying I'm wrong. What am I wrong about?

I read your message correctly. You put a newly-filled bottle of narcotic pain reliever in places you usually don't keep it on two separate occasions. You lost the first one and couldn't account for it in any way. The second one, not only in a place you don't usually keep it BUT ALSO [you added later] in a place where nobody knew you had it, was fine and dandy each time you went to check on it until that Saturday when suddenly all you had was an empty bottle. Please understand that that is not proof that the caregiver took it.

[FranEMTnurse, CNA, LPN, EMT-I]

Nobody else has ever taken my pain meds, but she even has an uncle who takes them, and a boyfriend who is addicted. She recently lost her job after the agency she worked for found out.

[xoemmylouox, ASN, RN]

I'm sorry you are going through this. My husband has chronic back pain and also takes his pain meds when the pain flairs and becomes intolerable. It's a shame you being the patient and the one in pain has to suffer due to some greedy or addicted caregiver. I hope this gets sorted quickly so you can get the pain relief and peace of mind you deserve. It's sad that you have to lock up your medication, but it sounds like a safe is worth the investment. I also think the sign out sheet is another good idea. Good luck with this mess.

[OCNRN63, RN]

I would think this situation would have been resolved, as the OP is three years old.