So my hospital has employed a stop and search policy for all employees exiting the building. They have set up a table in the lobby and have given security guards the right to stop and search any employee leaving the building. Memos have been posted on the units. One RN has already been terminated for been found with a toradol vial in pocket, this employee had a great reputation, no history of diverting and many times we nurses do have items stuffed in our pockets for quick use while on the units. I've unknowingly and unintentionally brought home fingerstick lancets, gauze, even some simple meds like motrin or Tylenol (NEVER any narcs) because especially in ED patients are frequently prescribed such medications. I am careful to empty my pockets at the end of every shift but on rare occasion small items and simple meds still make it home with me. While I fully agree that stealing from facilities is a real problem, I question how ethical it is to literally stop and search ones employees in the lobby of all places open to visitors and patients. If I were a patient or visitor I sure would not feel comfortable at a facility that had such a practice and so openly. Another RN said as she was exiting the building before she could ask the guard on duty why she was being searched he merely and swiftly grabbed her pocketbook and began rifling through it.
Theft within the hospital can surely be handled in a more sophisticated manner. Departments or individuals suspected of theft shold be monitored when absolutely necessary and addressed accordingly. I have very strong opinions about how this policy was drafted and who it actually means to scrutinize.
What if any legal ramifications does such a policy have? Is this legal?
